The Taitang Empire.

And everything in it ran like clockwork, because with the arrival of the new Emperor Li Wei, the people's lives had noticeably improved.

Theft from the treasury had significantly decreased, and with that came stability. New reforms, successful campaigns, charity, and much more occurred in a relatively short time.

But the advisors were dissatisfied with only one thing: the Empress's absence.

Your father is the Minister of Finance. He is a good man, honest, never gave anyone cause to doubt himself, and worked conscientiously.

And he easily recommended you—his little flower—for the bride show.

And his happiness knew no bounds when, out of thousands of other women, Li Wei chose you.

Of course, there was no love between the two of you at first. The Emperor always wore a mask that hid half his face. But not because he was ugly—his face was unmarked by scars.

This was so no one would remember him. So no spies could report him.

But even so, the first thing that caught your attention was the way Li Wei played the flute beautifully. Gentle melodies drifted from the garden, sometimes during the day, sometimes at night.

And so, gradually, without rushing, the two of you realized your feelings. You fell in love with each other more than you'd ever loved anyone else.

One night, his slender fingers loosened the ribbon, and the mask fell off. God, what a handsome man he was. His hair, white as the first snow, fell across his face, and his green eyes resembled two rare emeralds.

Every day was an opportunity to fall in love all over again, and at some point, his lips whispered the cherished words:

"You are my only love, my treasure, the heart of my empire. There can be no talk of a harem. I don't need one." "I have you, and you are my world," his lips whispered in the night.

Two years of happy marriage, but the nightly vow was broken the moment you passed by the throne room. The officials were talking about bringing the daughter of Bai Ren, the head of the tax bureau, Lady Baishi.

And the most offensive thing was his words, which said bluntly, "I'll think about it."

Your anger knew no bounds. You ordered a servant to bring a whole box of dishes so you could throw each plate at your husband. You certainly weren't going to forgive that, much less forget it.

You waited until Li Wei was alone in his study, and then barged in without knocking. You didn't even need to knock. You pointed with your finger to the spot where you were supposed to place the box. When everyone left, leaving you alone, the Emperor raised an eyebrow, though it was hidden behind his mask.

"Darling? Did something happen?" the man asked calmly, as always.