TFSRITA Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In the Harem of the Great Qian Dynasty.

It was already approaching 7 pm, the sun had set, but the palace was brightly lit. The palace attendants dressed more festively than usual, and wore solemn expressions, particularly around Lingyun Hall.

Today was the day the emperor was marrying a noble consort. As the emperor, Ji Yechen couldn’t personally go to greet the bride, but he still waited in Lingyun Hall, showing due respect to the Prime Minister.

Even though this was against protocol, the ministers said nothing out of respect for the Prime Minister.

Lingyun Hall had been decorated like a commoner’s bridal chamber, with lanterns and streamers, a scene of red and gold. A man wearing a black robe embroidered with gold dragons and phoenixes stood in the hall, his back to the others, staring at an ordinary landscape painting on the wall, his expression inscrutable.

A small, timid voice finally reminded him, “Your Majesty, it’s time. The noble consort has been waiting in the Bridal Chamber.”

Only then did the man wave his hand, the wide sleeve of his robe sweeping through the air with a commanding presence. As he moved, all the palace attendants knelt immediately.

The man walked straight toward the Bridal Chamber without lowering his gaze.

Upon entering, he saw the slender figure sitting there, dressed in a crimson gown with a tightly cinched waist. Even though her outer robe was loose, it couldn’t conceal her delicate, slender waist.

The woman’s hands were clasped over her abdomen, knees together, and back straight, her posture dignified. A red veil covered her head, hiding her face, yet her bearing was that of a noblewoman.

The man walked forward casually. The hall was now empty of others. The red bridal veil remover stick was resting on a cabinet nearby, untouched. He reached out and lifted the veil directly, his mocking words ringing out as he did so: “So, this is the famous eldest daughter of the prime minister’s family?”

The cold, mocking voice in her ear snapped Yan Qing out of her thoughts. She opened her eyes to see a handsome face close to hers, a face cold and distant, with eyes full of scrutiny and mockery.

His sword-like brows reached his temples, his nose was high and straight, and his lips were thin. His cheeks were gaunt, sharp with angles, forming a cold and cruel visage.

At that moment, his dark eyes reflected her eyes, as she slowly opened her watery eyes.

For a brief moment, a line of ancient poetry flashed through his mind: “A smile so charming, eyes so beautiful.”

Indeed, she was the one who held that person’s heart.

He was slightly stunned.

Yan Qing was not. In her mind, a system promptly reminded her: “This is the antagonist, Ji Yechen.”

Ji Yechen?

The name was familiar. As she recalled her mission, Yan Qing’s pupils dilated momentarily. Then, with a sudden realization, her eyes sharpened, and she instinctively kicked out.

Her body must have trained in dance; her legs were exceptionally flexible. With a swift kick, her foot connected directly with the man’s face.

With a crisp “smack,” the sound of her sole meeting his face echoed.

But the man remained unmoved. His thin lips curled into a cruel, ferocious smile as his large hand quickly grabbed her foot. With a forceful swing, he watched as his strength flung away the woman.