The King’s Beauty

<This story takes place in the Ming Dynasty, and the heroine knows history well and is meticulous in her thinking.> I know how everyone’s story ends, but not my own. I know how history changes, but not why. She is innocently caught up in history and cannot stay out of it. Only in the end does she realize: It was all because of her. <The story of a woman entangled with three generations of emperors> The graceful, talented and peerlessly beautiful Jianwen Emperor, Zhu Yunwen. He dotes on her, but also keeps her under his control: “The rapid expansion of power means your downfall will come all the sooner. I hope you’ll remember that.” The spirited, dashing and brilliantly strategic ruler, Zhu Di. He loves her, yet he is also the one who hurts her most: “Xu, a vile woman who grew arrogant on the strength of My favor, disrupted the imperial harem, meddled in government, and cultivated ties with frontier generals and close ministers, betraying My grace. In consideration of her father, the renowned general Xu Da, and his loyalty to the dynasty, I spare her execution and reduce her to commoner status. She is forbidden from entering the palace for the rest of her life.” And then there is the lustful emperor whom the history books say died from overindulgence. On the surface, he appears weak and helpless, and seems to have no connection with her... (Let’s leave that as a mystery.) Zhu Yunwen: “I love the empire.” He rested a hand against her cheek and spoke gently. “But I love a beautiful woman more.” Zhu Di: “My empire, my woman.” A trace of determination flashed in his eyes as he emphasized, “Mine.” Zhu Gaochi: “If you dare deceive me again...” He chuckled, dimples faintly appearing. “I’ll have the whole empire buried with you.” <There’s heartbreak too.> She hid her naked body in the cold lake and looked up at him, beautiful as an immortal. He smiled faintly, holding her clothes as he slowly approached. He reached out his right hand and said softly, “Get up.” The night wind howled, and the lake was cold. She shivered with chill, but stubbornly refused to get up. “Do you really have to do this? Can’t you let me win just once?” “The moment His Majesty came looking for me, I had already lost.” XOXO “It was you! You killed my sister!” She was furious in a way she had never been before, and roared at him. “Did I?” He smiled calmly, his expression utterly unruffled. “What are you trying to do?!” “You still don’t understand what I’m trying to do?” He stood and came close, then suddenly reached out and gripped her cheeks. “You didn’t kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of you. Xu Miaojin, do you think you can walk away unscathed?” This story is entirely fictional. Any intentional resemblance is coincidental. (History is full of coincidences.) <In the end> This is a love story. A story of a beautiful woman and an empire.