Caged Sparrow

As the most beloved little princess in the imperial capital, Sheng Fan'an was spoiled and haughty, so far above everyone else that she seemed like the sun in the sky.

People said the princess's smile was so beautiful it could outshine mountains and rivers.

Even though she had long been betrothed to the young general of the Duke of Zhenguo's household, the powerful and influential still came up with all sorts of ways just to catch a glimpse of her smile.

Back then, Pei Yanzhi was a hostage from an enemy state, sent to the princess's residence for amusement. When he was pinned to the ground, battered and bleeding, only Sheng Fan'an stepped forward to stop them.

"Don't touch him anymore." He heard the lofty little princess speak with pity, though her words held a hint of disgust. "He's filthy."

Then she turned around and smiled demurely at her fiance. Their retreating figures, side by side, fell into his eyes like a perfect couple.

*

Later...

The dynasty fell, and the hostage who had once been bullied by everyone became a decisive and ruthless new emperor.

The once-noble Sheng Fan'an was reduced to a princess of a fallen kingdom, sent to the emperor's bed to please him.

Unwilling to endure the humiliation, she snatched up a short dagger and tried to kill herself, but he easily seized both her wrists and lifted them above her head. A tear still clung to the corner of her eye, making her heartbreakingly pitiful.

Pei Yanzhi's gaze darkened. His rough thumb brushed over her lips as he whispered close to her ear, "Your Highness, did you know how beautiful you are when you cry?"

That night, Sheng Fan'an never managed to leave the Hall of Lasting Pleasure again.

Unhinged New Emperor x Princess of a Fallen Kingdom

Theme: The sun buries the darkness, and dawn rises just like that.