The Brocade Guard

"Title TBD, Story Core Unchanged"

As the only female edict official at the emperor's side, Wen Lingyun is unmatched in beauty and talent, and deeply trusted by the emperor.

She also grew up with the Crown Prince, and in everyone's eyes she is the obvious choice for Crown Princess and future empress.

But just as the entire capital awaited the Crown Prince's betrothal gifts to the Wen family, an explosive piece of news broke: the emperor had arranged for Wen Lingyun to marry Shen Yubai, Commander of the Imperial Brocade Guard.

Shen Yubai is stern and ruthless, a notorious living demon in the capital.

He has no women in his household, not even a maid who shares his bed, and has no interest in romance.

This marriage is an ill-matched union.

And the Crown Prince, still unwilling to give up, stands between them.

Many who had once ingratiated themselves with Wen Lingyun are waiting to see the pride of heaven make a fool of herself.

Sure enough, on their wedding night, Shen Yubai moves out of their courtyard and takes up separate lodgings, showing his new wife not the slightest respect.

*

Shen Yubai once thought this wife foisted on him was merely the emperor's pawn, sent to gather evidence of his crimes. Once she had obtained fabricated proof, she would rush straight into the Crown Prince's arms.

But after they marry, Wen Lingyun not only manages the household with perfect order, she also quietly deals with the difficulties he has arranged for her, all while continuing to treat him gently and keep a proper distance.

"What is it you really want?"

After catching Wen Lingyun writing another secret letter to that damned emperor late at night, Shen Yubai seized the hand holding her brush and gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.

Wen Lingyun's starry eyes shimmered as she gazed back at him innocently. "Doesn't Your Excellency already know? I want to be empress."

Shen Yubai let out a cold laugh, dismissing her words.

Unable to win over the Crown Prince, she thought she could win him over this way instead. She thought far too little of him.

But later, he was the one who placed the phoenix crown on Wen Lingyun's head, promising they would rule together as equal sovereigns and join hands to claim the empire.

*

Those hoping to see Wen Lingyun's dream of becoming empress shattered lined up beyond the capital's nine gates.

But in the end, everyone was left dumbfounded: What a miscalculation! She not only changed husbands and became empress, she even ruled alongside the emperor!

Theme: Never live without a goal.