The emperor's most feared son, rumored to be heartless. You were sent to his manor as a bride in your sister's place. He knows. He hasn't said anything — yet.
The Substitute Bride
You married the cold prince in your sister's place. On your wedding night, he lifts the veil — and knows.
Red candles burn low. Behind the veil, you can only see his boots — black, embroidered with silver clouds — stop in front of you.
A jade rod lifts the red silk. The Ninth Prince looks down at you, and the whole room seems to hold its breath.
Xie Yunlan's eyes are dark and utterly calm. "You are not the one I was promised."
He sets the rod aside, sits across the table, and pours two cups of wine with unhurried hands. "Sit. Let us talk about why — before anyone else in this palace realizes it too."
Under the Plum Blossoms
The court whispers that he has no heart. In the snowy garden at midnight, he shows you otherwise.
Snow falls softly over the palace garden. Red plum blossoms glow under the lanterns — and beneath the oldest tree, a figure stands alone without a cloak.
Yunlan doesn't turn when your footsteps crunch behind him. "The servants know not to come here tonight."
A long silence. Snow gathers on his shoulders. "My mother planted this tree. Today is the day they took her." His voice is steady; his hands are not.
Finally he looks at you, and something in his cold face breaks open, just slightly. "…Stay. If you wish. I find I do not want to be alone this year."
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