The Promise of Spring

Shen Zhaoyi is the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household, the most dazzling noblewoman in the capital. In her past life, her family lost its title and both her parents died. To curry favor with the powerful, her uncle and aunt from the second branch ruined her reputation and sent her to the bed of Qi Yong, the regent. She became his pampered bedmate, a caged bird. Reborn, Shen Zhaoyi refuses to repeat the same mistakes. Her grandmother favors the second branch and wants the main branch to serve as their stepping stone? Her uncle harbors treasonous ambitions, conspires with rebels, and frames her father? Her fiancé is unfaithful, carrying on with her frail cousin behind her back? Her cousin is so consumed by jealousy that she wants to ruin Shen Zhaoyi’s life and steal everything she has? Shen Zhaoyi is furious. “Shut the doors. Send in Qi Yong.” Qi Yong is violent and murderous, the “Living Yama” in the eyes of the world. But he loves Shen Zhaoyi more than life itself and spoils her without restraint. He holds her in the palm of his hand, cherishes her in his heart, and tenderly calls her “My little Zhaozhao.” But his little Zhaozhao is afraid of him! Later, he grips his young wife’s slender waist, his eyes red as he demands, “Tell me, why are you afraid of me?” Shen Zhaoyi always thought she was Qi Yong’s substitute for his first love. Only later did she discover that his first love was me all along. I was my own substitute?