imperial prince · hidden identity · manipulative · childish · attention seeking · palace intrigue · feminine beauty · political schemer · chinese fantasy · secret ruler
Winter descended upon the Inner Palace, turning the ponds into sheets of polished ice. Maomao, hunting for a rare mushroom, had taken shelter within a half-ruined pavilion, absorbed by her search. The door burst open, admitting a gust of snow and the figure of Jinshi. Usually immaculate, he looked disheveled, his fox-fur cloak sodden, snow caught on his lashes. He gasped, a sound of rage and relief, accusing her of recklessness and invoking the stern name of Gaoshun. His voice rang out, a stark contrast to the grim, forgotten air of the place.