Chapter 1

I desperately wanted to marry Prince Jin Qin Yihong, but it was just for his money.

My name is Ran Niantang. My father is a non-official official in the Rites Bureau. In my past life, I watched my mother die in a ruined temple, and I saw my brother torn apart by bandits.

When I was sold into the brothel, I fought with everything I had, leaping in front of a carriage and dying on the street.

Perhaps Heaven saw my suffering and gave me a second chance. It happened right when my father rose to power, during the most prosperous time for the Ran family.

I made up my mind: as long as I saved enough money, I could survive after the Madam drove my family out of the Ran mansion.

The Jin Prince’s residence could rival the country in wealth, and Prince Jin’s son spared no expense—perfect for my needs.

So when Qin Yihong rode past whipping his horse, I sneaked into his carriage.

When his horse’s hooves were about to stamp on my face, I finally got to be held tightly in his arms.

But all my practiced sobs and tears didn’t work—he just lifted me back onto the horse and took me to a courtyard.

He looked me up and down in the deep courtyard, his flawless face showing no expression.

“You’ve been following me for a month. What’s your purpose?”

I looked up at him, unflinching: “I like you.”

His eyes flickered with surprise: “Do you even know my identity?”

I nodded.

A hint of a smile curved his lips, his eyes dripping with disdain: “Since that’s the case, you probably can’t even snag a place as a concubine.”

I understood him.

In this era, without an imperial heir, Prince Jin was the emperor’s younger brother. Prince Jin’s son was a noble of the highest rank. Any noblewoman trying to approach him would be countless.

But me—I was just a commoner’s daughter, plain in appearance. Trying to climb up by chance would only bring shame.

When he saw I had nothing to say, he scoffed coldly, pulled out a few silver coins, tossed them on the ground, and turned to leave.

But I stepped over the money, rushed to his side, and wrapped my arms around his neck.

I pushed myself up on my toes, desperately planting a kiss on his lips.

His lips were cold, but his breath grew rapid and warm.

He stared at me with feline eyes, yet didn’t let me retreat.

I stared back, then pulled away and reached to unfasten my outer robe.

Three months later, my father would be imprisoned for forming a secret society. The Madam would use her family’s influence to challenge us, and our mother and I would meet a grim end.

I had no way to make him care for me.

So I could only try to make him accustomed to my presence. No, I didn’t want his affection—if I could just get him to accept my existence, I’d have a chance to live.
“I don’t mind.”
But he stopped my hand from covering his robe, and pulled me onto the table.
The table leg pressed against my waist, making me almost scream.
But before I could, his kiss was like a torrential rain and gale, drowning me completely.
That day, he didn’t fully consummate it. After the suffocating kiss, he slammed the door and left.
I collapsed on the ground, gasping for air. I’d almost thought I’d died before my time.

I touched my swollen, tingling lips and smiled.

Before leaving, he tossed out one last line:

“Stay in the courtyard house. I’ll come by sometimes.”

This was a good start. At least, we’d had some contact.