The Third Year After Faking My Death

The new emperor, Qi Heng, once had a beloved from his youth.

Back then, he concealed his identity as crown prince and went to the borderlands for training. There, he met a woman, came to know her, and they fell deeply in love.

He promised to marry her and never let her down. But the day before he was to return to the capital, she died saving his life.

In the three years it took him to ascend from the Eastern Palace to the throne, Qi Heng kept his harem empty.

Yet she never appeared in his dreams, not even once.

Yun Jia comes from the Tianying Pavilion. At sixteen, in her first mission out in the world, she successfully rescued an important hostage from an enemy city and was promoted three ranks.

She gets paid for her work and has never failed a mission. Her life is carefree and comfortable.

Later, the tides of power shift, and her master's master pledges allegiance to the new dynasty, bringing all his subordinates along. The new ruler is generous. Even past offenses can be forgiven at his discretion, old grievances notwithstanding.

Yun Jia sets her mind at ease and goes to the capital, where she diligently continues her work.

Then, at the sacrificial ceremony, Yun Jia waits off to one side and catches sight of the new emperor, surrounded by admirers in the distance.

She finds the spectacle amusing and even wants to tell her friend that the new ruler looks rather like the husband she once had by pure chance. What a coincidence.

Wait, no...

Theme: Work diligently and strive for a good life