The Reborn Cold and Aloof Powerbroker

(Click with caution. I tried submitting this story for a contract before, but it wasn't accepted. Still, I wanted to finish what I'd started and not leave it abandoned, so I haven't revised it.)

Synopsis:

In his previous life, Gu Mingyu died in the winter he feared most, much like the season when the god fell, recorded in the ancient kingdom's "Records of Kang: The Wilds."

That day, snow blanketed everything.

The young emperor seized absolute power the day after Gu Mingyu died, becoming the only emperor in the history of the Qing Dynasty's founding to hold complete control.

When Gu Mingyu woke again, he looked at his short arms and legs and fell into thought.

By other people's reckoning, he had been a thoroughly corrupt minister in his previous life, so he had deserved his death.

This time, he decided to become an upright minister with real power.

*

The pitiful child in the Cold Palace was called an ill omen by everyone. He had crawled out of his mother's womb by himself, and so no one loved him.

Until one day.

A beautiful boy came to the imperial palace, surrounded by people vying to curry favor with him.

At the time, Qin Chaonan was hiding behind the red walls and vermilion gates when he saw the celebrated boy, dressed all in white, his exquisite features cool and proud.

As he looked at him, longing surfaced in Qin Chaonan's eyes, and every part of him screamed to pull the boy down...

Then make him his own.

*

In small print:

"He allows Qu Sheng to remain by his side forever, with the divine bones as witness."

Theme: When you fall, get back up again.