The Crown Prince staged a coup and ascended the throne. The Chancellor's household fell overnight, and Xie Ruluan, once the prince's intended Crown Princess, was sent to the Jiaosi Bureau, falling from the treetops into the dust.
Only then did she learn that the Crown Prince had long loved someone else. His betrothal to her had merely been a cover, and he had never felt the slightest affection for her.
Sending her to the Jiaosi Bureau was one of the few merciful things he had done.
Rain poured like a waterfall beyond the eaves, while candlelight flickered red inside the Jiaosi Bureau.
As Xie Ruluan refused to submit and endured one torment after another, she heard a faint voice by her ear: "Follow me. I'll avenge your family's murder and help you leave this place."
As the current emperor's youngest uncle, Prince Huaian has spent years guarding the border and commands half the military forces, making him one of the most powerful men in court. Yet he has always kept himself above reproach, never taking a concubine or visiting a pleasure house.
Three years later, Prince Huaian returned to the capital victorious. At the welcoming banquet, however, a woman was seen by his side, an uncommon sight.
She wore palace robes and a veil of light gauze. Her bright eyes and graceful gestures were utterly captivating, making her a peerless beauty.
Everyone in the hall could see how much Prince Huaian cherished her. Even when the new emperor stumbled forward and tried to remove her veil, the prince refused him without hesitation. "She is your imperial aunt. Your Majesty should mind your words and actions. Do not be disrespectful."
The officials dared not linger to hear more and hurriedly left. Afterward, teahouses around the capital were abuzz with stories of Prince Huaian finding a beauty, much to everyone's envy.
But Xie Ruluan saw things clearly. She understood that Zhao Huaishi had been using her all along. Their relationship was a bargain, and she was willing to play along, acting like a loving couple before the emperor from time to time.
Once she had taken revenge and he had achieved his ambitions, their debt to each other would be settled, and she would leave the capital.
But...
Before she could pass through the city gates, Xie Ruluan saw Prince Huaian on horseback, blocking her way.
Standing before her with snow and wind cloaking him in the night, Zhao Huaishi spoke hoarsely. "Ruluan, don't go. I've changed my mind."
"I'll offer you the empire as my bride price. Will you marry me?"
[Among all the monuments to my victories, you are my one and only defeat.]
PS:
1. The male lead is not the emperor. The male and female leads are devoted to each other.
2. Double pursuit after the breakup, with both leads trying to win the other back.
First version screenshotted on 2021.02.19
Revised on 2022.02.23
Theme: Independence and confidence are what help you overcome hardship and live as your true self.
