"So, what do you think?" I heard Jingam's voice as I glanced over my shoulder, finding him standing behind me. He regarded me a soft smile that I returned innocently. "What did I think of what, lord Jingam?" "The garden, of course." He said, lifting his eyes as he surveyed the scenery with me. I brought my gaze back to the view before me. "It's wonderful. Lotus is my favorite flower and it's my family's crest." "I know." Said Jingam softly, he lowered himself, taking the space beside me. "That's why I had them planted. This used to be a koi pond, but I thought it'd be a nice surprise for whenever you come to visit again. I just didn't think it'll take you five long years to come back." "Lord Jingam." I feign my overwhelmed enthusiasm. "Don't tell me you had the pond converted into lotus garden especially for me?" "Why of course. There's nothing more I want than to see my little bird happy." My little bird? The delight wiped away from my eyes and my smile faded. I couldn't hide the surprise that came over me when he used the word my. The smile on Jingam's cheeks wiped away when he noticed my surprise. "Didn't you know?" I shook my head, "didn't know what?" "Has your brother not told you?" That very phrase turned my ears numb. Yuanji is filled with tricks and surprises. Of course, my brother would not tell me anything. "Eldest brother likes keeping me in the dark. I'm afraid, I don't know what's going on." "I promised your brother I'll marry you as soon as you're at marrying age. Your brother can be quite persistent. He brought you here to be my wife."

Highest rank #1 in Adventure # 1 in FantasyAdventure Ling-ling was struggling financially when a proposition too good to pass fell on her lap. It is a proposal to marry someone. The dowry is big and the family is one of the richest in town. The contract guaranteed her financial security, not only for her, but for her entire family. But, there's a catch and it's a catch that would make her think otherwise. Her groom to be died six months ago from a car accident, so, this means she'll enter a marriage without a husband...or...will she? ***This story is influenced by, "The Ghost Bride", by Yangsze Choo***

To the country she was born to, she is Princess Le-Anne, the king's illegitimate daughter hidden in the shadows. To the empire she is sold to, she is Lady Wei Li Lian, a traitorous spy sent to infiltrate an enemy throne. But who is she really? Gifted with rare beauty and keen intelligence, Li Lian once desired nothing more than a peaceful, ordinary life. She dreamed of traveling distant lands and living freely, far away from politics and power. That fragile dream shattered the moment her estranged royal father finally noticed her existence. To him, she was not a daughter, but a tool. She was given one mission. Enter the enemy empire of Nevoria. Seduce its emperor. Survive the harem. Become empress. And hand the empire to her homeland. From a young age, she trained relentlessly in etiquette, strategy, and deception. She learned how to smile while scheming, how to walk through danger without leaving a trace. She would maneuver through the Nevorian court, evade the vipers of the inner palace, send secret missives in the dead of night, and climb her way to the phoenix throne. It should have been simple. So why did no one warn her? The greatest threat was never the harem, but the emperor himself. Cold, inscrutable, and merciless, he ruled with an iron fist and revealed nothing of his thoughts. Every encounter between them felt like a silent confrontation, where one misstep could lead to quiet destruction. Those eyes of his held no warmth, only sharp calculation, as if he had already seen through every lie she told herself. _____________________________ Cover By Ei_Daisuki

Highest rank #1 in Historical He glared at me with irritation. "Come inside!" ...And I did. He pointed to the stack of books on the floor. "Pick them up and arrange them the way they're supposed to." With trembling hands, I did what he asked quickly. Fret in the way I moved, picking up the books into my arms and lap one by one only for them to fall back on the floor over and over. I was a mess, upset, and it was obvious. This wasn't the kind of first meeting I dreamed of. The second prince was mean, and he was irritable. He had no clue who I am which made me resent it even more. He scowled as he watched me made mistakes after mistakes and after a while, he grew frustrated and bent over, picking the books himself. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to snarl at you the way I did. I'm not used to being distracted. No one ever walks in my office unless they have my permission. I don't even know how the guardsmen let you in." I wanted to say because unlike you, they recognized who I am. But I kept my mouth shut in fear of aggravating his anger. His voice took a lot gentler tone, I imagined he must've realized how upset I was and felt bad about it. I said nothing. When we're done, I rose up to my feet, couldn't wait to get out of this room. This man was so impolite to me that I couldn't wait to get away from him. "I apologize, your highness. I didn't mean to distract you in your private office." I stepped back getting ready to leave when a sliver of sunlight struck highlighting my face. "Wait!" He murmured and I turned back to look at him. "You're beautiful." He said breathlessly. I would have blushed, but he was so mean and rude to me that his compliment lost its impact long ago. "I need to go," I told him. "Wait." A wave of panic rose in the tide of his voice. The prince was afraid to lose me. "What's your name, girl?" He asked quickly. "Jasmine, my name is Jasmine, your highness." "My Jasmine?" He murmured hopeful.

Being a second wife is rather like learning to perfect a set of aerial maneuvers. There are seriously complicated stunts involved: trapezing around the first wife, learning when to appear and disappear at exactly the right moments, tolerating your mother in law, enduring the concubines, and getting the husband in your bed. No one expects to be a second wife. No one does.