Shen Shuying transmigrates into the body of a princess sent to another kingdom for a political marriage. Before she can even marry, she is destined to be buried alive as a sacrifice alongside the old emperor. Her fate seems sealed, but her uncle, whom she has never met, risks everything to alter the imperial edict. Eunuch Li, the old emperor's chief attendant, saves her life and lets her enter the palace as empress dowager.
On her first day in the palace, her uncle hands her a powerful weapon: a blank imperial edict bearing the jade seal, one that could threaten the new emperor's claim to the throne.
Shen Shuying is at a loss. Is this man her uncle or her enemy?
From then on, Shen Shuying lives in constant fear, worried the emperor might take her life at any moment.
They say twins bring bad luck to the imperial family. As it happens, Shen Shuying has met Liao Mingkong, the emperor's twin brother. With him around, she no longer fears that the emperor will suddenly kill her.
*
Liao Zhao never imagined there could be a woman in the palace who lived so freely, unrestrained and pure of heart. Her smile and her way of thinking always drew him in, making him want to get closer.
But the conventions of the world kept him from taking another step. He could only enter her life under another identity, savor her goodness, and protect her in silence.
Shen Shuying: "Take me away. I want to leave the palace. Let's take our child and live an ordinary life together."
Liao Zhao: "We can't. You are the empress dowager, and you carry the alliance between our two nations. If you leave, millions of soldiers will lose their lives because of you."
"This child was an accident. He can't stay by your side. Don't worry, I'll take good care of our child and raise him well. I'll give him the very best the world has to offer."
Shen Shuying: "No! You can't leave. Give my child back to me, give him back!"
"You beast! You're a liar!"
"I hate you! I hate you!"
Many years later, an assassin grips his sword and points its sharp tip at Shen Shuying. She does not move, welcoming the blade with a look of relief.
Just as the blade is about to pierce her chest, a figure in imperial yellow steps in front of her and takes the blow on his sturdy back.
In his final moments, the man lies on the ground, still gazing at Shen Shuying with longing and reluctance. His weak voice falls from his lips: "Yingzi, I'm sorry."
Only then does Shen Shuying realize that the man she has hated for so many years has always been by her side.
Note:
This is a story I'm planning to write. I'll start it after finishing my current novel. Please add it to your favorites if you're interested!
Theme: You protected me with your life, and I'll spend the rest of mine protecting your realm.
