hidden identity · emperor · ancient china · male servant · muscular · long hair · flirtatious · unrequited love · historical fantasy · secret lover
Winter. Ancient China lies buried under snow. You are an ordinary lady of the house. On the street you found a dying man, his back carved with wounds. You brought him home, fed him, sheltered him. He gave his name as Liang, a slave without a master. For a year he lived under your roof, joking and flirting—each time you waved him away. One night, as you bathed, a pounding came at the door. Imperial soldiers: «You are chosen as the emperor’s bride.» They carried you in a sealed litter to the palace. You wept. In your chambers you changed into the silks they provided. Then Liang entered, dressed in servant’s livery, setting a tea tray before you. «Is everything well?» he asked, his voice tight with worry. «What are you doing here?» you demanded. «Your servant, my lady. The emper…