Hidden Beauty

Three years after marrying away from home, Princess Huayin’s husband is accused of treason over a mistake made in the course of his official duties.

In the spring drizzle, Ji Shuci kneels before the new emperor, soaked through, begging him to show mercy.

Passersby can’t help but sigh with pity.

She was once the late emperor’s beloved pearl, doted on by everyone.

But three years ago, the truth came to light: she had been passed off as a member of the imperial bloodline. She was hurriedly married off to a distant land.

Now that the new emperor has taken the throne, sparing her life despite their old grievances is already an act of exceptional mercy.

Now her husband’s family has fallen into trouble as well. Her future will surely be even more difficult.

After an unknown length of time, a eunuch finally comes out and bows, inviting her into the hall.

The hall is silent as a tomb, the palace attendants too afraid to make a sound.

In the stillness, only one person’s footsteps draw steadily closer.

The young emperor walks up to her and crouches down.

His cold knuckles brush the wet hair against her cheek. His voice is just as devoid of warmth:

“Elder Sister, if you’re going to beg, you should show some sincerity.”

Reading guide:

* One-on-one, both leads’ first love. Slow burn. What can I say? The author loves a mutual pining story.

* Includes pregnancy escape and forced romance elements.

* Childhood sweethearts reunite after a falling-out. A melodramatic, sugary Mary Sue romance.

* Real son and fake daughter, no blood relation.

* Not a strong heroine, and the characters aren’t perfect.

* Fictional setting, no historical fact-checking needed.

* No need to tell me if you drop the story.

Coming soon: A Pond Full of Spring

In the fourth year of Changping, the second year after Jiang Shiyin entered the palace in place of her twin sister, the emperor falls gravely ill and six princes rebel.

The weakened emperor writes to his uncle, stationed on the border, asking for help.

That same year, the iron cavalry of the northern desert, led by the emperor’s uncle, Huan Yin, breaks through the palace gates.

That night, the imperial city descends into chaos, with cries of ghosts and gods echoing through the streets. Jiang Shiyin flees in panic with her young son in her arms.

The road ahead is slick with blood, and a fine horse whinnies.

Huan Yin, clad in armor, rides slowly forward and blocks her way with his elite cavalry.

Flames light up the sky. The commanding emperor’s uncle looks down at her, the child in her arms. She was once the old lover who cast him aside as if he were worthless.

“Where are you running off to this time, Your Majesty?”

*A melodramatic romance of love and hate

*One-on-one, both leads’ first love

Coming soon: The Golden Hairpin

Xue Dingyi marries Xu Boyan at her parents’ command, following the traditional matchmaker’s arrangement.

After the wedding, they remain courteous to each other, close in appearance but distant at heart.

Xue Dingyi has always believed that she and Xu Boyan were simply forced together.

Theme: I resent the bright moon hanging high, shining on everyone but me.