[The protest-too-much, love-struck regent x the vengeful, scheming villainess]
Zhao Weiyi had died once.
In her previous life, her hypocritical cousin wrung every last bit of value from her, her biased father and brothers sent her to her death, and she was offered as a living sacrifice in an enemy kingdom.
Reborn, she swore that in this life she would trust no one but herself.
She took down two-faced schemers, fought her rotten relatives, and plotted every step of the way, carving out a path to survival in the hellish battlefield of household intrigue.
But Li Yan, Prince Yi, whose power held sway over the court, dragged her onto his ship.
He hid bodies for her, paved her way, and taught her the art of political intrigue.
She thought it was nothing more than a ruthless power player's use of a pawn,
so she respectfully called him Brother and they each got what they wanted.
He wanted her memories of the future; she wanted his immense power.
Until, at a palace banquet, he took a deadly poisoned arrow for her, staining his python robe with blood.
Clutching her hand, he smiled:
"Weiyi, I'm tired of pretending... How about we try dating?"
But Zhao Weiyi gently pushed him away. She refused to be a bird in a cage again.
The powerful Li Yan went mad and blocked the entrance to her residence.
"You can have the throne, and I'll have you."
"I'll marry into your family, too," he added.
