The Emperor and His Consort Share a Dream

Tan Sui was forced to marry a memorial tablet. After two years as a widow, she had practically become invisible in the household, and had no connection at all with the mysterious guest of honor who visited the master of the house.

But after she fell off a cliff and was rescued, she began dreaming of him again and again.

The dignified, imposing man was unexpectedly tender and attentive in her dreams. His rough, broad hand gently gripped her lower back. "Does it still hurt? Should I go slower?"

Sometimes he showed a fierce side, too. She had only worn an old dress her late husband had given her. That very night, he tore it to shreds, staring at her with a terrifyingly intense gaze.

Fortunately, by day he remained as aloof as ever, and Tan Sui discreetly kept her distance.

Who could have guessed that on a humid, sultry, sticky night, he would knock on her window?

*

After a century of warring lords, Emperor Yuanzhao pacified the Nine Provinces and ascended the throne in imperial robes, yet his harem remained empty, much to the officials' dismay.

Few knew that a woman lived in Emperor Yuanzhao's dreams.

In an autumn rain dream, her ink-black hair half covered her fragrant shoulders as she leaned against the desk and ground ink. She looked back with a sweet smile, waiting for her lover, gentle yet radiant.

But in reality, she was a plain, widowed woman who, even when harshly punished by her mother-in-law, only dared to cry in secret, dull and uninteresting.

His close attendant thoughtfully offered a plan: all he had to do was casually grant her a title and save her from her plight. She would surely cater to his tastes and devote herself to him.

Remembering her late husband's service, Emperor Yuanzhao held back time and time again.

Until he accidentally realized that the two of them shared their dreams and feelings.

Her supposed dullness was all an act, put on by a sly young widow to fool him!

Since she'd deceived him, she might as well keep it up forever...

"Madam has always been so kind. On this stormy night, with the wind howling and rain pouring, how can you bear to leave me outside your window for so long?"

[Little Scene]

In the faint light of dawn, the warm bed curtains were half-lit and half-shadowed.

Before going to court, Emperor Yuanzhao looked back at the sleepy young widow on the bed, his heart full of tenderness. "I'll make you a Noble Lady for now. Once you give birth to a prince, I'll promote you to head a palace."

Tan Sui stared at him, stunned. "A Noble Lady??"

Emperor Yuanzhao raised his dark eyes slightly. "What, do you want to be empress?"

Tan Sui glanced at him, wanting to speak but holding back.

Emperor Yuanzhao took a moment to understand, and his expression turned complicated. "After all we've done together, you still have feelings for a dead man?"

Tan Sui replied weakly, "H-he sent me a letter yesterday. He's alive..."

Good news arrived at the morning court: Young General Xie had come back from the dead, and the officials were overjoyed!

Only the man at the head of the court lowered his brows, looking gloomy and unhappy.

(He's ten years older. Both leads are each other's first and only. Happy ending. The heroine's soul transmigrates into another body.)

Theme: Every sensible girl deserves to be cherished