The Whole Household Fears Her Edge, but He Trusts Her Gentle Heart

Everyone in the Marquis’s household feared Cui Lingyi. She was ruthless in her methods, decisive in her actions, and quick to repay every slight. She never gave an inch or showed the slightest weakness. The servants dared not meet her gaze, the concubines dared not stir up trouble, and she rooted out every schemer in their midst. She had never been a meek woman. She was ruthless toward her enemies, steady in her affairs, and commanding toward her subordinates. She never hid her sharp edge. Only before Marquis Huo Zhi did she sheathe her claws, playing the part of a gracious, gentle, and considerate wife, flawless in every way. The entire household feared her mercilessness, but Huo Zhi alone sincerely believed she was gentle and kind. Cui Lingyi coolly plotted her moves, put the estates in order, eliminated her enemies’ lackeys, took charge of the household, and won people over, firmly keeping the vast Marquis’s residence in the palm of her hand. She thought she had planned every step and had the Marquis completely under her thumb, unaware that she had fooled everyone but failed to see through the man beside her. Huo Zhi was no ordinary meritorious marquis. He was the legitimate crown prince, whom the late empress had protected with her life and the emperor had secretly kept safe. The emperor seemed suspicious and cold, suppressing his sons, but in truth he was clearing the obstacles from Huo Zhi’s path and laying the steps to the throne. She used her sharp edge to keep the household in line, showing only him the illusion of tenderness. He lay low in the capital as the hidden heir, trusting only her seemingly gentle and harmless facade. In this contest, she saw through every heart, while he plotted to claim the world. When the truth came to light, she finally understood: she had not married a mere marquis, but the emperor destined to rule all under heaven.