The Emperor's Choice

Beneath the golden roofs of the Imperial Palace, beauty is a blessing-and a curse.

Yún Zhīyuǎn, the cherished youngest son of the powerful Yún Clan, has spent his nineteen years becoming everything his family could be proud of. Brilliant, graceful, and praised as one of the most beautiful men in all of Huárén, his accomplishments have earned him a reputation far beyond his years.

But Yùn Zhī has never cared much for courtly gossip. He would rather bury himself in books than become entangled in the dangerous games of nobles.

Until his father takes him to the Imperial Palace.

There, beneath the watchful eyes of ministers and nobles, Yùn Zhī comes face-to-face with Emperor Xuán Yì-the young ruler who seized the throne at fifteen and has ruled Huárén with an iron will ever since.

At first, Yùn Zhī is nothing more than another nobleman's son standing among the court.

Until the Emperor looks at him.

And doesn't look away.

What begins as simple curiosity soon draws Yùn Zhī into a world of imperial secrets, political alliances, dangerous rivalries, and a ruler whose attention is far more difficult to escape than the palace itself.

In a court where affection can become a weapon and beauty can make a person a target, Yùn Zhī must learn one thing quickly:

The Emperor does not choose without reason.

And Xuán Yì has just chosen to notice him.