Splendor in the Mist

Power struggles between legitimate and illegitimate heirs, a world torn by strife, and she is a wandering soul from another world. Cool and aloof, easygoing and serene, he is a sickly prince who hides his true feelings. The cherished daughter of the Fan family, breathtakingly beautiful, she is the greatest beauty in the capital. Decisive and ruthless, diligent in governing and devoted to his people, he is the cold emperor of a prosperous age. When she enters the palace as one of his consorts, the harem is thrown into turmoil and the court is rife with intrigue. He dismisses the entire harem for her. Beneath a crape myrtle tree, warmth fills his eyes, tranquil as an ancient pool. “My dear, in life and death, we made our vow together.” She freezes for a moment, then steps forward and takes his hand. Petals brush her hair and his shoulder as her red lips part. “I will hold your hand and grow old with you.”