Before the imperial edict for marriage arrived, I never imagined that my husband-to-be would be Xue Shaochong.

Although we practically grew up together—studying and playing in the palace—we were childhood acquaintances at best.

But we never opened our hearts to each other, nor truly understood one another. We got along well enough when we played.

He loved archery and horseback riding; I followed along and became a skilled archer myself. I excelled in painting; he once asked me to draw for him.

He is a prince born of the Noble Consort, while I’m the biological niece of the Empress. He holds status, and I am no less noble.

Yet neither of us ever thought we’d be a good match.

Why?

Because his mother gave everything—mobilized the entire strength of Xiliang—to help the emperor ascend the throne, yet she was denied the position of empress.

Meanwhile, my aunt, by sheer family power, has held her place in the Central Palace despite never bearing a child.

His mother is Princess Dai Zhan of Xiliang—iron-willed and unyielding.

My aunt is Wang Baochuan—the same woman who waited eighteen bitter years in a cold cave before soaring as a phoenix once she emerged.

It has been ten years since the emperor ascended the throne, and still no crown prince has been named.

This marriage between the two of us? It’s bound to be anything but smooth.

🍉 Everyone is morally gray

🍉 No lovesick characters

🍉 Romance is not glorified.

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