A Favorite Hidden in the Eastern Palace (Reborn)

[My other story, "Stealing My Younger Brother's Wife," is now available. Welcome to visit my profile and add it to your collection!] Blurb: Gu Ci is a beauty raised in the lap of luxury, but an imperial decree marries her off to Qi Beiluo, a bloodthirsty, ruthless crown prince who kills people and then picks their skin to make lanterns. Terrified, Gu Ci believes the rumors and defies the decree, marrying the Marquis of Cheng'en instead. She thinks she'll spend her life with a good man, but within a couple of years, she dies young. After her death, she sees with her own eyes her husband enjoying himself with his cousin in front of her memorial. She also sees Qi Beiluo avenge her with his sword, then hold her memorial tablet and weep for three whole days. At last, he says gently, "Ci'er, let's go home." Only then does she realize that this cold-blooded man has the warmest heart in the world. Even the imperial decree arranging their marriage was something he personally begged for. Given another chance at life, Gu Ci hurries to the Eastern Palace. But the man's expression seems... a little... off. ★ Both leads are inexperienced, and their love is mutual, but only the female lead is reborn. Blurb for "Stealing My Younger Brother's Wife": ★ Both leads are inexperienced, brothers competing for the same woman | Marriage first, love later ★ Gentle beauty x a lofty man who devotes himself to Buddhism at first, then becomes a dark, obsessive ghost of a man Wen Songyi has an excellent marriage prospect. His name is Li Congxin. Born into a marquis's family, he is carefree and spirited, often standing up for her and supporting her. He is a bright sun that never sets in the desolate days of her sheltered life. But somehow, after they marry, his personality changes completely. He stops talking and ignores people, and even insists on sleeping separately from her at night. After much effort, she finally manages to warm this iceberg and consummate their marriage, thinking their lives are about to get better. Then, one day, on a stormy night, she is woken by thunder. In a daze, she seems to hear her husband calling for her, his voice utterly anguished. She hurries out of bed to look for him. Just then, "Li Congxin" strolls in from the covered walkway. Other than the dampness of the rainy night, there is nothing unusual about him. She rushes over and asks, "What happened?" He simply holds her and gently comforts her as usual. "Nothing. A thief broke into the house, but it's taken care of. Don't be afraid, Mimi." His bloodstained hand slips discreetly beneath his sleeve. The seal bearing his younger brother "Li Congxin's" name is clutched in his hand. Though it still holds the warmth of the body it was just forcibly taken from, the scent of bodhi on him completely masks it. * Li Congjia was born into a military family. He joined the army at thirteen, took command at seventeen, and at eighteen broke the allied forces at the border passes. He was named the General Who Guards the Nation, with an immeasurably bright future ahead of him. But at twenty, he knelt on a prayer mat in a temple, wishing only to become a monk. Only after his mother begged him again and again did he put off taking the tonsure and return home to impersonate his missing twin brother and marry his bride in his place. He was only repaying the Marquis's family for raising him all these years. He didn't think he would fall for her. Once his brother returned, everything would go back to normal. But some people seem destined to be his undoing. She hasn't done anything in particular. She just brings him food and waits for him to come home. Yet he can't help thinking about her, can't help longing for her. In the middle of the night, he dreams of her smiling eyes, her pale hand resting on his sleeve, and the gentle, lilting way she calls him "husband"... Those who covet their brother's wife shall fall into the Avici Hell forever, never to be reborn. Theme: Do not judge people by appearances.