The Princess and the Top Scholar

[Weibo archive, 2022.08.06]

Princess Li Zhaoyang, the eldest princess of Diyang, is arrogant, extravagant, and debauched, with countless male companions, yet she is deeply favored by the emperor. Now, on a sudden whim, she wants to choose a husband.

The emperor personally asks which young man has caught her eye.

Recently, Li Zhaoyang has been plagued by nightmares of her future, in which someone pierces her heart with a sword. The man holding the blade is as elegant as a breeze beneath a bright moon,

a peerless powerful minister.

Lounging across from the emperor, she says carelessly, “I hear that the top third-place finisher in the imperial examinations is always a man of both talent and looks. Then I shall have this year’s third-place finisher.”

The emperor personally selects the top three. Among the three outstanding young men, Su Huaijin stands out in particular.

Even beneath the emperor’s authority, he remains poised and proud, neither servile nor overbearing.

The eldest princess of Diyang lounges lazily nearby and points at him with a delicate finger. “In my opinion, Young Master Su is quite handsome.”

Both the emperor and Su Huaijin’s expressions change abruptly.

And so Su Huaijin, who should have been the top scholar, is named third-place finisher at the princess’s word and made her husband, never to become a powerful minister.

Everyone in the realm is heartbroken. There is no one who does not curse the princess for sacrificing talent to satisfy her selfish desires.

*

Everyone says that Su Huaijin is upright and proper, gentle as jade,

but Li Zhaoyang can see only the murderous intent lurking behind those eyes, bright as stars and the moon.

Gazing at her refined and handsome consort, Li Zhaoyang raises her brows flirtatiously. “Young Master Su, do you know how to serve your lord?”

Su Huaijin’s starry eyes are like jade. He replies coolly, “Your Highness, please show some self-respect.”

“You don’t? Then learn.” Li Zhaoyang beckons to a well-behaved young man waiting nearby.

Su Huaijin’s self-possessed calm finally shatters. He suddenly draws his sword and points it furiously at the young man. “Get out!”

Li Zhaoyang lightly taps the sword’s tip with a delicate finger, her tone languid. “Consort, what are you doing?”

Su Huaijin throws away his sword and stares at her, enunciating each word. “I will serve Your Highness!”

[Upright, abstinent minister x debauched, flirtatious princess]

[Sweet on the outside, crazy within x crazy on the outside, dark within]

Reading guide:

1. Important point: the female lead is a princess, and all the descriptions of her are true. So this is a female lead with no male lead. Don’t ask why. I just like it.

Theme: Remember who you are, and don’t lose yourself.