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Prince Jing, Huo Yue, sits high in court and holds sole control over the government. He is the Regent of Great Zhou, whose word is law.
He is a master of literature and military strategy, with a magnificent bearing. There is nothing wrong with him, except that he is rather demanding.
The floor mats must be spotless. His robes must be perfectly smooth. Even the soft brocade quilt on his bed must be folded into a neat, square block like a tender white bean curd.
As a slave girl offered to Huo Yue by the powerful, a plaything who could be passed along at any moment, Chao Ge has always kept her head down and obeyed the rules.
Huo Yue's political views clash with those of the Marquis of Kaiyang. Someone suggests sending him a concubine to whisper in his ear. Huo Yue looks down at Chao Ge, kneeling by his feet to serve tea, and accepts the cup with a smile.
The King of Diannan has amassed troops and grown too powerful. Someone advises planting a camp prostitute as a spy. Huo Yue glances at Chao Ge's hand as she grinds ink, then picks up his brush and wets it with ink.
At a banquet in the prince's residence, Chao Ge kneels among the guests to serve wine. The young prince spots her and wants her to keep him company. Pei Zhao shoots him a sidelong glance, and the banquet ends on a sour note.
On the Empress Dowager's birthday, the young emperor grants Huo Yue a secondary consort.
On the night of the wedding, there are no servants in the bridal chamber, only silence. Behind the ink-wash screen, the man in a blazing red wedding robe pins Chao Ge's hand and lifts her chin. "You're quite something. Everyone wants you. Do you know who your man is?"
Chao Ge was already a mute slave when she was brought here, unable to speak, so Huo Yue makes her cry instead.
The more tears she sheds, the more satisfied he becomes.
Those waiting in the palace to eavesdrop and report back hear a night of pitiful weeping.
*
Everyone says Prince Jing is dignified and self-possessed. But that night, everyone in the prince's residence saw him lose control in a drunken stupor and carry the maid who was kneeling outside to keep watch into the bridal chamber.
Screenshot saved on 2021-12-05. Both leads are virgins. Happy ending.
Theme: Love
