Ten Miles of Red Bridal Finery Across the Riverlands

Everyone says he is incorruptible, and his handsome, flawless face has won the hearts of countless women. Little do they know that beneath his fierce, murderous exterior lies a tender, gentle heart.

Everyone says he is cold and passionless. His detached, unruffled way of dealing with people has become a model for scholars everywhere, yet they fail to see the hint of longing and infatuation hidden in his wise, steady gaze.

He moves with ease through the halls of government and makes ruthless decisions on the battlefield. Even if it costs him his life, he will never let anyone tarnish that person's reputation or harm a single hair on their head.

He accepts the reverence and prostrations of thousands, yet willingly yields to that person's bed.

But who could have guessed that all her bold deeds and soldier's garb served only to conceal the fact that she was a woman, something she could never reveal to the world?

“I don't like seeing you dressed like this.” Reclining on the bed, he casually tugged her down from where she stood ramrod straight and onto his lap. He idly toyed with the sash at her waist, gently winding it around his fingers, his serene gaze full of teasing mischief.

“If I ever take these clothes off, I won't be able to stay by Your Majesty's side anymore.” Tenderness lingered at her lips. Though she said it with a playful smile, the faint sadness in her eyes could not be concealed.

“Are you blaming me?” His gaze suddenly sharpened. He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.

She froze for a moment, then came to her senses and slapped his hand away. For the first time, she leaned coquettishly into his arms of her own accord. “Every woman in the realm dreams of entering Laiyi Palace. I have been fortunate enough to earn even the smallest measure of Your Majesty's favor. That is more than enough for me. How could I ever dare blame you?”

He smiled. Surely the place every woman in the world most wanted to enter was the residence of her, Lu Li, Prime Minister Lu.

“Remember this: even if you die, you can only ever belong to me.” His words were harsh, but filled with unmistakable affection.

“I will remember.”

She agreed with him, never imagining that the day she left would truly come.

She had once put on these official robes against her will for his sake, hiding that she was a woman. Now, for his sake once again, she took them off and returned to being a woman.

In the first half of my life, I lived for all under heaven. Now, at last, I live for myself and become the real Lu Li again.

Only, a woman, Lu Li.