Also known as: Usurping the Moon
In the first year of Jian'an, barely half a year after the new emperor ascended the throne, the entire Cui family was executed.
Thanks to her father's old friend secretly coming to her rescue, Cui Liyue escaped with her life. With no other choice, she changed her name and identity, and impersonated Song Qingxu, the youngest son of the Song family. Disguised as a man, she entered the imperial examinations.
After she passed the highest examination, people came in droves to congratulate her. Some tested the new top scholar, asking where he would stand as the new emperor and the regent were at each other's throats.
Song Qingxu met the regent's gaze from a hundred paces away. Her fingertips went pale as she replied ambiguously with two words: "The rightful heir."
-
Everyone in court knew that the new top scholar regarded the regent as a thorn in his side. Even the new emperor had once mocked him to his face: "This new top scholar has quite some nerve. Every official praises my royal uncle, yet he alone keeps submitting impeachments against him."
But the regent had always only smiled in silence.
During a discussion of official business, the regent cornered Song Qingxu against the desk. Gazing at the face that so closely resembled someone from his memories, he lifted the tassel hanging from her hair.
"Top Scholar, why have you never considered persuading me to switch sides?"
"Perhaps I would be willing to brave fire and water for you."
The name that had echoed through countless dreams almost slipped from her lips. She knew he had recognized her.
Her expression remained composed, though her fingers trembled inside her sleeve. She avoided his gaze. "Your Highness, this humble official only wishes for you to remain true to yourself. Do not ruin your good name for the sake of one person."
His hand slipped into her sleeve and clasped hers. Beneath his stern exterior lay an ocean of tenderness.
"When I saw you smile at me beneath the wisteria that year, I had already fallen for you."
"I swear to protect your peace for the rest of my life."
-
Xiao Hexun was an upright man. Even with imperial authority in others' hands, he had never harbored the slightest disloyal thought. Though all under heaven lamented it, he had no regrets, devoting himself to assisting his imperial nephew.
Then the one he loved was wronged, and her whole family was slaughtered. Only then did he realize that without power, all he could do was let others carve him up at will.
Xiao Hexun would usurp the throne.
He would clear the Cui family's name and set the historical record straight.
Even if he were branded a usurper, even if he bore the condemnation of generations to come, he would have no regrets.
-
What is there to scheme for in this paltry realm?
From beginning to end, the only person I have ever schemed for is her.
-- Xiao Hexun
I resent the moon for shining on everyone but me. I resent the moon for shining on everyone except me.
I resent it again and again, yet the moon hangs high above, never coming to resent me.
-- Xiao Suzhao
[Reader's Guide]
1. Slow burn, one-on-one romance.
2. The romance takes center stage, with a little political intrigue to serve the relationship.
3. A gentle yet resilient female top scholar x a seemingly detached but secretly devoted regent.
4. When the heroine is disguised as a man, she has a flirtatious and rakish side, as well as a gloomy, obsessive one.
5. Adding a second male lead: a complete lunatic with no limits and brutal methods.
6. The hero is the second male lead's uncle. They are the late emperor's youngest brother and eldest son, respectively, and both are around the heroine's age.
7. The historical setting is a free-for-all, so don't scrutinize it too closely. Official posts are mainly modeled on the Ming dynasty, while clothing draws on the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties.
Theme: Living alongside you, with love surging beneath the surface
