The Emperor's Sole Favorite

Ji Fuwei, the Marquis's legitimate daughter, was born with a stunning beauty, delicate as a tender branch, yet her life was full of hardship. She was sent at a young age to the Duke of Wu's estate to bring good fortune, and nearly buried alive with the deceased. Fortunately, the wise emperor of the day spared her that fate. After three years of mourning, her beauty grew even more striking, but she lived in constant fear. In the end, her husband's family still plotted to take her life. Fortunately, she had a prophetic dream. Bitter and watchful, Ji Fuwei found her chance and escaped. As her pursuers closed in, she ran blindly into a neighbor's home and, in her panic, tumbled into the arms of a stranger, who smelled of incense. Tears trickled down her face. Her expression was heartbroken, and she seemed like a flower in the rain, ready for anyone to pluck. She could only beg the stranger again and again, weeping as she pleaded. He comforted her, telling her not to be afraid, gently patting her back. His tender embrace left her trembling and choking on her sobs. The pursuers drew near. The heir apparent and his men swept through the place with brutal force. Just as she tried to flee, the stranger held her fast. Despair overwhelmed her. But the pursuers suddenly stopped, then dropped to their knees before her, terror filling their eyes. Only then did she notice the five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on his robe. "Don't be afraid," he told her. "I am here." * Xiao Shengyu was born with the bearing of an emperor, his sovereign majesty innate. He had tried time and again to enter the Buddhist order, only to be turned away because his worldly ties were not yet settled. He ascended the throne at eighteen, resolved to help the world and save its people, and never gave up his devotion to Buddhism. Then, at the age of thirty-one, a young woman came rushing into his arms as she fled for her life. Her presence made him lose focus, and he could no longer devote himself to reciting Buddhist scripture. He wanted to save her and help her escape her suffering. But in the end, he couldn't let her go. He became caught up in the mortal world and fell in love. Only much later did he realize: When she fell into his arms, that was when he first broke his vows. A few things to know: * Originally titled Jian Zai Di Xin. * Fifteen-year age gap, one-on-one romance, devoted love with no harem, both leads are virgins. Even an older emperor has the right to be a virgin; see the novel for details. * Set in a fictional world, with struggles for survival and some political power struggles. The leads have plot armor. The heroine grows and changes. Healing comes before romance. * For everyone's reading experience, if you've already seen the content warnings, please don't keep bringing them up or asking about them again. * Please discuss respectfully. Personal attacks are forbidden. * Upcoming novel: Pearl in the Crown. Add it to your favorites! Blurb: The Marquis of Ruyang had six sons before finally having a daughter. They named her Yao Bi, and doted on her from birth. She grew up to be captivating and charming. Before she was even fifteen, the young lady was famous throughout the capital for her ethereal beauty and stunning appearance. Everyone speculated that this precious jewel would be destined for the imperial family, to be raised behind golden tiles and vermilion walls. But Shu Yaobi was captivated by a young man in red. She pursued Sheng Antang, the dashing talent of the Southern Duke's family, with humble devotion that never wavered. In the end, Shu Yaobi got her wish thanks to her family's status. But after they married, Sheng Antang remained his usual charming self, while she was left alone in their chambers. While pursuing Sheng Antang after he left home, Shu Yaobi fell from her horse. No one knew whether she lived or died. * When Shu Yaobi opened her eyes, her mind was blank, and she had forgotten her past. A man in black, beautiful as a jade ornament and noble as a precious tree, stayed up night after night to care for her. "Husband?" The man's hand trembled. He slowly nodded. "Yes." When she learned that she had been unconscious for days and had woken up having forgotten her beloved, Shu Yaobi felt even guiltier. Embarrassed, she could only say, "Dear husband, I accidentally forgot you... Could you tell me about yourself again?" Her image reflected in his eyes. His handsome face flushed as he quietly replied: "Chu Huaijing." "All right, I'll remember!" Chu Mingchen, courtesy name Huaijing. The new emperor of Chu. * After accepting that he was her "husband," Chu Mingchen had not the slightest regret. His former friend had gone completely mad. He gave up his flirtatious ways and laid aside his pride, even using the favor owed to him by a former study companion to beg Chu Mingchen on his knees to send troops to find her. "No." Chu Mingchen refused outright. Then he was stunned to see Shu Yaobi standing there. He had no idea how long she'd been listening. At that moment, his heart sank. Wearing her phoenix crown and splendid robes, she softly called out: "Husband." Both men turned to look. She paid the other man no mind and walked straight toward the figure in black. As she looked at him, light gradually filled his eyes. "Sorry to keep you waiting..." She spoke to Chu Mingchen in a sweet, coquettish voice. *The above√ Theme: When two people love each other, they can be together