The cold palace halls were silent when Shen Shurong spotted her husband’s younger brother—her brother-in-law, Xie Yunzhao. With no official rank or position, what was he doing in the palace so late at night? And why were his robes and the sword in his hand stained with blood? ... more>>

“You—have you rebelled?”

“Sister-in-law, I… am here to take you home!” Shen Shurong shook her head. The estate of the Grand Princess, the residence of the Commandery Prince, the mansion of the Duke of Lu—which of them would dare acknowledge her now? As the wife of the Duke of Lu’s heir and the Grand Princess’s granddaughter, the Yongjia Junzhu(("Commandery Princess" or "County Princess"; Shen Shurong’s noble title)), she had already perished in a blazing fire.

Xie Yunzhao’s crimson eyes gleamed with a smile, his sword still dripping blood. “Wherever I am, that is your home!”

——

Shen Shurong had been reborn. This time, she would change her fate—no one could stop her. Xie Yunzhao, everything that was stolen from you, I will help you reclaim. If you rebel, I will stand by your side!

——

His sister-in-law… becoming his wife? Xie Yunzhao could scarcely believe it, even after so long. Years later, he choked back tears as he asked Shen Shurong, “Back then… did you deliberately fall into the water? Did you let me rescue you on purpose? Did you cling to me intentionally, knowing it would ruin your reputation?”

Shen Shurong merely smiled, refusing to answer. She wouldn’t tell him—lest he grow smug. <<less