Chasing Jade: A Dream of Mortal Life

[A fanfic based on the TV series Zhu Yu, featuring Qi Min]

A bowl of poison, and Qi Min died at the hands of the woman he loved most.

Only as he lay dying did he learn that Yu Qianqian came from the future, and had killed him solely to return to her own time.

He died consumed by hatred, but his spirit refused to leave. He watched the court historian write:

“The late emperor and the empress dowager began with nothing, supported each other through hardship, and shared a deep and devoted marriage.”

How absurd. The tender affection he had longed for but never received could live only in words that whitewashed the truth.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back in Lin'an Town, three years earlier.

She was still wearing a lotus-colored jacket, standing behind the counter at the tavern, working the abacus and smiling at him. “Welcome, sir. Come on in.”

She still didn’t know he was Prince Qi. She didn’t know he would force her into the palace, or that three years later she would personally make him drink that bowl of poison.

In this life, Qi Min swore to change course. He would no longer use his power to cage her. He would first claim the throne and bring the realm to order, then ask her openly and honorably: Would you be willing to stay?