As Heartless as She Is

"Pregnancy escape" "Fake death" "Substitute" "Love-triangle showdown"

For the past three years, Dou Shiran had not borne a single child.

Outsiders thought she had bewitched the emperor, leaving the realm without an heir. No one knew that the emperor was impotent.

With the emperor gravely ill, the court officials petitioned for his only younger brother, Prince Yue, to come to the capital and rule as regent.

Dou Shiran understood that once Prince Yue took the throne, even if he honored her as empress dowager, her title would be nothing but empty words.

To protect her position, she had to bear a royal heir.

She assumed a new identity and entered Prince Yue's residence, where she seduced him and became his most beloved concubine.

After becoming pregnant, Dou Shiran faked her death and returned to the imperial palace.

*

Ever since his beloved concubine died a tragic death, Prince Yue's luck had steadily worsened.

First, the empress bore a son to his imperial elder brother, costing him his chance at the throne. Then he endured more than a dozen vicious assassination attempts and was left badly wounded.

When he finally understood what had happened, he swore to take revenge on Dou Shiran for using him.

Two years later, his imperial elder brother died, and his young son succeeded to the throne.

At the enthronement ceremony, Prince Yue pointed his sword at Empress Dowager Dou Shiran, seated on the phoenix throne. Watching her face turn pale, he said hoarsely:

"That phoenix robe is so heavy, it hides your graceful figure, imperial sister-in-law."

Please note: One couple, happy ending. The story is very melodramatic, but mostly sweet and doting.

The female lead isn't truly cold-hearted. Their love goes both ways.

Eight completed historical romance novels in my collection, so you can trust me to finish what I start. Here are a few recommendations:

* Reborn, the Crown Prince Uncovered My Secret Identity: A cold, aloof crown prince chases his wife while raising a child

* Leisurely Days in the Imperial Household Department: I coach princes on how to prepare for marriage

* Marrying Up (Reborn): My dead wife suddenly started attacking me

Theme: In heaven, may we be two birds flying wing to wing.