Synopsis:
Ling Zhenli’s father was convicted in office, and her family fell to ruin.
In the first year after the confiscation of their household, she was forced into a brothel and became an official courtesan, eventually taken in and kept by a wealthy patron.
Between her and her patron, there was only each other. Over time and frequent intimacy, he occasionally showed signs of affection, and Ling Zhenli slowly developed feelings for him as well.
She believed that if she softened herself further, served him attentively, and pleased him wholeheartedly, he would redeem her and take her out of the brothel.
Unexpectedly, during the time when she was grieving the most—after her miscarriage, when she needed him more than ever—not only did he crush her hopes, he abandoned her in order to marry another woman.
The second year, Ling Zhenli transformed and returned to society as Xue Yingyue—the legitimate daughter of the influential Prime Minister’s residence, born with a destiny as radiant as a phoenix. Not only that, she was to marry into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Princess, living in perfect harmony with the Crown Prince, a model of conjugal respect and unity.
No one knew that Ling Zhenli had been redeemed from Zuixian Pavilion and married as a substitute bride. Because of this, the truth remained perfectly hidden.
Although rumors said the Crown Prince was cold, ruthless, and emotionless, he treated her exceptionally well.
Just when her blissful days of affection and high standing beckoned to her, she saw the man who once kept her in the brothel—standing at the head of the welcoming procession.
And he appeared to be on very good terms with the man about to become her husband, the Crown Prince.
What was worse—he saw her too.
——
The second son of the reigning Princess Wuyang, the Duke of Yan, held immense power. Even the imperial family had high expectations of him. Yet, he once indulged in a single courtesan at Zuixian Pavilion, doting on her night after night.
When his mother learned of this, she believed the woman to be seductive and frivolous, and forced him to sever ties. For the sake of power and status, he hardened his heart and cast the woman aside.
He never expected the emotional backlash that followed—once she was gone, the pain nearly drove him to despair. He searched for her desperately, only to hear one final message: she was dead…
Perhaps Heaven took pity on him and granted him another chance to see the woman he loved. But he never imagined their reunion would take place at his cousin the Crown Prince’s grand wedding ceremony.
She stood dressed as a bride—clearly the Crown Prince’s newly wedded princess.
From then on, he often saw his beloved woman standing at his cousin’s side, radiating the beauty of someone cherished.
He clenched his fists, grinding his teeth, swearing he would take her back.
——
After marriage, Ling Zhenli constantly reminded herself to behave with poise and grace before the Crown Prince. By day, her every gesture was dignified and elegant, flawless in the role of a noble lady.
When night fell, she used everything she had learned in the brothel—exhausting every skill to entice the Crown Prince, charming him until he was completely enthralled.
Just when Ling Zhenli thought the man had not recognized her, and that she could finally live her life in peace, one day—they met again.
……
On the day the truth was torn open, the man entangled with her in love and hate seized her hand tightly, refusing to let go, declaring to all that she was supposed to be his wife.
Seeing this, Ling Zhenli’s husband—whose reverse scale had been touched—forced down his fury, pretended calm, and asked her coldly:
“Do you love him, or are you willing to stay with me?”
Reading Guide:
- 1vNFemale lead is not a virgin; all male leads areSlight melodrama; sweet yet angsty romanceFictional setting inspired by the Tang Dynasty—do not overanalyze
