Synopsis:
The most dazzling jewel of the Great Yan Dynasty is Shen Qingci, the legitimate daughter of a general's household. She could compose poetry at three, mastered the sword at seven, and went to war with her father at thirteen, bringing down an enemy general with a single thrust of her silver spear. Everyone said she was destined to become the crown prince's consort, take her place in the central palace, and serve as the mother of the realm.
But with a single imperial decree, she was betrothed to the Seventh Prince, Xiao Heng, rumored to be frail and crippled, imprisoned in a secluded side hall of the Cold Palace.
On their wedding night, she lifted her veil and looked at the pale-faced man in his wheelchair. With a cold smile, she asked, "Your Highness, is your illness real or not?"
Xiao Heng coughed as he offered her the wedding wine, but an abyss lurked in his eyes. "Why don't you... examine me yourself, my lady?"
Later...
Bloodshed and intrigue engulfed the Golden Throne Hall, and a new emperor ascended the throne. Only then did everyone learn that the seemingly gentle, frail prince had been the mastermind stirring up the court's turmoil all along. And at his side, upon the empress's seat, Shen Qingci still wore her battle armor, her sword dripping with blood.
He took her hand and asked in a low voice as thousands bowed before them, "Back then, you said you wanted to examine your husband's illness. So... have you figured it out now?"
She clasped his bloodstained hand in return and smiled. "Your illness was fake, but I'll keep your heart, my husband."
This was a marriage alliance born of conspiracy, yet it became the most steadfast partnership amid the chaos of a troubled age.
