[Updates every other day]
The cabinet framed the Hua family, and the family was falsely accused. The entire Hua clan was sentenced to death, and a great house fell overnight.
An old retainer loyal to the Hua family risked everything to smuggle Hua Shu, the clan's legitimate daughter, out of prison and falsify the record of her death.
Years later, Hua Shu entered the palace selection as an orphan from a distant branch of the family. She rose smoothly to the rank of Noble Consort, known for her gentleness and virtue.
She turned her attention to Xie Yuan, the Marquis Who Guards the Nation, who had just arrived in the capital. He held great power at court and commanded a formidable army, but was cold and difficult to approach. He didn't seem like an easy man to win over.
But while she was busy testing him, the chess piece came to her of its own accord.
Xie Yuan was the first to propose an alliance. Hua Shu paused in surprise, then happily agreed.
What she didn't know was that Xie Yuan had long known she wanted to use him to clear the Hua family's name. Her motives were impure, yet he was still willing to do it.
After all, he was the one who had come to her. He had no one else to blame.
As tensions mounted, the emperor, who had always feared Xie Yuan's excessive military power, discovered that the Noble Consort was secretly involved with a powerful minister and ordered Xie Yuan's execution.
Hua Shu was cold and merciless. She drove a sword through his heart, then locked the Marquis Who Guards the Nation in an ice cellar.
When she saw the man again, Xie Yuan slipped into Changxin Palace beneath the moonlight and pinned her to the bed. He was covered in the chill of the night, love and hatred surging in his eyes.
"Your Ladyship, I'm your beloved Xie Yuan."
Hua Shu lowered her eyes and stroked his hair. "Lord Xie, what do you want, coming to the palace in the middle of the night?"
Xie Yuan chuckled, gazing at her in silence. "Does Your Ladyship really not know what I want most? We've played this game for too long. It's time to come to our senses..."
Note:
1. This is a slow burn. Feelings take shape amid schemes and power plays.
2. The male lead is decisive and ruthless. Given all he's been through, he's a little bit of a ghost.
3. The male lead faked his death, and the protagonists planned it together.
4. Hope you enjoy the story!
Theme: Everything in this world will return.
