Chapter 1: Love That Blinds Like a Dog’s Eyes

Today was the Dragon Boat Festival, and the palace banquet was held in the Hanliang Hall.

Dressed in a brocade skirt embroidered with plum blossoms and her hair adorned with butterfly hairpins, Li Ning’an knelt in the middle of the hall.

Her skin was as white as snow, flawless and delicate. Despite her regal bearing as a princess, she was strikingly beautiful. Her back was straight, and her eyes were clear.

“Your Majesty, I humbly ask you to grant me a marriage to Yan Ziqi, the heir of the Duke of Xiang.”

She was so serious and resolute that Emperor Mingde couldn’t help but take a closer look at his third daughter.

He had heard rumors that Ning’an was fond of Fu Minglang, a junior official at the Ministry of Revenue. So why had she suddenly set her sights on Ziqi?

Who was Yan Ziqi?

He was a good-for-nothing playboy, notorious for his debauchery. Relying on his parents’ exceptional military achievements—both having died defending the borders—he was their only surviving child, earning the emperor’s protection.

In recent years, all of Yan Ziqi’s outrageous deeds had been smoothed over by Emperor Mingde himself. He caused nearly as much trouble as Princess Ning’an.

Ziqi even preferred spending his time in brothels to attending a banquet at the Hanliang Hall, claiming such occasions were dull compared to the allure of beauties in his arms.

When people heard that Princess Ning’an wanted to marry him, they thought it was just a new scheme to win Fu Minglang’s affection. Sympathy for Minglang grew, as did the schadenfreude. However, Emperor Mingde knew Ning’an better.

She wouldn’t make such a statement unless she was truly determined.

But at their age, the matters of love and passion often led to rash decisions.

That’s why, despite knowing Ning’an’s feelings for Fu Minglang, the emperor had not interfered, letting her pursue him as she wished.

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Mingde spoke, “I do not agree.”

Ziqi’s current behavior was reckless; he lingered in brothels and had even fought with the son of the Minister of Justice over a performer a few days ago.

How could someone like him bring Ning’an happiness?

If they were together, they might tear the entire capital apart.

Li Ning’an raised her head in surprise, not understanding why her father would refuse her.

In the past, no matter how mischievous she had been—even playing with the imperial seal—her father had never said anything.

“I am resolute. If you don’t agree, then I’ll…”

Li Ning’an looked around, stood up, and grabbed a guard’s sword, pressing it to her neck.

“I’ll die right in front of you.”

Emperor Mingde panicked at her seriousness. “Why are you just standing there? Take it away, take it away! What are you doing?”

Fearing she might really cut her throat, the emperor almost rushed down himself, barely maintaining his imperial composure.

Li Ning’an took a few steps back as people rushed forward, pressing the sword even closer to her neck.

The sharp blade cut a line of blood into her snow-white skin. “Father, please issue the decree.”

The gathered officials, noble relatives, and imperial family members looked on in disbelief as Princess Ning’an seemed willing to die just to marry a scoundrel like Yan Ziqi.

Could it be that her public pursuit of Fu Minglang wasn’t out of love, but to make Ziqi jealous?

Had this pair of childhood friends been playing this game all along?

Li Ning’an, of course, knew that everything she was doing now left others baffled. But that was because she had lived this life once before.

She had once successfully married Fu Minglang.

Afraid he would lose face, being called the consort who relied on his wife, Li Ning’an gave up her status as a princess and married into the Fu family.

On their wedding day, Fu Minglang had said, “I hold no affection for you, Princess. I accepted the imperial decree only because I feared the emperor’s wrath. I always thought of you as a child playing games, so I didn’t stop you. But today is my fault. I’m willing to try, and if we can develop mutual love, it would be better before we consummate the marriage.”

Li Ning’an had believed he was sincere.

She had even learned how to serve her in-laws, respect her husband, and raise their children.

Before dawn each day, she would prepare breakfast, help her mother-in-law dress, and serve her tea, all while waiting for Fu Minglang to come.

