The Long Road to a Political Marriage (Fake Princess)

Ning Zhao was five when Fu Junjing took her in.

Over the next twelve years, the frail little girl, thin as a bean sprout, grew into a graceful young woman. She had killed for him and risked her life for him. She wanted to become the sharpest sword in his hand, helping him fulfill the ambition that burned beneath his calm exterior.

It was partly to repay his kindness, and partly because of the secret longing in her heart.

Until she took her sister's place and went to the State of Zhou as a bride sent to secure a political marriage.

Only then did she realize that all those years of training herself to the limit had mattered less than having a face that resembled Princess Chaoyun's...

(Hero's version):

Five years ago, Lin Shu helped the young emperor ascend the throne. As Grand Preceptor, he wielded power across the State of Zhou and commanded the world’s respect.

After years of ruling with an iron fist, everyone feared him.

Everyone except Princess Chaoyun of the State of Qi.

She was audacious, for one thing. And though she was about to enter the emperor's harem, she behaved shamelessly. Did she think he couldn't see through her clumsy attempts to seduce him?

To that...

Ning Zhao: “The great families of Zhou are not united with Your Excellency. Why not help me become empress? We could support each other, you in the court and me in the inner palace.”

Lin Shu scoffed. “And you think you're capable of that?”

Later...

Lin Shu lowered his eyes to look at her. “Do you still want to be empress?”

The corners of Ning Zhao's eyes reddened, her dewy gaze veiled in a thin mist. “Of course. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the whole State of Zhou were under our control...”

Seeing the increasingly dangerous look in his eyes, she added timidly, “Actually, being the Grand Preceptor's wife would be nice too...”

P.S. The heroine is a fake princess and a real spy. The hero's romance is a battle of push and pull, while the second male lead has to go through hell to win back his love.

Theme: When the false seems true, even the true can seem false.