In the second year of the Sacred Era, the Empress Dowager began appointing female officials. Zhu Yan, an illegitimate daughter of the Zhu family and a student of Dr. Zhu’s academy, mastered her skills and entered the Ministry of Justice, becoming a ninth-rank clerk. However, due to her legitimate sister eloping, she was forced to marry Shen Du, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards, at her father’s desperate plea.... more>>

On the first night of their marriage, Shen Du drew his sword and laid down three “delusions” for her—

Don’t even dream of becoming his true wife—between them, there would be a marriage in name only.

Don’t even dream of extracting any information from him—he knew she was a spy sent by the Li family.

Don’t even dream of surviving in the Shen residence for more than three months—he was determined to kill her with his own hands.

Zhu Yan remained silent. <<less