The Beauty and the Eunuch

Shen Xueyan, the Prime Minister's second daughter, could make fish sink and geese fall with a single smile over her shoulder. She was Luoyang's most beautiful invalid, her frail, willow-like figure winning the favor of countless painters.

Renowned physicians had declared that Shen Xueyan would not live past sixteen.

On the thirteenth day of the sixth month, Shen Xueyan turned fifteen and came of age.

The Emperor visited the Prime Minister's residence and saw her sickly appearance.

She was out of breath after three steps and coughing after five.

The Emperor lamented that fate was cruel to such a beauty, and asked,

"My dear girl, is there anything you regret, cough, or any wish you have?"

Shen Xueyan answered without lowering her eyes, "There is someone I have loved since I was little."

The Emperor grew interested. "Is it the eldest son of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, or the young heir of Prince He?"

Just then, in a corner of the banquet hall, Min Liansheng, the powerful and ruthless head of the Western Depot, slowly raised his phoenix eyes. There sat the second Miss Shen, rumored not to live past the end of the year, chin propped on her hand as she smiled at him.

Min Liansheng suddenly had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, the imperial decree granting her marriage arrived at the residence that very night.

Bonus Scene:

On the first day of their marriage, the pampered Second Miss Shen completely transformed the gloomy Governor's residence. In no time, it had become a delicate inner courtyard filled with birdsong and flowers.

Min Liansheng's thick brows furrowed, his eyes dark and damp with displeasure, irritation written across his face.

Shen Xueyan was overseeing the work. When she saw him return, she naturally took his hand and said reproachfully, "You're only just back."

Min Liansheng, who had always hated being touched, held back his irritation.

After all, she wouldn't live past the end of the year.

Much later, Min Liansheng, who had never believed in gods or Buddhas, begged every deity under heaven and knelt before them all, seeking to atone for his sins. All so Shen Xueyan could live long and well.

1. The male lead is truly a eunuch, and the female lead is a scheming beauty.

2. The Governor is the one below, while the beauty is the one on top.

3. Marriage first, love later. The male lead will come around in the later chapters.

Theme: Love is the beginning of all romance.