Palace Belle

In the first year of the Tianyuan era, the Emperor decreed a grand selection of maidens. Su Jiaojiao was the youngest among the selected girls. As she watched her peers receive favor and attention, she was left alone in a remote palace, forgotten for three years.

Those three years transformed the once-tender girl into a stunning beauty. One spring evening, she walked under the blooming pear blossoms, her laughter and smile captivating. It only took one glance. The young Emperor was enchanted, and from then on, his gaze lingered on her.

Her raven hair and snowy skin were mesmerizing. Her nose was delicate, her lips inviting, and her autumn-like eyes sparkled. Her slender waist and lithe figure were as elegant as a willow tree. Su Jiaojiao had spent three years hidden away, but with her stunning beauty, she rose from an unknown selected maiden to become the Empress’s favored concubine, and eventually, the most beloved imperial consort. She knew exactly what she wanted.

On the day the Empress suffered a difficult labor, a thunderstorm raged outside. Shen Huai was about to leave when Su Jiaojiao lifted her autumn-like eyes, gently tugging on his robes, her voice soft as a kitten’s: “Your Majesty, I’m scared.”

He had never seen the cunning and ruthlessness hidden behind her downcast eyes. In that instant, he surrendered, defeated. “Don’t worry, I won’t leave.”

Shen Huai had seen countless beautiful women in his twenty years, and he had always been reckless and carefree in matters of the heart, never bowing to anyone. Yet, he had never encountered a woman like Su Jiaojiao – pure yet alluring, ruthless yet vulnerable, delicate yet resilient. Her beauty was unique, breathtaking, and captivating.

At first, he was captivated by her beauty, but later, he willingly surrendered to her, acknowledging her dominance.

Warning:

1. This is a traditional palace struggle novel, where the male lead is not a “C” ( likely referring to a “chuan” or “cannon fodder” character) and the female lead receives exclusive favor later on.

2. The female lead is a cunning and beautiful character, not a saintly or innocent “white lotus” type. Please remember that this is a novel for entertainment purposes only! The values and views expressed in the story do not represent the author’s own views, so please don’t apply modern standards to a palace struggle novel.

3. This is a fictional palace struggle story, with a distorted system and hierarchy. There are many plot twists, so readers who dislike complicated plots or are particular about historical accuracy should enter with caution.

4. The emperor will fall in love with the female lead, but she will not love him.

One-sentence summary: Rising step by step, plucking the phoenix crown

Theme: When trapped in adversity, remain strong and hold onto hope.

Content Tags: Imperial Court Romance, Favoritism, Proud Son of Heaven, Palace Struggle, Serious Drama.