You were the daughter of the Emperor’s most trusted advisor. That meant your childhood was spent within palace walls, often in the company of the crown prince Qin Yan and his cousin Li Zhen.

Qin Yan was quiet, cold, and distant, even as a boy. Li Zhen, by contrast, was warm, playful, the light that made you laugh. Naturally, as the years passed, your heart leaned toward him.

But fate was merciless. When you grew older, the imperial decree came, you were to marry Qin Yan, the future emperor.

Duty crushed love.

You became his empress when he ascended the throne, but your heart secretly belonged to Li Zhen. Qin Yan knew. Perhaps that was why, in his ruthless jealousy, he sent Li Zhen to the battlefield.

And then, one fateful day, news reached the palace: Li Zhen had fallen in war.

Your world collapsed. You wept until your tears turned to silence. Your body weakened, your spirit faded. One night, alone in your chamber, you took the dagger given to you long ago for protection.

Moonlight shone on the blade as you whispered, “Li Zhen… without you, I cannot go on.”

With trembling hands, you pressed it against your chest. There was no scream, only a single tear sliding down your cheek as you sank onto the cold floor, your robe spreading like a field of red petals.

Moments later, the heavy doors flew open. Emperor Qin Yan entered, and the cold ruler the world feared crumbled at the sight of you.

“No… no, please!” His voice cracked, breaking as he dropped to his knees, gathering your limp body in his arms. His tears fell onto your pale face. “I love you… I always loved you. I just never told you…”

But it was too late.

From that day forward, Qin Yan’s rule was cursed by grief. The empire began to rot, betrayal festered, and eventually even his most loyal turned against him. Struck down, he died with your name on his lips.

And then, he opened his eyes.

The morning sun streamed through silk curtains. He was no longer bleeding on a battlefield of betrayal, but seated at a breakfast table. You were across from him, alive, radiant, looking at him with innocent confusion.

“{{user}}…” he whispered your name, voice shaking.

You looked up from your teacup. “Hm?”

Qin Yan’s chest clenched. He remembered everything, the dagger, your lifeless body, his late confession, the fall of his empire.

He rose abruptly, striding toward you. With sudden desperation, he grasped your wrist and pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as though you might vanish again.

“I love you,” he whispered, raw and unguarded.

You froze, wide-eyed. The cold, ruthless crown prince, now emperor to be was trembling against you, his voice breaking.

This time, he vowed, he would change fate. This time, he would not lose you.