I've run out of ideas, so I'm putting this story aside for now.
Everyone in the imperial capital said that Yan Du's Shu Jiao, the crown princess who ruled as regent and stood The Outcast, was blessed with the icy purity and flawless beauty of a goddess.
Yet she was cold and unfeeling by nature.
Years ago, when rebel forces besieged the palace, the emperor and empress left the palace to escape danger. When they reached Yannan, the secondary capital, they left their not-quite-ten-year-old youngest princess, Shu Jiao, in the Protectorate's residence to keep the imperial line safe, and ordered people to look after her.
Just two days later, the rebels caught up and set the residence ablaze.
Amid the roaring flames, the frail little girl, her throat hoarse from crying, had barely escaped into the street when the rebels grabbed her by her long hair and dragged her back, raising their blades to kill her.
When she was found again, eight years had passed.
Since returning to court to rule as regent, Chi Shu Jiao had been waking in the middle of the night, always dreaming of that day.
It had been raining. She had escaped the residence, only for the rebels to force her into the mud. From afar, she saw someone approaching with a bamboo umbrella, whispering something to the others.
The crowd scattered. In a daze, she stared at the young man beneath the umbrella, his features plain and pale, looking as though he could collapse at any moment. A string of beads dangled from the saber at his waist as he reached out to her. Beneath his cloak, his thin shoulders jutted out sharply.
When she took his hand, she did not know that he was Yan Hua, the young son of the Protectorate's commander. His father had just been killed by the rebels, perishing in the sea of flames.
For eight years, he wandered with her, taught her how to survive, and kept her safe. Once everything was in order, he slipped away without leaving behind a single letter.
Later, at court, Chi Shu Jiao used her authority as regent to root out the enemy faction.
Whenever she set out to eliminate the remnants left behind all those years ago, she found that the censor, who secretly built a faction and wielded great power, always struck before she could. His methods were exceptionally ruthless.
Unable to take revenge with her own hands, she went to confront him. The pale, frail censor, with his clear-cut features, was wearing a fur cloak and painting. She leaned against the door, her voice cool.
"Lord Yan, why do you keep interfering in my private affairs? If you don't give me an explanation today, you won't be leaving through that door."
The man had just finished painting a branch of ink-black plum blossoms. His usual restraint and detachment vanished.
His eyes surged with emotion as he came toward her, smiling gently.
"Your Highness's affairs are my affairs.
When Your Highness roots out traitors and punishes evil, I will be the swiftest blade in your hand. When people look down on Your Highness, I will be the shield that protects you from their gossip.
What is there to fear? As long as I serve at court, no one will be able to hinder you in the slightest."
* Female-dominant society, male pregnancy, one-on-one and both leads' first times. The main plot is revenge and a power struggle, with two deputies carrying on a secret romance.
* An unconventional female-dominant society story. Men have an extremely hard time becoming officials, and the male lead is an exception.
* An alternate setting inspired by the Tang and Ming dynasties.
Blurb from May 1 retained and archived.
Theme: I seek no title or fief, only peace upon the seas
