After the Imperial Preceptor Steals the Bride, the Empress Can No Longer Hide Her Secret Identity

After disguising herself as a man and ascending the throne, Jiang Lingyi did something outrageous!

As emperor, she arranged a marriage for herself in her identity as the Grand Princess.

But on the wedding day, her fiance sent a servant to stand in for him at the ceremony, while he went off to visit his concubine.

Jiang Lingyi threw down the red silk on the spot. "If the Pei family can change the groom, then so can I."

The hall fell deathly silent, but Xie Linyuan, the Imperial Preceptor who held power over the court, reached out to her.

"If Your Highness is willing, I will take his place."

In the bridal chamber, she asked warily, "What do you want, Imperial Preceptor?"

He gazed at her. "A place by your side."

Thinking this was a sham marriage for their mutual benefit, she immediately laid down three rules: he must not touch her, he must not stop her from entering the palace, and they could divorce whenever she wished.

Xie Linyuan agreed with a smile. "As you wish, my lady."

After the wedding, she wore her imperial robes by day as they discussed state affairs as sovereign and subject, then changed back into women's clothes at night to play the loving couple with him.

She did everything she could to keep her secret identity as empress under wraps. By day, he helped her secure the throne; by night, he removed her phoenix crown and warmed her bed. When jealous, he even pretended to be aggrieved so she would comfort him.

Until one night, he cornered her by the door.

"My lady, you looked at me seven times in court today."

Blushing, she denied it. "I... I did no such thing!"

Xie Linyuan lowered his head and chuckled. "But I have been looking at you for twelve years."

She thought she had simply chosen a new groom on a whim.

She had no idea she had chosen the man who had waited for her for twelve years.