The Rise of the Concubine

In the heart of the opulent imperial palace, amidst the glitz and glamour, we find Zhao Heng, a lowly laundry maid with dreams of escaping the palace drudgery and giving her beloved grandma a comfy life. But fate has other plans, as a steamy night with a mysterious stranger turns her life upside down.

Fleeing the consequences of her forbidden encounter, Zhao Heng thinks she’s left her past behind. But destiny has a funny way of bringing people back together, and she finds herself reunited with the enigmatic stranger, who turns out to be the Crown Prince himself, Li Wenjian.

As Zhao Heng navigates the cutthroat world of court politics, she discovers a strength and resilience she never knew she had. With the Crown Prince by her side, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the secrets of her past and taking on those who’ve wronged her.

Character Spotlight:

• Zhao Heng: Our girl Zhao Heng is no damsel in distress. Despite her humble beginnings, she’s got a spirit as strong as a dragon and a heart full of gold. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even when it means facing off against powerful enemies.

• Crown Prince Li Wenjian: Underneath that aloof and arrogant exterior, the Crown Prince is actually a kind and discerning guy. He sees the real Zhao Heng, the one with the sparkle in her eyes and the fire in her soul, and he’s determined to protect her and cherish her.

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Li Wenjian held her gaze, his voice firm. “There are two reasons I tell you this. Firstly, life in the Eastern Palace won’t be a gentle breeze. Even for me, the path has been a tempest – assassination attempts, treacherous plots, brushes with death, a constant dance on a knife’s edge. This is the life you’ve chosen, and I respect that. There will be no regrets, no turning back.”

A flicker of resolve crossed her face. This path, she would walk it with her head held high.

“The second reason,” Li Wenjian continued, a gentle smile softening his features, “is that you needn’t fear. As long as I draw breath, I’ll be your shield, easing your burdens.”

A familiar pang echoed in her chest. In this world, the cruel truth was that no one could be another’s constant.

The proverb whispered in her mind: “Those who lack foresight drown in immediate worries.”

Another truth, a harsh reality: the only unwavering support, the only unwavering trust, could come from within. She wouldn’t be a bird clinging to a branch, waiting for the wind to change.