Forced Smiles

Yun Huan woke up one day and couldn't remember a thing.

The man waiting by her bed saw her open her eyes and, overjoyed, told her that she was his wife.

It wasn't long before Yun Huan learned that she had another identity: the empress, mother of the realm. Her husband, Xue Xingzhao, was a newly enthroned emperor, peerlessly handsome and supremely noble.

He treated her with deep devotion, making her heart flutter and drawing her into his love.

But at times, Xue Xingzhao grew so anxious that he wouldn't let her leave his side. He wanted to be the only one in her eyes and in her heart.

Once, Yun Huan casually remarked that the top scorer in the imperial examination seemed kind-faced. A few days later, she heard that the man had met with an unfortunate end. Her heart gave a sudden lurch, and she looked at the handsome man holding her in his arms with a smile, speechless with fear.

In the days that followed, Yun Huan watched her words and actions carefully, placating Xue Xingzhao and acting sweetly. Their marriage remained as loving as ever.

Then, one day, her memories returned. She remembered that she was the legitimate daughter of the Wen family. The two of them had once been in love, but as she gradually realized that he was cold by nature, nothing like the gentle and kind man he appeared to be, she grew afraid.

On the day Yun Huan came of age, Xue Xingzhao offered the position of crown princess as his betrothal gift, seeking her hand in marriage.

She politely declined.