To seize control of the military, the new emperor used his younger sister, the Sixth Princess Zhao Lingxi, as a pawn, granting her in marriage to the cold-faced, murderous Marquis of Anping, Xiao Jue. Lingxi thought she had fallen into an abyss, only to find herself cherished and doted on after their wedding. When his mother made things difficult for her, he defended his wife in public. When a rival in love provoked her, he drove her away on the spot. When the emperor schemed against them, he protected her with his military power. What began as a marriage alliance in a political game became a love story for the ages, thanks to his devotion. As it turned out, he had spent three years planning this marriage, all so he could bring her home and keep her safe and carefree for the rest of her life.
