Kill That Black-Moonlight Crown Prince

[The upcoming novel The Sickly Villain Assassination Simulator is in the same genre as this one. It will carry over many of this novel's settings, including the characters, but the plot will be different.]

Announcement about removing the paywall

I had so many ideas for The Crown Prince, especially about how the relationship between the two leads would develop. But the setting was so complicated that I could never get the plot worked out. Then, in January last year, I unexpectedly started writing it because I had chapters saved up, and I was in too much of a rush to plan the story properly. I kept stopping to revise it, but I was never satisfied.

I still want to write it. I think the premise really speaks to me, and I personally love it. But the material I had already written was holding me back, and on top of that, I was constantly busy with real life. This novel has been a headache in every way, from the update schedule to the content, and writing it became a struggle. So I've decided to remove the paywall. I may reuse this premise for a new upcoming novel, after organizing my ideas and starting over.

Synopsis:

Yu Wan transmigrates into a book as a cannon-fodder supporting character.

When she grows up, she's destined to become a concubine to the crown prince, Xie Hexu.

As the crown prince, Xie Hexu seems refined and noble, but in truth he's an arrogant, brutal villain who stops at nothing. Not long after she marries him, his volatile temper leads him to run her through with a sword, giving her a tragic end.

System: [To change your fate, you must take action starting now.]

Yu Wan fell silent for a moment. "What should I do? Make him fall for me and turn him good...?"

The System was succinct: [Kill him.]

Yu Wan: "?"

*

The first time she tried to assassinate Xie Hexu.

The notorious villain was sitting by the window, reading by candlelight.

"You bastard of a crown prince, take this..."

Yu Wan charged at him with her dagger, but before she could finish her line, seven or eight hidden guards dropped from above, each carrying a gleaming sword.

Xie Hexu strolled over and sneered. "You want to kill me?"

Only then did Yu Wan notice that blood was dripping from his black robes, and there were still traces of blood on his hands.

She was pinned to the floor with a thud. Yu Wan thought, I'm done for.

*

The fourth time she tried to assassinate Xie Hexu, he was standing by the pond, feeding the fish. Dressed in blue, he looked every bit the refined gentleman.

She hadn't even drawn her sword before he spotted her.

Watching as the hidden guards dragged her over, he smiled, picked up the sword lying on the ground, and came toward her like a spring breeze.

The scabbard fell to the ground. Xie Hexu stroked her face and said gently, "Don't be afraid. Why would I kill you?"

As he spoke, he drove the sword in his hand straight into her.

*

The sixth time she tried to assassinate Xie Hexu, Yu Wan walked in as if she owned the place and set her knife on the table. The hidden guards were already pouring tea and bringing out pastries.

Xie Hexu sat in the sunlight and glanced up with a casual smile. "How are you going to try to kill me this time? Want me to play along?"

*

The Nth time she tried to assassinate Xie Hexu.

Xie Hexu grabbed her as she tried to flee after another failed attempt.

He stroked her neck, smiling with scholarly grace, though his tone was dangerous. "Why are you running away again?"

He leaned closer and said with vicious cruelty, "You'll never leave the Eastern Palace for as long as you live."

Yu Wan, near tears: Damn it, what's the point of this stupid game!

[This synopsis was written in 2021. Evidence of its original publication was saved in 2023.]

Theme: Life cannot be undone, so never give up hope