The Regent’s Scheming Princess Consort

This is a story about an ambitious regent from a family of a different surname, a scheming princess raised outside the palace since childhood, and a young emperor.

The emperor of the Yun Zhao Kingdom died without warning. His only son, seven-year-old Yun Yechen, ascended the throne, while the prince of another surname, Li Rongmo, was appointed regent and took control of the court. On the very day he was about to take over the imperial seal in front of all the officials, an unexpected visitor returned to the palace: the sixth princess, Yun Jinsheng, whom the late emperor had sent away at birth. Many people could barely even remember her name, but today she returned in all her splendor, bringing with her the late emperor's decree.

The late emperor's sacred decree ordered that the imperial seal be entrusted to the sixth princess, Yun Jinsheng, and that she take charge of the inner palace. Yun Jinsheng's slender fingers brushed over the edict as she smiled at the handsome regent standing below the jade steps. Father hadn't sent her away because he didn't love her. He had done so because he loved her too much. No matter how formidable you are, Regent Li Rongmo, just wait and see what I have in store for you! I will protect the throne of Yun Zhao!

Excerpt One:

“Your Highness.” The man cautiously looked up, but the regent still showed no reaction.

“Your Highness, Princess Jinsheng wants to choose a consort for you. She's sent someone to the manor to let you know.”

Li Rongmo finally looked up from his memorials, his brow furrowing. What is she up to now?

When Li Rongmo arrived at the palace and saw Yun Jinsheng, she was carefully studying a series of portraits spread out before her.

“What exactly are you trying to do?” Li Rongmo asked, his voice low.

Yun Jinsheng picked up the tea beside her and handed it to Li Rongmo with a smile. “If the regent doesn't want to choose a consort, that's fine too. I would like to send a few more people to your manor to serve you. I wonder if you would agree?”

Li Rongmo lifted the lid. The fragrance of tea wafted up, and he took a small sip. “All right.” She just wanted to plant a few spies in his manor, didn't she? He might as well let her do as she pleased.

Yun Jinsheng smiled mysteriously and leaned close to his ear, her voice almost a whisper. “Aren't you afraid I've put something in your tea, Regent?”

Excerpt Two:

“Your Highness.”

“What is it this time?”

“Princess Jinsheng has been meeting General Lin's son, Lin Anfeng, often lately, and they seem to get along very well. General Lin appears to want the princess as his daughter-in-law.” If General Lin joined the princess's side, it would put the regent at a disadvantage.

Li Rongmo's brow furrowed. He got up and headed out. How strange. The regent rarely looked like that. It seemed this really was serious.

When Li Rongmo found Yun Jinsheng, she was leisurely feeding the fish. He frowned. “What are you up to now?”

Yun Jinsheng looked puzzled. What had she done?

“Why are you meeting Lin Anfeng?”

“Of course it's to stop the regent from controlling the entire military. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any way to fight back.”

“I'll give you the troops of the Southern and Eastern Garrisons. From now on, don't meet Lin Anfeng again.”

Yun Jinsheng froze with her hand in the air, still feeding the fish. What did he mean by that?