Back in the Golden House

Back then, the words "I will build you a golden house" earned her banishment to the Cold Palace.

After ten years in Jiangdu, she thought she would never return to Chang'an in this lifetime.

Until news came that a princess was to be sent away in a political marriage, and Chang'an dispatched an envoy to bring her daughter to the capital.

To protect her daughter, she had no choice but to return to Chang'an herself and seek out the person who held the imperial vermilion seal.

The disgraced empress Chen Jiao, who died in the fire at Changle Palace, returned to Weiyang Palace under a new name.

The emperor was suspicious by nature. Staring at that identical face, he questioned her again and again at his desk:

"The princess consort in the Prince of Jiangdu's residence, who never receives visitors. You truly have never met her?"

Li Yan lowered her head and answered with proper decorum:

"Your Majesty, this humble concubine is of lowly birth and has never met her."

After answering, she retreated three steps as etiquette required, leaving no fault to find.

The harem feared she would compete for favor, while the emperor suspected she was still attached to the past.

No one knew that she had made her way back to Weiyang Palace, one step at a time, only to take her daughter away safely.

With the golden house gone, where could he find his beloved?

Reader's Note:

A historical spin-off set during Emperor Wu of Han's reign. It takes a serious approach, with some original details and reimagining for the sake of the plot.

Not a pure relationship. Political maneuvering and restrained exchanges between mature men and women.

No melodramatic, mass-produced sugary romance. The heroine is clear-headed and self-possessed, never ruled by love.

Hope you enjoy reading.

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Weibo: @Bu Xiang Jiaban De Shui Xiaohe

Theme: Those who dare to violate the mighty Han, no matter how far away, will be executed.