Gu You Has the Favor of the Purple Palace

From the day she was born, the younger sister of the Great General of Zhenyuan of Chu knew only how to smile, never how to cry. She took an unreliable master, and grew even more carefree and indifferent to the world. Once she was chosen to serve by the king's side, she was given nothing but a cold shoulder. Zhong Liao tilted her head and thought it over. No matter, she was glad to enjoy some peace and quiet. A marriage alliance between royalty and a general? She'd go along with it. Being neglected? She didn't care. But why was this sickly fox looking at her more and more strangely? Hadn't he said he'd rather face a wall than look at her? Hadn't he promised they'd act affectionate in public and keep their distance in private? Hadn't he said he was unworthy of her affection...? * The palace maids who sweep and clean the Juan Yuan Hall have recently been gathering to whisper: Ever since Consort Xian entered the palace, His Majesty, who has always been frail, seems like a different person. He sticks by Consort Xian's side all day... Reader advisory: Told in first person, with an imaginary setting and no need to fact-check historical details. The emperor had a harem before. After falling for the heroine, he devotes himself to her alone. The ending is one-on-one. Theme: Keep striving to live, no matter the circumstances.