I quietly sat beside my parents. Five years in this world, five years of being Bai Suxin, I picked up a few things.

The Bai's didn't even notice the difference between me and their real daughter. When it comes to calligraphy, music, dance and poetry, my skills were very mediocre just like how Bai Suxin's in the novel.

The male lead and the female lead are now finally sitting together. A perfect picture for their fans.

I tried not to look at them. I want to lie low for now. Today, Bai Suxin don't have a scene. Because I'm only here to act envious towards the female lead.

The emperor, just like a puppet requested/ordered the enemy princess Chu Wanwan to perform a dance in the banquet.

My mouth unconsciously gaped open. 'I wish I have my camera.'

No wonder, she was famous and known as an extremely gifted dancer of the Chu Empire.

Chu Wanwan enticed the crowd with her frivolous seductive gaze and the corner of her lips were slightly lifted, seemingly haughty.

Her plum blossom-inspired Chinese dress was fluttering around the stage. Every graceful movements were smooth and beautiful. Sharp yet gentle. Controlled and balanced.

Chu Wanwan's sword dance was absolutely magical and fascinating.

On cue, at the end of the performance, everyone began smiling, clapping and cheering for the female lead especially the emperor. He even gave a reward to Chu Wanwan, a jade hairpin which signifies her unyielding royal status in the current monarch despite being a prisoner princess.

"Ehem." I quickly composed myself, knitted my eyebrows and showed an envious expression. 'I tried okay. This is my envious look; pouting and squinting my eyes into chopsticks.'

However, I was stunned when my eyes accidentally collided with Li Han's. I immediately realized the distinct changes of those familiar eyes. They became more dark and enigmatic, more unsettlingly deep and penetrating.

More.. menacing..

Alarmed, I gulped and looked away. 'Why is he looking at me like I owe him a thousand yuan ah?' I cried inside. I want this banquet to end.

'I want to go home! Mom, I'm scared.'

"Fourth Brother, let me give you a toast to congratulate you in your victory."

The night ended peacefully. Nothing was amiss. My mind somewhat feel at ease thinking that all was going well just like how it was in the novel.

I dismissed Jin'er for the night. I lied down to prepare myself to sleep. As soon as I closed my eyes, someone put a hard and rough hand over my mouth. My eyes instantly snapped open and tried to scream but failed.

I was terrified.

The dim light from the candles were enough for me to recognize the dangerous man on top of me.

Li Han leaned forward. His tremendous figure wildly occupied my whole bed.

"Li- hmn..sto-."

"Help!"

My weak hands trying to push him were totally ignored by him. Frightened, I began to cry. My sobs muffled as he continued to slaughter my neck and clavicle with hard kisses. While his other hand on my small waist, his long strong legs were imprisoning mine in place, preventing me from struggling.

"Hel-.."

The usual glare of Li Han was now thickly coated with extreme sexual lust and desire. His predatory eyes were obviously starving. His kisses were hard, punishing and full of resentment.

'Jin'er! Help me! Somebody!'

I gasped when Li Han fiercely bit the soft flesh on my shoulder and neck, as if he's savagely getting back at me after all those remarks and bullying he suffered because of me.

"It's too late."

I could hear his heavy breathing as he buried his face at the crook of my neck.

"I told you, once I return, I'll chew you all up." His husky hoarse voice threatened.

Then Li Han slowly removed himself from me. Perhaps due to fear and shock, I can't even find myself to speak.

"Wait for me."

I watched him opened my window and fled through the night. And just like that, my world began to shambles.

—

Few days later, the Astrology department issued an outrageous statement; that a new five-clawed dragon would arise and dominate the empire. This new monarch would bring wealth, prosperity and happiness in the land and he will successfully unite the four warring state: Chu, Du, Tang and Li.

This controversial statement shocked the capital. People assumed that this new dragon will be the infamous 'Nan King.'

"Just like in the novel.."

Because it wasn't a secret that the health of Emperor Li Hai was declining. The imperial physicians were almost living in the Emperor's Palace. They were on standby for twenty-four hours, attending to the sick monarch.

A silent storm was brewing up inside the grand palace.

Evidences of corruptions were even discovered by the Ministry of Justice. Since the male lead came back, with his ruthlessly effective leadership and with the help of his trusted generals and allies, the candidate princes, one by one were eliminated to fight for the throne.

And because of the new dragon rumor, some princes were alarmed so they impulsively plotted a coup d'eta. Unfortunately, they were mercilessly executed in a flash, including the Crown Prince Li Rui.

"Li Rui.."

White lotus is called nobleness of flower. It symbolizes purity and elegance; love and beauty. The flower of unwavering faith and rebirth.

"Li Rui.."

My hands were still gripping the white lotus hairpin in which the crown prince had gifted to me years ago.

His last promise.. His regrets..

"My lady.. Suxin.."

Images of him being executed filled my mind; haunting me in my waking hours; plaguing my soul of his tears. My heart ached for the crown prince.

'Forgive me.' I prayed.

The other princes were imprisoned, if not, they were banished outside the capital and were ordered to never return.

The people who were killed, imprisoned and banished, some of them were familiar and became closer to me in these past five years.