"An orphan of the previous dynasty
actually hopes that I will bring peace and prosperity to the realm through good governance and military might?"
"Your Highness, I suppose I have gotten what I wished for."
"What a fine thing, getting what you wished for. Xue Yong, what about me?"
"Your Highness is blessed by Heaven and will endure alongside this age of prosperity."
"What about us?!"
"We have shared a stretch of road. You and I need not meet again."
"So sanctimonious, so utterly hypocritical! And you still say you don't hate me."
"Jingyao, I hate imperial power, not you."
"Zhonghuai, do you know what the character 'qing' means?"
"It is Your Highness's name. I wouldn't dare presume to guess."
"It's just a sound, after all.
After all these years, give me that sound."
Reading Guide:
1. There is angst, but it has a happy ending (highlighted).
2. National vendettas and family feuds lie hidden in their hearts, and their resolve to endure hardship and bide their time remains unbroken.
3. There is youthful spirit crushed under humiliation, and the heartache of loving someone you cannot have.
4. Scheming gong x childhood-friend shou
Blurb screenshotted on 2025.2.8
Theme: I shall cease to be myself, but I will not fail the world.
