Chi Ying was to marry Prince Zhao in her legitimate elder sister's stead. The man was a sickly invalid who had lost his sight. She figured that a frail man like him would not live long. Once he passed away, she would be able to regain her freedom as quickly as possible.
But after the wedding, she discovered that Prince Zhao was not only gloomy and temperamental but also harbored a ruthless streak. He took a perverse pleasure in tormenting her. His favorite pastime was "studying" her body with malicious intent, tracing her features inch by inch with his fingertips, leaving behind his own indelible marks upon her skin.
Chi Ying could only swallow her tears and endure it.
To everyone's surprise, Prince Zhao did not die. Instead, he slaughtered his father and brothers, purged his rivals, and ascended to the imperial throne, standing above tens of thousands. As the substitute bride, Chi Ying naturally assumed she should return the prestigious position of Princess Consort to her elder sister. After all, the Emperor was blind. He surely had no idea what his bedmate actually looked like.
Chi Ying fled a thousand miles away to the lush lands of Jiangnan. She never expected that on a rainy night, the man would appear at her doorstep draped in dragon robes. Chi Ying was pinned into a corner with nowhere to flee. Not only could he see now, but his gaze burned with an intense heat as he stared at her. His fingertips slowly, deliberately climbed her cheek.
"So, this is what my A-Ying looks like."
"Did you really think I wouldn't notice if you sent a counterfeit? Your earlobes flush at the slightest touch. Your collarbones are so deep they could hold a cup of wine. Your waist fits perfectly in a single hand. There is an old scar three inches below your navel, and your legs bear the marks of my teeth. A-Ying, I know every inch of you."
Chi Ying's face turned a deep crimson, her toes curling in shame.
She had expected a heavy punishment for her deception, but instead, he personally handed her the Phoenix Seal.
Of course, his "punishment" followed soon after. From that day on, she enjoyed the exclusive favor of the Pepper Chamber. There was never another soul in the Emperor's harem.
