Longing for What I Cannot Have

The Marquis of Tuyuan has rendered such great service that he threatens the throne, controlling the feudal lords by holding the young emperor in his grasp. His only weakness is his granddaughter, Li Zhao, whom he raised himself. Li Zhao grew up in the palace, always following the emperor and calling him "Big Brother Emperor." By the time she came of age, she was determined to marry no one but him. The Marquis of Tuyuan is old. He knows the emperor is steadily growing more powerful, and that sooner or later the two of them will turn against each other. But he cannot stand up to his beloved granddaughter, who threatens to starve herself. So he voluntarily gives up part of his military power, hoping the emperor will put the past behind them and treat Li Zhao well. The emperor, Xiao Cheng, has spent years lying low and biding his time. After the Marquis of Tuyuan dies, he strips Li Zhao of her position as empress and confines her to the Cold Palace. Only then does Li Zhao realize the emperor feels nothing but hatred for her. Reborn, she looks back on her previous life and knows that Xiao Cheng will become a wise ruler and usher in a golden age. She cannot stop Xiao Cheng from rising to power, but she can plan ahead and take her grandfather away from court so he can enjoy a peaceful retirement. "Big Brother Emperor, I'm going to marry someone on the border." The young woman's eyes gleam with meaning. The young emperor pauses, his long, elegant fingers tightening around the birthday gift he had carefully chosen for her, hidden in his sleeve. He does not know when she stopped being close to him and became distant and aloof, or why she did not even discuss her marriage with him beforehand. Note: face-slapping, chasing after love only to be rejected, second male lead wins -------Forthcoming stories below------- Historical romance coming soon: Spring Palace Grievance Years later, when they meet by chance, the gentle, refined crown prince sighs with a smile. "You've changed a lot." She is no longer willful and spoiled, but quiet and gentle. Jiang Yinyue says nothing, remembering how she was pushed out of the picture all those years ago... She was once a proud young lady from a distinguished family, the crown prince's childhood sweetheart. Spoiled by his favor, she was arrogant and overbearing, angering the old emperor so much he bristled his whiskers. Rather than choose her as a bride for the royal family, he decided it was better to settle for the well-mannered daughter of a minor official. That way, the two could make a celebrated match. The crown prince's betrothal was a grand affair. Everyone praised the handsome couple, who had overcome every obstacle and shared a love as steadfast as gold and stone. Jiang Yinyue became a laughingstock. People mocked her for being manipulated by the crown prince all along, foolishly serving as a foil for the minor official's daughter. That girl was the precious treasure the crown prince wanted to hold in the palm of his hand. "Yinyue, I can arrange a marriage for you. Choose any eligible young man at court." Was this supposed to make up for it? Jiang Yinyue felt as though something were stuck in her throat, and all hope left her. She shut herself away, and her father repeatedly scolded her for being useless. In a fit of pique, she chose to marry beneath her station and wed a poor scholar. Her days passed as placidly as water. Three years passed in a flash. She accompanied her husband to take up a post in the provinces. They became separated along the way, and just as she found herself in a desperate predicament, she ran into the crown prince, who was traveling incognito through the region. The crown prince, still as radiant and refined as ever, meant to sit down and talk with Jiang Yinyue, hoping to make amends for the wrongs of the past. Then a handsome, elegant man hurried in to find her. Wei Qin took Jiang Yinyue's hand, his face full of concern. "I'm sorry. I came too late." Jiang Yinyue froze. She had never seen him so flustered. In her memory, Wei Qin was always restrained, courteous, and unhurried. The crown prince watched the two of them in silence, his gaze falling on their joined hands. A strange ache stirred in his chest. He had never imagined that one day he would humbly beg Jiang Yinyue to return to his side. Redemption, second male lead wins . Cover art by the artist Shili Changhuan Yuening Theme: Face your heart, and dare to love and hate.