The Crown Prince's Daily Regrets

Rong Li is the daughter of the Marquis's household, the most beautiful woman in the capital, renowned throughout Shengjing. Countless men have fallen for her, yet none have won her heart.

Yet she alone follows the Fifth Prince, Xiao Qiheng, who grew up in the Cold Palace, doing everything she can to please him, casting aside her pride and losing her heart.

The other noblewomen in the capital mock Rong Li, saying she's lost her mind for throwing herself at an unfavored prince.

Then a sudden upheaval sends the once-unfavored Fifth Prince soaring to power as Crown Prince, stirring up a storm throughout Shengjing.

As everyone in Shengjing scrambles to curry favor with the Crown Prince, Rong Li does the opposite. Wherever His Highness goes, she avoids him.

*

The new Crown Prince holds a banquet in the palace. The noblewomen of the capital stare at the seat he has reserved for Rong Li, exchanging glances. It is the most distinguished place at the banquet.

Rong Li claims to be ill and doesn't attend. The Crown Prince silently crushes a cup in his hand.

That night, behind a rockery in the imperial garden, Rong Li spots the black-and-gold robe with its python pattern from afar. She calmly steps forward to pay her respects.

The moon sinks toward the west. The Crown Prince, high above all others, does not respond.

Rong Li has long since grown numb, so she turns to leave.

But unexpectedly, the Crown Prince, usually so aloof and noble, as bright and pure as the moon, has countless threads of affection in his eyes.

He presses Rong Li against the stone table and asks gently, "Would you be willing to become my wife?"

Rong Li lifts her head and looks him straight in the eye, as if she has just heard something hilarious.

"This humble woman is unworthy."

Thinking of the recent rumors in the capital, Xiao Qiheng gives a low scoff. His deep voice drips with mockery. "Unworthy? Have you found yourself another man? My dear little brother, perhaps?"

Rong Li looks dazed for a moment, then smiles calmly, her gaze unwavering. "Indeed. His Highness the Sixth Prince is unwell, and I was eager to look after him, so I could not attend the banquet."

Seeing Xiao Qiheng frozen in place, Rong Li curtsies. "Thank you, Your Highness, for granting my wish."

"Good. Very good indeed." Xiao Qiheng smiles bitterly, then turns and walks away.

Xiao Qiheng thinks to himself that his sickly Sixth Brother has nothing but the same face as him. Rong Li is only seeking comfort in herself, and the person in her heart must still be him.

All he has to do is wait for Rong Li to regret it.

But instead, he ends up waiting for news of their marriage.

No one knows that on that very night, the Crown Prince descended into hell and became a demon.

*

The Sixth Prince, Xiao Qirui, is the Crown Prince's twin, but he is gentle and refined, a modest gentleman, with a temperament utterly unlike the decisive and ruthless Crown Prince.

Xiao Qirui, who spends his days admiring flowers and boating like a carefree wanderer and has no interest in court affairs, seems a more suitable husband for Rong Li than the Crown Prince.

After their wedding, Rong Li discovers that her new husband is somehow different.

He often says he's busy, shutting himself in his room for the whole morning.

He often can't remember the names of the rare flowers and plants he used to love.

And when they're alone in their room, he's like a voracious beast that can never get enough,

looking at her with dark eyes as if he wants to devour her whole.

He is looking more and more like his elder brother.

*

The only gift Xiao Qiheng ever gave Rong Li was a white Pekingese dog.

On the day she lost all hope, she resolutely threw it out into the courtyard.

The little dog wagged its tail and begged to be let back in.

Just like Xiao Qiheng on the eve of her wedding, standing with his hands behind his back in the glow of the snow that had fallen all night.

After that, on every night when she was fast asleep, he dared to whisper,

"A Li, the one you love is me, not him. Isn't it?"

Reading notes:

1: One true pairing, one-on-one romance, and the male lead stays the same.

2: Not a full grovel-for-forgiveness story. The male lead doesn't go too far, but later he uses every dirty trick in the book. There is coercive possessiveness, and he is no perfect man.

3: The heroine is a little love-struck at first, but gradually sees things clearly.

4: The male lead's younger brother is no good, and he and the heroine are not really married. The younger brother was switched with the Crown Prince long ago.

5: I wrote this, and my style is probably always about the same. You know what I mean.

6: On a side note, why do I like the twin trope so much? Hehehe.

Theme: Cherish the person in front of you