The original novel behind the TV drama Hundred Flowers Kill, starring Meng Ziyi and He Yu.
"I may choose whichever man of the imperial family I please. I would dare say so even in His Majesty's presence."
She was noble, icy, and disdainful of all humanity. Nothing and no one in the world could move her.
Until she met that cup of top-grade pre-Qingming Longjing tea.
He knelt to plead for a corrupt minister: "The crime should not extend to his wife and children."
The officials were moved: The Crown Prince was kindhearted.
Only she knew that he had exposed the minister, and that one of his own men had taken the minister's post.
He went to great lengths for a prince suspected of plotting treason. "Second Brother is filial and fraternal. I refuse to believe he would commit such treason."
The imperial clan praised him: The Crown Prince was loyal to family.
Only she knew he had masterminded the treason. His efforts were just a cover-up, ensuring the evidence was irrefutable and someone else took the blame.
He personally tasted the medicine for the ailing emperor and attended him at his bedside. "If Father does not recover, I will not eat."
The people were moved: The Crown Prince was filial and righteous.
Only she knew he had poisoned the emperor. Tasting the medicine was just a way to keep him from waking too soon...
He was gentle and harmless with her. "Ahem, ahem... Xihe, I may be weak, but anything you need, I can bring you."
"..." Weak? He clearly had no idea she'd watched him behead three men with a single sword stroke. "Stop pretending, Your Highness."
He dropped his sickly act, his gaze deep and burning as it pinned her in place. "You may have as many choices as you like. In the end, you can only be mine."
Also known as The Eastern Palace Couple Got Their Roles Backward and The Crown Prince's Daily Performance of Insincere Sweetness.
