The Eldest Princess's Suitors

(This is not a story about the nation and the court, nor is it a political intrigue. It's a story about the eldest princess and the three men who end up regretting everything.) The eldest princess, Zhou Qingwei, has won the emperor's favor and is expected to become the third empress of the Great Zhou dynasty. The court's factions each have their own agenda, and put forward three candidates for her marriage. Each is more calculating, more capable, more ambitious, and more murderous than the last. Zhou Qingwei knows she is ill and has no interest in the throne. She only wants to travel the land and make the most of her life. She has no choice but to be entirely honest with the three candidates. "I have an old illness that can't be cured. I don't want to burden you all, so please stay at this villa for a while. One day, I'll petition my father to revoke his decree." In private: Duan Jingyun: You can kill her, but only after I get what I want. Su Junyu: I'll give you three months. When the time is up, I'll take her life. Lu Xi: Big brothers, it seems you've forgotten I exist. Guard Tang Yi: Your Highness, these three are absolutely unsuitable. You mustn't choose any of them. All three, in unison: What's it to you? (Thinking: Tang Yi can't be allowed to live.) One-sentence summary: Three crazies chase love in a story of regret, mutual loathing, and each one wanting to kill the others. Theme: Life is precious. Love can go to hell.