When he did, he would say, “To have such a virtuous wife is my good fortune.”

Li Ning’an thought he was complimenting her and smiled in return.

“To serve my husband’s mother is my duty,” she had replied.

Naively, she believed that the Fu family had accepted her and that Fu Minglang would soon fall in love with her.

She envisioned a future where they would have a clever and adorable child, live harmoniously, and be in love for the rest of their lives.

For two years, Li Ning’an managed the household affairs.

She used her dowry to satisfy her mother-in-law’s vanity.

She introduced Fu Minglang’s half-sister to prestigious suitors, bringing her into the circles of the capital’s elite.

Before the emperor, she would speak of how well Fu Minglang treated her, helping him build connections and even funding the training of his secret guards.

She dealt with those who targeted him, supported his family’s advancement in the court.

No matter what scandal arose—whether it was abducting women or seizing land—she would always help Fu Minglang clean it up.

Now, Fu Minglang had risen to the position of prime minister. He came home every day, saying he couldn’t afford to neglect his princess wife.

He grew gentler toward her, even staying by her side, waking early to draw her eyebrows.

“Princess, your beauty is divine; I dare not sully it.”

Li Ning’an, overjoyed, leaned on Fu Minglang’s shoulder, not noticing the brief flash of disgust in his eyes.

“Husband, I’m worried about Father’s health. I plan to visit him later.”

Fu Minglang stroked her back gently, replying in a soft voice, “Why don’t I accompany you, Princess? Whatever rare medicine is needed, I’ll find it for the emperor. Rest assured, everything will be taken care of.”

Emperor Mingde had worked tirelessly for the country and its people, and he had been poisoned by some unknown source, leaving him beyond cure.

By this point, his body had wasted away to skin and bones, almost unrecognizable.

Afraid Ning’an would see him in this state, he had the curtains drawn around his bed. Only after hearing of Ning’an’s happiness with her husband did he feel reassured.

Fu Minglang held Li Ning’an’s hand, looking at the frail emperor behind the curtain. “Rest easy, Father. I will take good care of Ning’an. Please take care of yourself, and soon, you may even hear news of a grandchild.”

Li Ning’an was slightly surprised, but seeing Fu Minglang’s nod, she felt that her years of devotion were finally being reciprocated. “Father, don’t worry. Minglang treats me very well. Whatever concerns you have, just leave them to him. As they say, a son-in-law is half a son.”

Fu Minglang continued to be humble. “To take care of the princess is my foremost duty. Relieving her worries and those of Your Majesty is the least I can do. I would die ten thousand times without complaint.”

Drenched in the sweetness of his words, Li Ning’an handed over her financial control and power to Fu Minglang upon their return to the residence.

He even discussed potential names for their future child with her.

Li Ning’an laughed and playfully pushed him to attend to the emperor’s tasks. He kissed her cheek before leaving.

“Ning’an, wait for me to come back.”

But Fu Minglang was gone for three months. When he returned, the door was kicked open with great force.

Three or five strong maids barged in.

Behind them stood Fu Minglang, his face dark.

Li Ning’an heard him say, “Disfigure this wretch’s face, poison her mute, and dress her up to be sent to a brothel. Tell them to accept any clients, no charge, just don’t let her die.”

“Husband, what’s wrong?”

Panicked, Li Ning’an tried to approach him, but the maids pulled her away.

Her loyal maid fought with them.

Fu Minglang personally poured something into her throat.

Then, without hesitation, he drew a dagger from his boot and slashed it across her face.

Li Ning’an struggled, kicked, scratched, but couldn’t move him.

Fu Minglang’s hands were stained with her blood, yet he didn’t mind.

“Your father is dead. I’ve helped your younger brother ascend to the throne. Thanks to you, he trusts me completely, even giving me the imperial seal, wanting me to be his regent. I’ve already found someone to replace you. As for you, you’re no longer of use.”

“You really thought I loved you.”

“Don’t worry, Princess. Even in the brothel, many will serve you. Enjoy yourself!” He laughed maniacally.