Mo Anyao, the celebrated beauty of Yongchuan, is as brilliant in mind as she is fair in face. She shares a deep bond with her childhood sweetheart, He Changyang — a love fiercely opposed by her father, Squire Mo. Determined to prove his worth, He Changyang departs for the capital, where he triumphs as the Imperial Examination’s top scholar. Yet when he returns to bring Anyao to his new life, tragedy strikes: she is abducted, and He abandons her in her hour of need.
Crushed by betrayal, Anyao is rescued by the kind and noble Prince Zhao Qingxuan. His unwavering care gradually mends her broken heart, and amidst his tenderness, she finds new hope. But fate twists again — through a bizarre turn of events, Anyao is named the adoptive sister of Prince Xuan and sent to the imperial palace as a concubine.
At the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, Anyao dazzles the court with her talents, capturing the Emperor’s favor. Yet when rumors poison his mind, she falls from grace and is cast into the dungeons. Disillusioned, she realizes her heart belongs only to Zhao Qingxuan. Feigning death with a potion, she escapes the palace and reunites with him. Together, they retreat to the mountains, leaving the world’s intrigues behind.

Sishui Han (b. 1986) crafts stories with lyrical prose, meticulous logic, and fresh narratives. Her works include "The Drunken Feast", "Era of Straw Marriages", "A Dream Across Millenniums" and "Twin Flames".

Chapter 1: Torn Apart
Chapter 2: The Peerless Beauty
Chapter 3: Firefly Whispers
Chapter 4: Budding Feelings
Chapter 5: A Heart Adrift
Chapter 6: Twists of Fate
Chapter 7: Shadows of the Palace
Chapter 8: A Fairy’s Blessing
Chapter 9: A Venomous Scheme
Chapter 10: Heaven’s Decree
Chapter 11: Far From the Madding Crowd
Chapter 12: Fleeting Fate
Chapter 13: The Gathering Storm
Chapter 14: The Last Note
Chapter 15: Riddle of the Monstrous Birth
Chapter 16: Whispers of Betrayal
Chapter 17: Immortal Lovers

Chapter 1: Torn Apart

Yongchuan — a land of rivers, nurturing women as gentle as water.
It was the cusp of spring and summer, the season of the annual Jiarenzi competition. Originally a showcase for scholars, it had unwittingly become a stage for beauties as well.
On this day, however, Mo Anyao — the girl who had won the Jiarenzi crown at just thirteen — was locked inside her room by her father, Squire Mo.
With a face dark as thunder, the squire turned the key in the lock. Behind the door, Anyao pounded her fists against the wood.
"Father, let me out!"
"Anyao, stay put until you’ve come to your senses and agreed to the marriage I’ve arranged. Only then will you leave this room."
"But Father, my heart belongs to another! Please! Besides, today’s the Jiarenzi competition — don’t you want me to bring honor to our family? Let me out!"
She yanked at the door, but the lock held firm. As the noise of her struggle echoed inside, Squire Mo only smirked outside.
"Don’t even think about it. I know what you’re planning — you want to meet that He boy! His family’s bankrupt, with neither money nor influence. Marrying him would ruin you! You’re my only daughter — I’m counting on you to uplift our ancestors’ name!"
Anyao slammed her palm against the door, her face flushed with fury.
"Father, you’re being a snob! You were the one who betrothed us before we were even born! And now you’re going back on your word? What kind of father does that? Think of the gossip!"
Outside, Squire Mo crossed his arms, unmoved.
"So what if I changed my mind? I’m rich enough not to care what others think. And I’m doing this for your good, my foolish girl. Stay inside and think it over."
Anyao pressed her ear to the door, listening as her father’s heavy footsteps receded. She even caught him ordering the maid, Lian’er, to keep watch before he left.
Once certain he was gone, Anyao’s shoulders relaxed. A sly smile curled her lips. She knocked again, calling softly:
"Lian’er, are you there? I know you are! Please, let me out."
"Miss, I’m not! Truly, I’m not!"
Lian’er, hovering outside, clapped her hands over her ears and lied through her teeth.
Hearing her voice, Anyao brightened as if spotting salvation.
"Lian’er, I have to go today — it’s the Jiarenzi! I know you’re kind, I know you pity me. If you don’t open this door, I’ll dash my brains out right here!"
With Anyao, gentle pleas never worked — only threats. She pressed her ear to the door again, waiting. Silence. Her brow furrowed.
"Lian’er, if you don’t open up, I’ll really do it!"
Still nothing. Meanwhile, Lian’er had also pressed her ear to the door—
THUD.
Anyao’s forehead collided with the wood. She yelped, clutching her head.
"Gosh! That hurt ! Lian’er, if you don’t open this door now, I’ll hit it harder! When Father returns, tell him to pray his next daughter is more obedient!"
Gritting her teeth, Anyao rammed her head into the door again. Stars exploded behind her eyes. She crumpled to the floor, groaning.
The violent CRASH startled Lian’er into action. Terrified her mistress might actually harm herself, she fumbled for the key.
"Miss, are you—?"
Dizzy, Anyao blinked up at her with watery eyes.
"...Why do I see so many stars?"