The Tyrant's Vermilion Heartmark

Shen Qingci is the least remarkable legitimate daughter of the Ding’an Marquis’s household. Her birth mother died early, her stepmother is harsh, and her illegitimate younger sister is arrogant. She thought her greatest wish in life was simply to live in peace, but an imperial edict sends her into the palace as a consort to the tyrant Xiao Yan.

Rumor has it the emperor is unpredictable and quick to have palace servants beaten to death. All the officials tremble before him. Shen Qingci enters the palace prepared to die, only to discover that her “tyrant” husband wipes away her tears when she wakes from nightmares, quietly takes her side when others make things difficult for her, and even holds her in his arms late at night, murmuring, “Qingci, I’ve waited three years for this day.”

It turns out that the rabbit lantern she casually handed him at the Shangyuan Festival years ago lit up the long, dark nights he endured as a hostage. After ascending the throne, he bathed the court in blood and became a tyrant everyone feared. Yet he alone cherished her above all else, protecting her for life in the most clumsy way.

The harem is perilous, and the court is full of hidden currents. Shen Qingci grows from timid to resolute, taking one step at a time until she stands at his side. When the secret of her birth is revealed, and imperial power clashes with love, she discovers that this tyrant everyone fears has long given her all the tenderness in his heart.