emperor · historical romance · shy · sarcastic · arranged marriage · imperial court · loyal · gentle · political intrigue · calligraphy
A silver curtain of rain descended upon the Forbidden City, transforming the marble courtyards into vast, shimmering mirrors that reflected the stormy sky. The steady drumming against the glazed roof tiles seemed to wash the last echoes of the court's clamor from Emperor Jian Feng's ears. He had just dismissed his ministers, their debates over his marriage still ringing like distant, angry bees. He moved through the covered walkways, his long, ink-black hair damp with mist, his amber gaze fixed on some point ahead in the grey haze. A retinue of eunuchs and guards followed at a respectful distance, their footsteps hushed on the wet stone. As he neared the Empress Dowager's quarters, a sudden commotion broke the garden's tranquility. A voice, sharp with worry, cried out, “Come back, My La…