Chapter One: The Disappearance of the Empress

In the four hundred and eighty-fourth year of the Ling Dynasty, the Emperor passed away. The Fifth Prince, Ling Zetian, ascended the throne and proclaimed the new dynasty to be called Shenjia.

That same April, the Emperor issued an imperial edict to marry the third daughter of the Prime Minister, Feng Qiuji.

On the wedding day, the city of Lingyun was festooned with lanterns and banners, fireworks filled the skies, flutes and songs mingled with splendid dances—everywhere overflowed with a festive air.

In the Chaoyun Palace, several palace maids dressed in court attire were helping Ling Zetian into his formal dress. Clad in imperial robes, Ling Zetian radiated nobility and authority: sharp brows, star-like eyes, and his long, black hair tied high, exuding the imposing demeanor of a sovereign who ruled the world.

Just then, a young eunuch hurried in to report, “Your Majesty, Miss Feng has disappeared...”

Ling Zetian’s eyes darkened as he glanced at the eunuch. “Then why haven’t you found her yet?”

The coronation ceremony was scheduled for the hour of the Dog, and it was now nearly the hour of the Rooster. The courtly banquet had long been prepared, and the bridal adornment was imminent—only now did they inform him that his Empress had gone missing? What sort of farce was this?

“Replying to Your Majesty, this servant and the palace maids have searched the entire palace but cannot find Miss Feng...”

Feeling the Emperor’s ire, the eunuch began to tremble uncontrollably.

“Convey my order: the Imperial Guards and Inner Palace Guards are to begin a city-wide search at once. Feng Qiuji must be found and brought before me!”

Meanwhile, in Lingyun City’s largest brothel, the Fragrant Pavilion, the lights were as bright as day.

A heady aroma of cosmetics lingered in the streets, and visitors came and went in an endless stream. The beauties standing at the entrance, enticing customers, were each more stunning than the last—willow-like brows, cherry lips, slender waists, and painted fans gently swaying in their hands as they laughed coquettishly, captivating all who passed.

A carriage entered the city and stopped before the Fragrant Pavilion, drawing the attention of many passersby. From the quality of the horses, the craftsmanship of the carriage, the canopy, and the materials, it was clear its owner was either wealthy or noble.

A servant lifted the grey brocade curtain, and a young man stepped down.

He appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years old. His blue embroidered robe accentuated his tall figure, a handsome face wreathed in a smile. In his hand he held a golden-boned fan, inscribed in bold calligraphy with four characters: “Dashing and Elegant.” His air was noble yet unpretentious, striking and full of spirit.

“Well, Your Highness Prince Xin, it’s been a while! What wind blows you here today?” A madam in her thirties, still graceful and charming, came out, fanning herself, surrounded by beauties.

The Fragrant Pavilion was a renowned establishment with branches throughout the thirteen provinces. Its madam was carefully chosen, possessing exceptional ability. Anyone she greeted personally was someone of significant status.

The madam had seen many dignitaries and wealthy scions, but this young man was a regular patron—she knew well how to please him.

“Anything new and interesting lately?” The young man grinned, revealing perfect white teeth, his phoenix eyes curving into crescent moons, sending the girls into a swoon.

Indeed, he was none other than the Sixth Prince, Ling Zexin, famed throughout the Ling Dynasty for his debonair ways and notorious idleness.

“Ah, Your Highness, you’ve come at just the right time. A new girl has arrived—her name is Hua’er. Tonight’s her auction debut!”

With a sycophantic smile, the madam ushered Ling Zexin into the Pavilion.

At this, Ling Zexin’s eyes lit up at once. Rubbing his hands together in excitement, he declared, “With me here, what need for an auction? Send her to my room at once.”

“Yes, Xiao Cui, take His Highness upstairs.” The madam looked at Ling Zexin as if he were a pile of glittering gold. After all, Prince Xin was always generous; if she served him well, the returns would be plentiful.

When Feng Qiuji awoke, she found herself lying on an enormous, luxurious bed. Looking around, she saw the decor was tastefully pink, exuding an air of coy charm—a lady’s boudoir, no doubt. A faint scent of sandalwood drifted through the room, where an antique table and chairs sat at the center and potted plants adorned the corners. The window was ajar, revealing the street outside, the pink gauze curtains swaying gently in the breeze.

She struggled to sit up, only to realize her limbs were stiff and unmovable. Looking closely, she discovered her hands and feet were bound tightly with coarse hemp rope.

What was going on? She had always been a model student, kind and helpful—how had she ended up kidnapped like this?

Before she could puzzle it out, a middle-aged woman’s teasing voice drifted in from outside, “Your Highness, please enter.” As soon as the words fell, the door was pushed open. Straining her neck, Feng Qiuji saw, through the bed curtain, a still-charming matron speaking with a man before leaving and closing the door behind her.

The man turned and walked toward her.

A handsome figure in ancient dress? Feng Qiuji was momentarily dazzled—this man was truly attractive.

As she gazed at Ling Zexin, he approached, leaned by the bed, and with slender, fair fingers, lifted the curtain.

“My, my, what a beauty,” Ling Zexin said, pinching the cheek of the veiled maiden before him, a wicked smile on his lips.

“You’re quite the handsome man yourself,” Feng Qiuji replied, pleased by his praise, and returned the compliment.

Ling Zexin looked somewhat surprised, pausing before helping her sit up against the headboard. “First, my beauty, let me serenade you.”

