How Could a Painted Kingdom Compare to the Vermilion Between Your Brows?

They are twin blossoms, one kindhearted, the other vicious. They grew up alongside the current emperor.

They fall in love with the same man, enter the palace together, and are both granted titles. The difference is that the younger sister is named empress, while the elder becomes an imperial consort.

Rumor has it:

She never fought for anything, yet incurred the emperor's displeasure and was banished to the Cold Palace.

She was ruthless and cruel, and won the emperor's undying love, reigning supreme among the imperial harem.

If one day the two became one, what would become of them? In the end, who would win that unparalleled favor, or would they both have it?

He is emperor, ruler, and husband.

He knows her kindness and her heart.

He knows her ruthlessness and her venom.

“I'm sorry, Qianxue.” That day, a light rain fell. Dressed in his yellow dragon robe, he came to Luoxue Palace and stood outside the door, not daring to enter. He owed her too much in this life.

“Your Majesty, Qianxue has no resentment or hatred. I only ask to be sent to the Cold Palace.” The door suddenly opened. She stood there in plain white robes, her dark hair loosely pinned up. She had known he would come. She had thought about these words for a long time. Perhaps this would be best for both of them.

He looked up in shock. They gazed at each other, but she could not see the helplessness and guilt in his eyes.

After a long pause,

“Very well.” It was a simple phrase, but he seemed to force it out with all his strength. Then he turned and ran out of Luoxue Palace, his steps unsteady.

“Long Yuchen, you went to Zhongcui Palace last night!” An angry voice rang out from Fengyi Palace. In her phoenix robes, she looked even more alluring.

“Yingluo, Consort Chun was ill. I only went to see her.” Another voice followed, trying to explain.

“Fine, very fine. You feel sorry for her? Then let her sleep forever with your sympathy.” Her cruel, merciless words made the man shake his head. He knew what she was like. He should not have given in that day. In the end, he had still brought harm to that woman.

The next day,

“Your Majesty, Consort Chun suddenly died this morning. The imperial physician says she was poisoned.” The chief eunuch, Zhang Jin, hurried into the imperial study. After speaking, he stepped aside to await the emperor's response.

But for a long time, the person seated above said nothing.

“Convey my decree: Consort Chun suffered a sudden illness last night and passed away this morning. I am deeply grieved. Posthumously elevate her to Consort Chun and grant her a grand funeral.” Zhang Jin was stunned at first, then quickly came to his senses. He murmured his assent and headed for Zhongcui Palace. Once outside the imperial study, he muttered, “Being near the ruler is like being near a tiger, but even more terrifying than a tiger is a woman's jealousy.” He knew full well who was responsible, and could only sigh at the emperor's heart, the emperor's heart.

“Who are you, Qianxue or Yingluo?” He looked at the woman before him, puzzled and confused. Why did she lack the vermilion mark between her brows, yet have a temperament so much like Yingluo's? If she was Yingluo, then what about Qianxue? Could Yingluo's soul have taken up residence in Qianxue's body? The thought shocked him.

“I am Qianxue, and I am Yingluo. Do you believe me, Chen?”

Chen, do you believe me?

Chen, do you believe me?

“I... I...” He woke from his dream, startled by his own answer. Those words, “Chen, do you believe me?” kept echoing in his mind, refusing to fade. Or perhaps he simply could not let her go. Was it her?

That year, with enemy troops at the gates, she begged him to let her go, to trade herself for the eternal survival of his kingdom.

“What is a kingdom of breathtaking beauty compared to the vermilion mark between your brows?” Their eyes met as his hand touched the mark between her brows.

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