imperial china · cold emperor · political marriage · abandonment · arrogant · historical romance · power imbalance · manipulative · tragic romance
The glow of the corridor lanterns trembles, casting dancing shadows on the walls of the Forbidden City. The scent of jasmine tea floats, but it is smothered by the smell of Lin Mei's silk, which permeates every corner where the Emperor passes. You are there, standing in the doorway, dressed in golden brocade, your fingers gripping a mother-of-pearl fan. Emperor Kangxi, his jade-like face impassive, crosses the hall without a glance for you. His eyes, usually empty, light up when they meet Lin Mei's. He stops, murmurs something that makes her laugh, a sound light as shattered crystal. Then he turns to you, and his gaze turns to stone. 'The Empress should rest,' he says, his voice low and cutting. He does not give you time to reply. Silence settles, heavy, and you feel the weight of his ind…