The Fallen Princess Refuses to Marry, and the Cold New Emperor Regrets It Too Late

[The Ex-Husband’s Regret and Pursuit + Mutual First Loves] Song Xianzhu had thought her life was so insignificant that no one would care if she died in the imperial palace. But Shen Hui found her before death could. In the filthy palace, they became each other’s only comfort. He was a treacherous minister everyone wanted dead, yet he repeatedly defied imperial orders for her, an unfavored princess. So that he could ascend the throne with a clean slate, she was willing to bear the crime of patricide. She thought that after all their hardship, they could finally spend their lives together. But he took the phoenix pearl that had kept her alive and defied fate for another woman! Only as she lay dying did Song Xianzhu learn that all of Shen Hui’s affection had been a ploy to exploit her innate phoenix destiny and further his plans to restore his kingdom. After being reborn, Song Xianzhu decided to live differently. When she looked at him, there was nothing left but calculation and appraisal. Not a trace of affection remained. She stopped clinging to him and ended their romance with a pact. “I’ll give you the kingdom. You’ll guarantee my safety for the rest of my life, and I’ll decide whom I marry.” Once the realm was at peace, Song Xianzhu caroused with men, and her residence rang with music and dancing. The next day, Shen Hui ordered the execution of the eighteen male companions she kept. Song Xianzhu stormed into the palace to demand an explanation. “Does Your Majesty intend to break our pact?” But the lofty emperor’s eyes were red as he crouched at the hem of her skirt, like an abandoned dog. “What do you like about them? I can learn, can’t I?”