Three years ago, Jiang Yuanzhen found a man at the foot of a mountain as floodwaters surged. He was emaciated and close to death, but his eyes still shone like stars, beautiful to behold.
She took him back to the capital and cared for him meticulously. Three years later, he had more than proven himself: he repeatedly won top honors in examinations, excelled in writing and literature, and saved the Emperor from danger. In one leap, he rose to prominence and became a powerful new favorite.
He was gentle by nature, especially toward her, and never refused her anything.
She thought so too.
When Lu Qingzhou held an umbrella over her, his expression was gentle, and he quietly tilted the umbrella toward her. He was indeed very considerate.
Until one rainy night, when she stumbled upon him murdering someone and hiding the body. Only then did she truly understand what kind of man she had provoked.
He had never needed her pity. All his unease and hurt were fake.
...He must have hidden at her home because she was the only person in the Marquis's residence, so no one else could discover his secret.
From then on, she ignored his unusual behavior and sometimes even covered for him in front of others.
For some reason, his temperament grew increasingly unpredictable. She was even more afraid to treat him as she once had.
When he returned safely to the palace to take his place as Crown Prince, she finally felt at ease. She promptly went to discuss wedding plans with her fiance.
But then disaster struck. That night, the imperial lodge blazed with light, and blood stained the jade steps. His long fingers were bloodied, his eyes dark and heavy, and he looked like a demon.
With tears in her eyes, she repeatedly promised him, "I haven't told anyone about what you did."
He pinched her chin, stopping her from bringing up such trivial matters.
His gaze was dark and full of longing. He kissed the corner of her lips. "Why are you afraid of me? Haven't you already learned so many ways to deceive and hide things from me?"
Tears glistening on her lashes, she heard him, bit her red lip, and even forgot to cry.
His sleeves were still spattered with blood. Only the hands that touched her were clean.
Did she even have a choice?
Note:
1. Written on June 25, 2023.
2. Inspired by the completed novel in the author's collection, I Redeemed the Violent Crown Prince.
3. Blurb to be revised.
Premise: Love at first sight, affection that endures
