Step by Step to the Highest Rank

The Marquis of Sui’an’s household produced two imperial consorts.

One was gentle and dignified, considerate and virtuous, praised throughout the palace for her benevolence. The other was strikingly beautiful, outshining all others, yet ruthless and prone to jealousy.

The former entered the palace for many years without winning the emperor’s heart. The latter, however, gained his favor and in just a few short years rose to the position of Virtuous Consort.

Throughout the palace, it was said that the Virtuous Consort’s methods were masterful—that she had captivated the emperor’s heart with her beauty.

But Fu Yu saw things differently. Jiang Lingyin was indeed beautiful, yet her schemes were so clumsy they could be seen through at a glance. It was simply that he was willing to play along.

She liked to keep the words “I like Your Majesty” constantly on her lips, as though repeating them often enough would deepen the affection.

At first, Fu Yu believed her. Later, he realized it was nothing more than a splendid lie she had woven for him.

Only then did he understand how cold Jiang Lingyin’s heart truly was.

He knew she was not a kind woman. He also knew that someone else had once lived in her heart.

That person was as bright and gentle as the moon—clear and untouchable.

But he also knew—

Jiang Lingyin did not like to chase.

So he spent many years carefully warming her heart, until at last it grew warm for him.