Crown Prince Rong Xi looked like an immortal descended from heaven and kept his distance from women. Rumors even claimed that he was cursed to bring death to his wife. With the crown prince approaching twenty, the emperor intended to choose a consort for him. Thanks to the unserious fortune-telling of the Imperial Astrologer, Ming Hui, who was rumored to be cursed to bring death to her husband, became the officially appointed crown princess.
He brought death to his wife, and she brought death to her husband.
Ming Hui felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. Were they supposed to make a perfect pair and see who killed the other first?
Red candles flickered in the bridal chamber. Dressed in red, Rong Xi was noble and aloof. He lifted her red bridal veil, drank the nuptial wine with her, then left without sparing her another glance. Ming Hui secretly rejoiced, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Not long after the wedding, she slowly changed into a gauzy robe as thin as a cicada's wings and went to the crown prince's bedchamber. She ground ink and played the zither, and, thanks to her tireless efforts, ink splattered everywhere and the music grated on the ears.
Unable to bear it any longer, Rong Xi threw her out of his bedchamber. His voice was as cold as snow. "From now on, without my permission, you are not to set foot in my bedchamber. You are not to come within ten feet of me."
Ming Hui kept a straight face, but inwardly she was overjoyed. Ten feet wasn't enough. It had to be thirty!
But her good fortune did not last. The emperor sent the two of them to suppress bandits. When they were in mortal danger, Ming Hui saved the crown prince's life and seized the opportunity to secure his promise.
Ming Hui replied without hesitation, "Your Highness, ask Father Emperor for a divorce decree."
At her words, Rong Xi, with his back to her, felt his light steps suddenly grow unbearably heavy. He said nothing.
After returning to the palace, Rong Xi happened to see the crown princess flying a kite with his younger brother in the imperial garden. Her bright eyes were like water, and her smile was radiant. The sight was unbearable to him, and a flash of viciousness appeared in his dark eyes.
In the side hall, Rong Xi advanced step by step, pinning her against the dressing table. A dangerous heat radiated from him. Her flower hairpin fell, and her long black hair cascaded down, winding around his fingers.
Ming Hui's voice trembled. "Your Highness, you've crossed the line. This is already within ten feet."
His long fingers tugged open her sash, and his burning palm settled on her waist. The crown prince carried her toward the bathing pool, his voice rising at the end. "I was wrong before. The crown princess and I should be as close as can be."
In the red gauze curtains, they lingered in tender intimacy. Ming Hui no longer had the strength to bring up the word divorce.
Later, everyone in the Eastern Palace knew the crown prince spent every night in the side hall. The main hall had practically become the side hall.
Early on, the crown prince: Stay away from me.
Later, the crown prince: Come cuddle, my dear.
Reading guide to be added. Blurb saved on 2025.5.7.
Theme: Learn to love yourself first, then learn to love others.
