Jiang Heng transmigrates into a book and becomes the unfortunate empress the emperor treats as a stand-in for his beloved. In the original story, she diligently plays the substitute for three years, only to be deposed and sent to the Cold Palace. Her body is dumped in a straw mat at the mass grave, and she doesn’t even get to keep it intact.
Looking at the face in the mirror, seven parts similar to the former empress’s, Jiang Heng gives a cold laugh. “A stand-in? Sorry, I spent enough of my last life working like a corporate drone. No one’s making me work for them in this life.”
Late at night, Emperor Xiao Yanheng arrives at Fengyi Palace and arrogantly orders her to imitate the former empress’s mannerisms.
Jiang Heng rolls her eyes. “Your Majesty, I’ve recently developed a condition called ‘I want to die whenever I imitate someone.’ Perhaps you should find another stand-in?”
Xiao Yanheng’s face turns livid.
Jiang Heng keeps pushing her luck. “Oh, and I’m planning a rebellion. If Your Majesty has nothing else to do, shall I start drawing up the plans?”
Xiao Yanheng: “...”
Much later, the scheming emperor pins her against a wall, his eyes red-rimmed. “If you want to rebel, I’ll rebel with you. If you want the world, I’ll offer it to you with both hands. Just... stop talking about leaving.”
Jiang Heng pats his cheek. “Would’ve been nice if you’d been this obedient sooner. All right, you may leave. I have memorials to review. Oh, right, this realm belongs to me now.”
