Imprisoned and tortured for more than ten years, she thought her life would end that way. But after her family was destroyed, she emerged alive from that man-eating prison.
Surviving a great disaster means... an even greater one is coming. She falls into trouble once more and is left unconscious with severe injuries.
The imperial capital, peaceful for seventeen years, is thrown into an uproar by her arrival.
On her first day back, she slaps a princess. On the second, she faces someone in court. On the third, she openly defies the emperor.
The emperor grits his teeth in fury, yet can do nothing about it.
A great general who treats her sincerely, a princess who steps forward to protect her, and a prince who speaks up for justice all stand by her.
Pei Youning spreads her hands. "You can't stand me, but you can't get rid of me. Tell me, doesn't that make you mad?"
The emperor: "It does! I was so furious I nearly died!"
Then one day, the truth finally comes to light.
The emperor: "My precious little ancestor, look how lovely those stars are, twinkling away. Shall I pluck them down for you?"
He bears an undying hatred for the one who killed his mother!
On his first trip to the palace, he is stopped at the gates. Onlookers crowd around to watch as he sits calmly inside his carriage. At his command, the people blocking the way are beheaded!
Everyone shudders and gives him a wide berth.
Until one day, he forgets the person who matters most, speaks coldly to her, and marries someone else as his empress.
Pei Youning lowers her head and looks at the blade buried in her chest. She cups her belly with both hands as two streams of tears fall. Countless cries of alarm ring in her ears, but she can no longer hear them.
The world returns to darkness once and for all.
