Donning a large, red wedding robe, Dongfang Ningxin sat calmly in the bridal chamber of Xuezhen王府. It was her wedding day, yet she couldn't feel any joy or anticipation, only a deep sense of unease. This marriage was destined to be unwelcome, the bride undesirable, and her fate, lamentable.

The silent bridal chamber, because of the stillness, adds a few more touches of melancholy to its festive decorations. If it weren't for the celebratory arrangements, one would mistake it for a funeral.

The veil covered her face, obscuring from view the expression beneath. At this moment, she sat motionless and silent, like a wooden doll, or perhaps truly as one, allowing herself to be manipulated at will...

Dongfang Ningxin, the renowned prodigy of the Heavenly Radiance Dynasty, was also the Empress consort chosen by the late emperor. However... a single imperial decree from the new emperor changed her destiny.

"By imperial decree, the Emperor proclaims: Dongfang Ning, of the Eastern Residence, is a kind and gentle woman. She is to be wed to Xue Tianao, Prince of Xue. Next, Dongfang Fan, also a kind and dignified woman, is hereby granted the title of Empress of Tianguo, known as Yao Wen."

One marries to the East Palace, two marry into the royal family. One becomes empress and one a concubine. This is unparalleled honor and privilege. The entire Eastern Mansion rejoices in this happiness, but who knows the heartache, pain, humiliation, and sorrow hidden behind this joy?

Dong Fang Ningxin, the eldest daughter of the Eastern Xiang Mansion, was personally chosen by the previous emperor to be the future Empress of Tianyao Nation. However, due to ruining half her face, she went from being a princess to a concubine. Not only that, but she was forced to marry a man who didn't get along with the Emperor. It was obvious that going there... waiting for her wasn't death, nor was it anything less than humiliation.

Dongfang Ningxin's face... was destroyed in a fire, an unknown fire that killed her mother and burned away her destiny.

How much is the value of a pretty face? I didn't know before because my mother only told me that talent and learning were the most important things, saying "a lack of talent is virtue," as if men fear their sons becoming powerful. But after my disfigurement, I finally understood the value of that face...

Clad in a crimson wedding gown, she sat in a swaying carriage, departing from the imperial city to marry into the snow-laden Xueqin Wangfu a thousand miles away. Such a marriage, forced upon her like a child's play, one could only imagine how unbearable it would be, and how the man who took her as his bride would treat her...

There is no man in this world who would take on a child rejected by his own brother, especially one known for his ugly appearance.

All the men in the world, all the men in the world are handsome, not to mention that year's King Snow Prince Xue Tian'ao who was powerful and domineering outside the court. How would that proud man treat him? Let him directly become a cold one or let him live worse than death…

Sitting quietly in the new house, Dongfang Ningxin was patiently waiting, awaiting the arrival of the man who would decide her destiny. If it weren't for her mother's hope, she'd rather die a weak death than agree to marry into the Xueqin王府...

The door creaked open, and steady, powerful footsteps walked in from outside with composure.

"My lord…" It was the voice of Fangxi's maid and her, respectful yet tinged with fear.

"All of you, leave." The cold voice held no trace of joy. Dongfang Ningxin secretly sighed in bitterness; this man was clearly very unhappy about this marriage. His icy tone gave full expression to his displeasure.

"Dongfang Ningxin, the rumored ugly that your older brother didn't want?" Xue Tianao, even on his wedding day, remained in black. His tall frame and handsome features should have made him a fine young man of this chaotic world, but his icy eyes gave him an aura of coolness instead.

Ugly? What an ironic word, yet it is an undeniable fact. The pain in his heart was palpable. Dongfang Ningxin, veiled and unable to see Xue Tianao's proud expression under the snow, could still feel the burning anger emanating from him through his voice. And really, did he need to hide this anger towards Dongfang Ningxin?

"Yes, my lord, this servant, Dongfang Ningxin." Her voice was soft yet possessed an undercurrent of strength. Dongfang Ningxin was a seemingly frail woman.

"Eastern Ningxin, well said. This king will go and see what kind of ugly child his brother has forced upon this king."

"What..." With the fall of Xue Tianao's voice, Dong Fangning only felt a sharp pain in her forehead. Her hair was forcefully pulled out, and the hairpin on her head fell to the ground. She herself was dragged down by this force and knelt heavily. Looking down, she saw a man wearing black boots.

Pain, a numbing pain that makes you want to cry, but Xue Tian Ao doesn't give him the chance to cry out.

"Lift your head and look at me," a cold voice drifted over Dongfang Ningxin's head, also dispelling her thoughts of standing up.

In the East, Ning Xin could only kneel in shame, as a princess yet worse than a servant. She had no right to stand up...

Without the veil of Xi Pa, Dong Fang Ning could feel even more clearly the coldness and ruthlessness in his tone. Rumors said that Xue Tian Ao was cruel and bloodthirsty, and it seemed those rumors were true.

Dongfang Ningxin slowly raised her head, gazing at the handsome man before her with calm eyes. His black hair was imposing, emanating a sharp aura from his entire being. This kind of man was a dragon among men; Dongfang Ningxin found herself unable to look away after just one glance. This man possessed an allure that drove people mad… although she knew it was like moths flying into flames.