Shattered Bell

After Lingyuan's true identity as a fake princess was exposed, the family of the man she loved was falsely accused and lost its power. With no one to rely on, she became despised by everyone in the palace.

When she learned she was to be sent away for a political marriage, Lingyuan had nowhere to turn, so she set her sights on the Crown Prince, a brother she rarely saw.

Crown Prince Li Heng was refined and otherworldly, pure as jade and frost. He was highly regarded at court and praised by the finest scholars in the realm as a gentleman of peerless virtue.

In desperation, Lingyuan used her "virtue" to ensnare Li Heng. To make sure he helped her, she did everything she could to cling to him.

At last, she managed to force him to intervene and resolve the crisis of her arranged marriage.

Later, Lingyuan found a chance to explain the misunderstanding between them and said she was willing to accept any punishment for her mistakes.

The Crown Prince was just as virtuous and magnanimous as the rumors claimed. Lowering his eyes, he replied, "Third Sister was under pressure. You did nothing wrong."

Not long after, the Crown Prince ascended the throne. The family of the man Lingyuan loved was exonerated, and talk of her marriage resumed.

On the day of the wedding, a mob of refugees threw the bridal sedan into chaos. The Third Princess fell from a cliff, and all they found were her bones, gnawed by wild beasts.

*

Deep into the night, as dew grew heavy, a clear bell rang faintly through the silent Golden Hall.

Lingyuan's pleas were useless. Her fingers clutched the icy throne as she lay weakly across a fox-fur robe, and someone lifted her chin.

The young emperor chuckled. "Yuan'er, have you decided who to choose this time?"

Theme: Strive to live.