Harem intrigue + faux siblings + devoted to each other + the emperor falls first + married first, love later + a touch of court politics
Shu Shaoning never imagined that the twin brother she'd cared for over thirteen years was the late emperor's fourth prince, who had died young.
Even less did she imagine that once her younger brother reclaimed his identity, it would take him just one year to become the supreme emperor.
In the third year of Jingguang, the emperor's period of mourning came to an end.
After being humiliated in Jiangnan, Shu Shaoning resolutely returned to the capital and entered the palace as a consort.
Her first act was to present evidence and bring charges against the Du family.
She thought the emperor would be suspicious and distrustful.
Instead, he rose and personally helped Shu Shaoning to her feet, even angrier than she was.
“Elder Sister! They dared to humiliate you. I'll have them cut to pieces!”
At first, when he heard that his elder sister had been humiliated and resolved to enter the palace as a consort,
Jing Zhaolin felt nothing but rage and heartache for her.
They had spent thirteen years as siblings, and their bond was exceptionally close.
Even though their identities were different, Jing Zhaolin respected his elder sister.
But perhaps the heights of power were too lonely,
and Shu Shaoning was the only one whose warmth remained constant through the years.
Jing Zhaolin didn't know when she had found her way into his heart.
Later, Jing Zhaolin would plead again and again, “Lingling, please love me.”
The emperor falls first, then gradually coaxes his elder sister into falling for him too.
