Lin Yuan was assigned to the least favored prince.
She had never imagined that Ying Huaixu, despite being a prince, lived worse than even a servant like her. He suffered constant bullying and humiliation. Looking at Ying Huaixu, who was about the same age as her younger brother, Lin Yuan's heart softened.
She took him to play in the imperial garden, made longevity noodles for his birthday, sewed him warm clothes in winter, and stood in front of him whenever he was bullied...
But a prince was still a prince. As Ying Huaixu grew older, everyone began to address him respectfully as His Highness, the Ninth Prince.
Lin Yuan knew better than to overstep. She joined everyone else in calling him the Ninth Prince.
Hearing her voice, Ying Huaixu looked up at her thoughtfully and asked in a soft, wounded tone, "Why didn't you call me Yanzhen today, Yuan Niang? Did Yanzhen upset you?"
"No, this servant was too familiar with Your Highness before..." Lin Yuan hadn't finished when he interrupted her.
"In Yanzhen's heart, Yuan Niang has never been a servant." Ying Huaixu's voice was displeased. Lin Yuan looked up and met his gaze. Realizing what he meant, her heart gave a sudden jolt.
Lin Yuan began deliberately avoiding Ying Huaixu. He was a prince, while she was only a palace maid of humble birth, and they were so far apart in age. No matter how she looked at it, they were not a suitable match.
Ying Huaixu seemed to realize she was avoiding him. One day, drunk and out of control, he kissed her.
She said quietly, "Your Highness, one day this servant will leave the palace and marry."
"Who will you marry? Lin Yuan, who do you want to marry? That poor scholar from the Imperial Academy?"
He demanded in a harsh voice, then kissed her fiercely until the taste of blood filled both their mouths.
Blood still clung to the corner of his lips. Breathing heavily and almost sated, he said to Lin Yuan, "Yuan Niang, in this life, you can marry only me. You alone will sit on the empress's throne. You are the only one worthy of it!"
1. The woman is six years older than the man. Read with caution if that bothers you.
2. 1v1, both leads are sexually inexperienced, with a touch of forced marriage and possessiveness.
3. Lin Yuan (Yuan is pronounced with the second tone).
Theme: Work hard at life and find happiness!
