(Historical fiction in an imaginary setting, sister-in-law romance. Please add it to your collection ^o^)
Li Huaiqing was a talented, virtuous beauty, and the empress of Da'an.
Her husband, Chen Zhang, conquered lands in every direction, made his name feared among the Rong and Xia peoples, defeated the Five Hu tribes, and achieved great things. He was an emperor and a hero.
They had grown up together and shared a deep affection.
One morning, the young emperor walked barefoot through the palace hall.
Li Huaiqing asked, puzzled, "My lord, what are you doing?"
The emperor blinked and smiled. "Only trying to make you smile."
That afternoon, a eunuch came to report that Prince Changguang had requested an audience.
Her husband's younger brother, Chen Lang, was kind and quiet, with a handsome face. Li Huaiqing had doted on him since he was a child.
When Chen Lang saw a butterfly settle in his sister-in-law's hair, he lowered his eyes to hide his jealousy.
He asked softly, "Sister-in-law, are you well?"
--
Li Huaiqing's husband went mad, repeatedly doing absurd things.
Chen Zhang died young, and all sides began to scheme.
Her former brother-in-law became the new emperor, and at last he could enter her chambers.
But he pointed his blade at his widowed sister-in-law, dressed in plain mourning clothes.
Casting aside his disguise, he looked at her with a determined gaze. "All I ask is that you love me, Sister-in-law."
--
When he was young, he was always following his sister-in-law, lingering at the hem of her skirt.
He listened to her soft words and watched her smile.
In private, he secretly coveted her.
All he ever asked was for his sister-in-law's affection.
Theme: The Prince of Xiang had a dream
