The Princess's Consort Is Spoiled and Proud

The young and handsome emperor rules with diligence, bringing peace and prosperity to the realm. He can govern the world, but he cannot cure the obsession festering in his heart. The object of his obsession is Li Shu, the eldest princess, whose beauty is famed throughout the land and who is renowned for loving a good spectacle. Yan Lang, the wastrel heir of a wealthy family, is eager to marry, but he keeps falling for the wrong people. At long last, he is about to wed the Chancellor's daughter when the eldest princess arrives with a whole entourage of handsome companions to watch the ceremony, just in time to witness the bride fleeing in a dramatic escape. Yan Lang looks at the bride who has taken another woman's place, demolishes the Chancellor's residence, then turns his gaze to the eldest princess, who is enjoying the show. Whether he is enraged by the Chancellor's family or bewitched by the princess's peach-blossom beauty, he finds himself inexplicably blocking her carriage. He drops to one knee. “Your Highness, are you still looking for a handsome companion? One who'll actually marry you?” The eldest princess says nothing for a moment. One of the handsome companions at her side lets out a soft gasp, points at Yan Lang, and whispers to her: “That's him. When he was young, he'd hide under the covers with your portrait, Your Highness, and use up countless silk handkerchiefs...” Yan Lang's face turns scarlet, but the eldest princess simply laughs. “So you like me? All right. I may have plenty of handsome companions, but I'm short one proper prince consort.” In the palace, the handsome emperor calmly asks the eunuch who keeps close watch on Li Shu's comings and goings, “Did the eldest princess enjoy the show?” The trusted eunuch looks flustered. “The young lord suddenly proposed, and the princess accepted!” The emperor's face turns deathly pale. He sweeps the white jade chessboard off the table, his eyes as cold and icy as a deep pool. No one else can take away the object of his obsession.