After the Rebellion, the Aloof Crown Prince Becomes a Madman's Forbidden Darling

Shen Jingsui, Crown Prince of Great Liang, was born into wealth and privilege. He was a paragon of virtue and refinement, renowned throughout the land for his benevolence.

He treated everyone with warmth and courtesy, even giving a bowl of hot porridge to beggars on the roadside. That casual kindness, however, was taken to heart by Shen Yao, who was mired in misery, until it consumed him.

He trained desperately in martial arts, swearing to protect Shen Jingsui for the rest of his life. He thought they were brothers who had weathered hardships together, confidants who understood one another completely.

Until the day the Empress laid a trap and his father flew into a rage.

Only then did Shen Yao realize he was nothing but a disposable pawn, and that his gentle, jade-like elder brother had never intended to protect him.

Shen Yao was exiled to the borderlands, forbidden to return to the capital without an imperial summons.

For seven years, he changed his name, swallowed wind and sand, and let his humble gratitude harden into a hatred that ate away at his bones.

On the day of the Crown Prince’s wedding, he led his troops back to the capital, forced the former emperor to abdicate, and dragged the once lofty Crown Prince brutally down from his altar.

The Eastern Palace remained unchanged; only its master had changed.

Xie Lin held Shen Jingsui captive in his arms, his fingertips caressing that still-smooth face. His voice was hoarse and crazed. “Elder Brother, you said you would protect me. Now I’m back. The realm is mine, and you can only be mine too.”

Only then did Shen Jingsui realize in terror that the timid little brother from years ago was no longer the child he remembered.

The kindness he had once bestowed had raised a vicious beast that had eyes only for him, and now he could never escape.