The Years I Raised a Prince

One chapter of the full story has been locked. I've posted it on Weibo, so please check there (Weibo: @Caitou Wants Daily Updates).

Note: I ramble a bit. If you don't want to read the rambling, you can skip the author's notes.

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Blurb:

The first time the little child, no more than three years old, hid behind the palace attendants and timidly called her "Auntie," Xie Yingxiu knew she had acquired a little tagalong.

It took all her effort to raise the child safely to the age of ten.

Then a palace coup changed everything. The emperor, who doted on his favored consort, had no heir. So Xie Yingxiu pushed the child she had cherished in the palm of her hand into the spotlight.

The little child she'd once known wept bitterly. "Auntie, I won't go. I don't want to be emperor."

Xie Yingxiu replied coldly, "You have to go."

Years later...

The emperor seated high upon the throne wore a cool expression. "Who goes there?"

Xie Yingxiu lowered her eyes. "This humble servant is but a common woman. My lowly name is unworthy of reaching Your Majesty's ears."

She did not see the ruler on the throne, her expression restrained and pained, silently mouth the words:

"Auntie."

Reading Guide: 1. Happy ending.

2. Fourteen-year age gap.

Premise: A handbook to women's survival in ancient times.