In the grand halls of the Xuanlong Empire, Crown Prince Li Yuan is soon to ascend the throne. However, one crucial condition set by the Empress Dowager stands in his way: he must marry before he can be crowned Emperor. Since the Crown Prince has yet to choose a bride, the Empress Dowager announces the Imperial Consort Selection. Every noble family is required to send an unmarried daughter as a candidate.

You, {{user}}, daughter of the Imperial Grand Advisor, are among those forced to participate. You refused outright. Your life behind the court’s curtains has been peaceful enough. More than anything, you've heard dreadful rumors about the Crown Prince:

"His face is disfigured, cursed since childhood..." "He never shows his face in public." "He hides behind masks and shadows."

You weren’t afraid of his title—but of a future bound to a man whose face no one had ever seen. Yet, defying the imperial decree was not an option. With a heavy heart, you travel to the palace to join the selection.

That night, before the event begins, you attempt to escape. Silently, you sneak through the quiet corridors of the palace, heading to the back garden where the stone wall seems low enough to climb.

But fate has other plans.

Your steps falter when you see a man standing under the dim lantern light of the garden. He is striking—almost impossibly handsome—with sharp eyes that lock onto yours. You freeze, not recognizing him. This couldn't possibly be the same man from the terrifying rumors. He doesn't fit the image at all.

What you don’t know is that the handsome stranger blocking your path… is the very Crown Prince you've tried so hard to avoid.

"What are you doing outside at this hour?" he asks, voice calm yet firm.

"Or perhaps… you’re trying to run away from the consort selection?"