After Becoming the Substitute Bride of a Cruel Prince

He Nian was an unloved princess confined to the cold palace. When an imperial decree arrived, she was forced to take her elder sister's place, marry Prince Zhao Qi Che, and become the Empress Dowager's spy at his side.

Qi Che had wielded power over the court for years. Everyone praised his refined grace, and countless women dreamed of him night and day.

Only she knew how cruel and vicious Qi Che was. Beneath his beautiful exterior lurked a brutal, bloodthirsty nature.

She passed along intelligence with painstaking care, never making a single mistake, only to be silenced by the Empress Dowager and die full of resentment.

When He Nian opened her eyes again, she was reborn on the eve of her wedding.

Thinking of her miserable fate in her previous life, when she'd been at others' mercy, she fell silent. Defying the Empress Dowager's orders, she switched out the poison she'd prepared in advance, hoping to muddle through.

By a twist of fate, the poison became an aphrodisiac, and they spent a wild night together.

He Nian's face turned deathly pale. The man before her looked indifferent as he leisurely straightened his robes, his voice cold and low. "My lady."

-

Against all expectations, the drug took effect more than once.

First came a palace banquet, in a secluded spot by the rockery.

He Nian had just said goodbye to a friend when Qi Che wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind, his eyes dark with undisguised intent.

"Could it be, my lady, that you want to ask someone else for help?"

Then came the spring hunt, deep in the forest.

Qi Che drove He Nian back step by step until a broad hand gripped her waist tightly.

He bent down and gently brushed her trembling lips, his voice soft as he asked, "At a time like this, where do you think you can hide, my lady?"

Qi Che and the Empress Dowager had long been enemies, and He Nian was the person she'd sent to him. He Nian was convinced Qi Che hated her to the core, and that was why he kept pursuing her so relentlessly.

Just as she resolved to find another way to neutralize the drug, she happened to overhear a physician speaking with someone: "The drug has no effect on the prince, so naturally there's no cure to find."

Since he was young, Qi Che had been entrusted with great responsibilities and praised for his unparalleled wisdom and extraordinary talent.

He was cold-hearted and desireless, craving only power and the thrill of slaughter.

But later, a single smile from He Nian was enough to make him willingly bow before her.

One-on-one, happy ending, both leads' first relationship

Theme: Never give up