Ulterior Motives

My new novel, Your Highness, Why Are You Running? Please add it to your collection!

The mad power-seeking minister and political rival who claimed he would always be on top eventually oversteps his station, pinning the cool and proper Crown Prince beneath him and taking him fiercely.

Blurb:

Top: Lin Zhenshu. Bottom: Chu Qingci. Incredibly sweet and doting!

Lin Zhenshu, the Regent with power over the entire court, does only three things during court sessions: ignore the young emperor, ignore the ministers, and weaken the influence of every faction, especially the Chu and Su families.

The ministers secretly all want him dead. They have sent assassins after him many times, but every attempt has failed.

Chu Qingci, the second son born to a concubine of the Chu family, is manipulated by his father into attempting to assassinate Lin Zhenshu.

By chance, he runs into Lin Zhenshu after the latter has been drugged with an aphrodisiac. Chu Qingci can't beat him and ends up weak-kneed from his kisses instead.

Lin Zhenshu pins him to the bed. Looking at Chu Qingci's flawless skin and seductive eyes, he gives an impish smile. "Want to kill me? Your only chance is in bed. I'll give you the opportunity to move into my residence. What do you say?"

After Chu Qingci moves in, Lin Zhenshu does only four things: kiss him, hold him, pin him beneath him, and... spoil him.

Chu Qingci curses, "You... bastard!"

Lin Zhenshu smiles. "If taking liberties with you makes me a bastard, then... I suppose I truly am one!"

Chu Qingci can't outcurse him, can't beat him, can't kill him, and is pinned beneath him in this position... All his pent-up feelings turn to hurt, and a mist gathers in his eyes.

Lin Zhenshu tenderly kisses his eyes. "My dear Qingci, I was nearly strangled to death by you and didn't complain. Why are you the one crying now?"

Later, Chu Qingci leaves the palace. Lin Zhenshu, now on the throne, follows a lead and goes to find him. Chu Qingci disguises himself as someone else and returns to Lin Zhenshu's side under a new identity. They fall in love all over again.

It turns out all his indulgence began with love at first sight.

And all his schemes and wicked intentions eventually became a love as deep as the sea.

Another novel by the author, Winning His Favor, is now complete.

[Historical political intrigue + mutual devotion | A doting, flirtatious heir apparent × a scheming, alluring Vice Minister, from playful flirting to standing together through life and death]

He is the heir of Prince Jing, who holds sway over his own territory. Everyone says he is a heart-stealing flirt, but he has eyes for only one person.

He is a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, concealing his sharpness beneath a mild and proper facade, yet his ears turn red whenever the other man draws near.

Lu Mingwen: "My lord, are you trying to prove that you really are a lecher?"

Chu Xingxian: "Vice Minister Lu, I'll make sure that the label 'jealous man' sticks to you."

From digging pits for each other and trading barbs to secret schemes entangling their hearts, from the lie of "standing by and watching" to the lie of "going our separate ways,"

he uses his martial arts to keep the other safe, while the other uses his wits to get him out of trouble;

he washes his hands and cooks for the other, while the other shields him from all the world's malice;

when he calls him "Mingwen," amusement shines in the corners of his eyes, and when he calls him "my lord," his throat turns hot.

It turns out the most ruthless political scheme is hiding the truth that "it has to be you";

and the sweetest mutual love is knowing the other is digging a pit, yet jumping in willingly.

Until they stand back to back on the battlefield, swords in hand. "When the land is at peace, will you marry me?"

He replies, "I'm a man!" Then a soft laugh escapes his throat. "All right!"

Theme: Love that grows over time