Qing Chen

"Sister Ruan, I don't have my father anymore, either. Don't be sad."

At the time, his eyes were so innocent and pure, like stars in the sky.

In the ninth year of Yongzhen, the emperor dies, and a powerful minister seizes the opportunity to rebel. The young prince ascends the throne, while his uncle monopolizes imperial power.

On a snowy winter's day, A Ruan meets the child, who is much shorter than her. He warms her hands with his own.

Time flies. One day, he finally grows taller than her. His gaze begins to dart away, yet keeps following her when he thinks she isn't looking.

He grows up quietly by her side. The boy's fervent gaze leaves her at a loss. Just then, an imperial decree announces their marriage. The "siblings" become husband and wife...

"A Ruan, do you know how long I've waited for this day..." He holds her tightly, kissing her again and again. His trembling fingertips brush over her neck.

"I want to spend every life with A Ruan, growing old together. I never want us to be apart again, not even for a night."

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, and A Ruan a thousand. How could A Ruan grow old together with Your Majesty?"

*

The struggle for power grows increasingly fierce. The regent repeatedly schemes to harm them, each time pushing the young emperor to the brink of being forced to abdicate or facing death...

"Do you have to make me suffer to feel better?"

The struggle for power makes them uncle and nephew, but also enemies.

Zhong Jingchen's pupils tremble as he stares at Zhong Zhuohan. To his surprise, Zhong Zhuohan smiles. A trace of blood at the corner of his mouth looks bewitchingly bright.

"You look so much like him. But you're not him..."

[Reader note]

Five-year age gap; a political marriage, consummated when they are both adults.

Theme: One partner for life