The Everlasting Song of Yong'an

[Regent Princess × Loyal Guard] [Both are inexperienced, with a couple pairing. There’s little romance early on, as the focus is mainly on political intrigue.]

In the sixth year of Yong’an, more than seven years had passed since the late emperor’s death.

At just fifteen, Princess Xiao Jing’an was entrusted with the realm in its hour of peril. She placed her eight-year-old younger brother on the throne, killed the third prince, and purged his allies. Her rule was decisive and iron-fisted.

Through seven years of turmoil, she upheld the crumbling dynasty with her own hands, though she was only a woman.

At court, she moved carefully at every turn;

in the inner palace, she chose an empress for the emperor.

And always behind Xiao Jing’an stood a silent shadow: Shen Ke. He had followed her for fifteen years, growing from a boy into the sharpest blade of the princess. He always kept three paces behind her, never speaking of love, never crossing the line.

Until one snowy night, a little tipsy, she rose on her toes and kissed him. With tearful eyes, she whispered, “Don’t go.” At last, his restraint and self-control crumbled.

He was her guard, and she was his princess.

The realm was too heavy a burden, and she had carried it for too long.

You protect the realm. I’ll protect you.