Yu Jin, daughter of the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty. With the court in turmoil, her father offered her to the emperor for the good of the family.
However, the emperor was nearly fifty and frail. On their wedding day, he was poisoned by treacherous men and died suddenly.
Overnight, she became Consort Dowager Yu. Her days of eating her fill and waiting for death were rather pleasant.
The young consort dowager loved handsome men and enjoyed taking in guests. Poetry, music, and the arts were all represented among them. But word got around, and the nobles of the capital had plenty to say. Everyone thought she was wanton, unchaste, and fond of keeping male lovers.
By chance, she mistook the chief minister for a scholar and took him into the palace as a guest. Little did she know he was skilled at disguises, using his good looks to draw her into his web of affection. He spent night after night with her, and wanted her to dismiss her entire "harem."
That night, Yu Jin's eyes shimmered as her red lips parted. "A man's infatuation can still be put aside. I bid you farewell, and wish you well."
Pei An gripped her wrist tightly, his brow furrowed. "Do you really think I'm one of your male lovers, someone you can summon and dismiss whenever you please?"
In a fit of anger, he faked his death in an explosion and disappeared. The young consort dowager sank into melancholy, regretting everything.
Time passed, and when they met again, he was a prince of another land.
In the name of a political marriage, I offer you mountains and rivers as a betrothal gift, with the sun and moon as our witnesses. Marry me.
Little Bonus Scene
"My lady, I heard you met another guest yesterday?"
"My husband, this man is a gifted painter with a natural musical sense. I think he could..."
Pei An gripped her slender waist and whispered, "I can keep you company among the plum blossoms and falling snow, too."
Reading Guide
1. One-on-one romance, both leads are each other's first and only.
2. The heroine is beautiful and glamorous. She doesn't actually keep male lovers; she just likes admiring handsome men.
3. Sweet romance with a happy ending.
4. The setting is fictional, so don't overthink the historical details.
Theme: Good opportunities are easily lost, so seize them quickly.
