In the forty-third year of Taihe, the Great Zhou fell. Empress Dowager Zhou surrendered, bringing the Imperial Seal with her.
To secure the realm, the new emperor arranged a marriage between Yun Zhuo, princess of the former dynasty, and Xiao Sui, son of the chief minister.
In her previous life, Yun Zhuo knew the new emperor was trying to weaken the Xiao family and test the ambitions of the former court's officials. To protect the people and the Empress Dowager, Yun Zhuo defied the imperial decree and chose instead to marry Xiao Fu, the Xiao family's eldest son.
Xiao Fu was born to a concubine. Reserved, gentle, and refined, he seemed to Yun Zhuo like someone who would never compete for power, and thus a suitable match.
But she never realized how deep his schemes ran, or how great his ambition was. He betrayed his country, colluded with the enemy, and plotted to seize the throne.
He used Yun Zhuo as a pawn, and she died full of resentment.
Reborn, Yun Zhuo returned to the moment the new emperor arranged her marriage. This time, she did not defy the decree.
Xiao Sui of the Xiao family was an extraordinary talent, unmatched among the young men of the great clans. At a young age, he placed first in all three imperial examinations, was appointed to the Hanlin Academy, and had an unlimited future in government.
Until the new emperor arranged for him to marry Yun Zhuo.
Everyone offered their congratulations in public, but privately they all knew Xiao Sui's career was likely over.
On the wedding day, some came to watch the spectacle, while others sighed in sympathy.
Xiao Sui, however, paid them no mind. Looking at his bride, he said, "I remember that in your previous life, you married my elder brother."
Yun Zhuo lowered her fan and looked at him. "This time it's your turn. Please be patient with me, husband."
#Stop acting so calm. The truth is, we're all much the same.
#A mature childish man x a dignified woman with a little temper
#A faux age-gap romance
[Notes]
1. Both leads are reborn, or perhaps three people are.
2. At first, the hero thinks of the heroine as his sister-in-law.
3. Marriage first, love later.
4. August 12, 2024
Theme: One day, I'll write it.
