Zhou Hongmei, a young woman from a minor family in the eastern suburbs, was engaged to her childhood friend and scholar cousin, Li Jinzhi. Their families had agreed that the wedding would take place three months later.
But she unexpectedly saved Yao Ye, the heir to the Duke of Xinguo's title, who then abducted her and forced her to become his lowly concubine. After an accident, she soon became pregnant, but the two grew more and more distant. Then war broke out at the border, and Yao Ye was ordered to the front. Six months later, word came that he had died in battle, and Zhou Hongmei was driven out of the Duke of Weiguo's residence in disgrace.
After that, Zhou Hongmei's true identity came to light: she was the eldest legitimate princess who had been switched at birth. The Emperor and Empress brought her back to the palace and granted her a princess's residence. Now a widow, Zhou Hongmei was pursued by young men from many noble families.
Just as Zhou Hongmei was about to marry with her biological daughter at her side, Yao Ye, who had faked his death, returned to the capital to steal her away!
Reading notes:
1. The dynasty is fictional. Please don't nitpick the details.
2. A beautiful, strong, resilient princess vs. a domineering heir who takes what he wants.
3. One-on-one romance.
Theme: Women should be strong and self-reliant.
