The Mirror of Bitterness, Veiled in Dust

(The wife-chasing crematorium * the second male lead takes the top spot)

Three years after the realm was pacified, Qian Jing, now empress, accompanied the emperor to his palace retreat, where she happened upon the daughter of a minor official who had lost her way.

The young woman appeared suddenly before them, spirited and beautiful, like a mountain spirit who had wandered into the mortal world.

The emperor cast her a casual glance, seeming not to give her a second thought.

Yet their planned five-day stay at the retreat was extended by a full half month.

Once, while the emperor was with Qian Jing, he suddenly seemed lost in thought. Whatever came to mind made him chuckle. "You have no idea how foolish she is. She doesn't even know when people are bullying her."

Qian Jing's eyes trembled. She could no longer deny that something was wrong with him.

*

When Qin Ye was still living in his princely residence, there was a young woman he had loved with all his heart.

He resented her for abandoning him back then, but when he learned of her death after gaining power, the news struck his heart like a drop of vermilion blood, leaving a mark that would never fade.

And the daughter of that minor official looked almost exactly like her.

Qian Jing watched as he bestowed the imperial character upon the young woman, personally sending her home in his phoenix carriage. He even showed up before her fiance without regard for the consequences, frightening the man so badly that he nearly broke off the engagement.

Suppressing the pain in her heart, she gently broached the subject with him. For the first time, Qin Ye looked at her coldly.

"You knew I was in love with Yan back then. If it bothered you, why did you choose to be with me five years ago?"

"You're the only one in my heart now. But when I look at her face, I can't stand by and do nothing when she's in trouble. You're the one who's been by my side. Why be jealous?"

Qian Jing felt as if something were stuck in her throat. Suddenly, she no longer had the strength to argue.

If she was going to have this thorn lodged in her throat forever, then she would rather not go on.

*

When Qian Jing asked to leave the palace, Qin Ye paid no attention. She was gentle and considerate, and had never once defied him. Perhaps she was making trouble because life had been too easy. Besides, they had a child together. How could she bear to leave?

But she left. Three months passed, and she still had not returned.

Staring at the empty palace halls, Qin Ye had to admit that he was the one who couldn't live without her.

*

In a humble courtyard, the emperor looked at Qian Jing, sitting calmly before him. She was still as gentle as ever.

He was willing to give her a way back and forgive her rare fit of pique.

But in the next moment, a handsome, gentle-looking man stepped out of the house and stood behind her, intimately wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "The food and tea are rather humble, so we won't keep Your Majesty for a meal."

[Reading Guide]

1. The female and male leads are both virgins.

2. The female lead suffers first, then the male lead.

3. Saved on 2026.9.18

Theme: Cherish the person in front of you