Everyone in the capital knew the Sixth Prince, Ling Zexin, possessed a heavenly voice—or so he thought—but was utterly tone-deaf. At five, a master musician had once praised him, “Child, you sing so well; one day you’ll be famous across the land.” Greatly encouraged, Ling Zexin fell in love with singing. He often gathered musicians at his residence to play and perform. As a prince, no one dared contradict him, nor to mention how dreadful his singing was. Surrounded by flattery, he made it a habit to sing whenever in high spirits.

“Wonderful, wonderful!” Feng Qiuji wanted to applaud, but her hands were tied at her sides. She’d always thought men who sang were the most attractive—surely this handsome man’s singing would be delightful. “Handsome, could you untie these ropes? They’re rather uncomfortable.”

“All right.” In a great mood, Ling Zexin rolled up his wide sleeves and hopped over to untie her. Freed, Feng Qiuji stretched, then sat cross-legged on the bed, ready to listen.

Ling Zexin cleared his throat and was about to begin when a servant burst in. “Your Highness, today is the Emperor’s wedding. Is it truly wise not to return to the palace?” This servant, Xiao Haozi, had grown up with Ling Zexin and could speak freely to him.

“I’m just having a little fun. I’ll return soon and won’t miss my brother’s coronation. I came back just to surprise him.” Ling Zexin waved him off impatiently. He’d always been close to Ling Zetian—there was no way he’d miss the ceremony.

“But the city is swarming with Imperial Guards. I asked around, and Commander Wei said the Empress has gone missing. The Emperor ordered a city-wide search.”

“Missing?” Ling Zexin stroked his chin. “So, it’ll take a while to find her?” He waved Xiao Haozi out, eager to continue his solo concert, even if the audience was only one.

“Ahem... cough...” Just as he began, the door burst open. A group of Imperial Guards swarmed in.

“Official business, please cooperate.” Commander Wei Long flashed his credentials and ordered his men, “Search thoroughly.”

“Commander Wei, you’re getting bolder—do you not see me here?” Ling Zexin, interrupted yet again, was visibly irritable, on the verge of anger.

“My apologies, Your Highness. This servant failed to recognize you. Please forgive me.” Wei Long bowed respectfully, forcing a smile.

“Commander, we’ve found a woman,” a guard reported, bringing a bewildered Feng Qiuji before Ling Zexin. What was happening? Why were there so many people?

“Remove her veil,” Wei Long ordered.

“Yes, sir.”

At the unveiling, everyone gasped—even Ling Zexin. Feng Qiuji had entered the palace half a month ago, and most there had seen her. Was this not the missing Feng Qiuji? But how did she end up here, of all places?

“Your Highness, this...” Wei Long smiled awkwardly at Ling Zexin. The Emperor’s brother abducting his bride? It was tantamount to defying the Emperor, or worse—usurping the throne...

Wei Long was at a loss: how could he report this to his superiors?

“Why are you looking at me?” Realizing the situation, Ling Zexin grew both angry and flustered. How could he possibly explain this? Considering his brother’s explosive temper, what was to be done? “I had no idea she was Feng Qiuji!”

“Yes, yes, of course. I meant nothing by it...” Wei Long forced a smile. It was hard being a subordinate—everyone above you was a master, and you couldn’t afford to offend anyone.

“I believe the matter at hand is to return Her Majesty to the palace as soon as possible...”

“Then why aren’t you moving?” Ling Zexin smacked him with his fan, then suddenly thought better of it. “No, I’d better go with you.” No matter how muddled the explanation, he had to return; the consequences otherwise were unthinkable.

Back at Chaoyun Palace, Ling Zetian sat stone-faced in his chair, staring at the bewildered Feng Qiuji kneeling on the floor as he listened to Wei Long’s report.

“Zexin, can you explain what’s going on?” Leaning his cheek on his hand, Ling Zetian turned to Ling Zexin after hearing Wei Long out.

“Hehe.” Ling Zexin tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “Brother, I was just having a bit of fun. I didn’t expect to find Sister-in-law there. You must believe me. Besides, I helped you recover your Empress; you should be thanking me!”

Ling Zetian shot him a glare and pulled his sleeve away in distaste. He’d always been close with Ling Zexin since childhood. Though his brother was frivolous and childish, he was honest and kind-hearted. His gaze shifted to Feng Qiuji. From the start, she’d worn a vacant expression, as if her spirit had wandered away. What on earth had happened? She should know best.

Truth be told, Feng Qiuji had only just come to terms with having transmigrated. From their conversation, she learned that the handsome man before her was the Emperor, and that she was his Empress—a reality that was rather hard to accept. Why had fate been so generous?

Sensing the so-called Emperor’s gaze, she quickly shook her head and feigned innocence. “Your Majesty, I truly know nothing. When I awoke, I was already there.”

“And?” Ling Zetian scrutinized her. Was he seeing things? Why did this woman feel so different from the original Feng Qiuji? The face was the same, but the feeling was entirely different.

“So let’s get married quickly,” she said with a bright smile, though inwardly she was already plotting. Judging by his clothing—tut, tut—even a layperson could see it was top quality. She’d never have to worry about food or clothing again.

Ling Zetian frowned. Why did he sense a sly grin on this woman’s face? With a wave of his hand, the waiting eunuchs immediately understood and dragged her out of Chaoyun Palace.

“Announce that the coronation ceremony will be delayed by an hour.”

—A side note: This story... is more of a comedy. If you like it, be sure to check back often!