Shen Qingci spent sixteen years living in the Marquis of Yongning's residence, an invisible shadow whom no one paid any attention to.
When an imperial decree ordering her to marry into the Xirong royal family arrived, everyone in the household suddenly remembered she existed.
Her father patted her shoulder, eyes red: “Qingci, the country comes first.”
Her stepmother held her hand and spoke gently: “This is a blessing most people could never hope for.”
Her legitimate elder sister threw herself into their father's arms, tears streaming down her face. “Third Sister, let me go in your place…”
Then she fainted in his arms.
Watching this family put on performances worthy of award-winning actors, Shen Qingci could only laugh.
Her stepmother wanted to send her off to her death? She would turn the whole Marquis's residence upside down.
A political marriage? Fine, but she'd be bringing a blade with her.
And her origins were far more complicated than those of a mere concubine-born daughter.
