Longing for Love (Twice Reborn)

Li Juchen, a female official of the Great Liang Dynasty, was infamous in her past life, despised by all. She controlled the imperial court with an iron grip for most of her life, until the court officials rose against her a death she arguably deserved.

The only thing she never expected was that her lifelong rival, Prince Pengshan, would willingly sacrifice his own life to give her a sliver of hope.

Li Juchen scoured the world to find the rumored suicide note Prince Pengshan left behind. She had intended to fulfill his final wish, but when she unsealed the bamboo tube, the yellowed paper inside revealed a love letter he had written to her in his youth.

“It’s laughable, really.

In this lifetime, I’ve drunk with strangers to solve cases.

I’ve slept beside refugees to aid disaster relief.

I’ve shared a table with common folk I’d never met.

I’ve held an umbrella for displaced women and children.

Yet despite loving you so deeply, I never did a single thing with you.”

Song Mi was elegant and strikingly handsome, born into imperial nobility and renowned from a young age. He was the untouchable snow atop the highest peak, the moon in the sky, the most unattainable figure in the capital of Great Liang. By the age of twenty, he already held immense power, sitting atop the pinnacle of authority for years. His life was one where every desire was fulfilled, every wish granted until he fell for the most impossible woman.

Seated high in the golden halls, Song Mi often found himself staring at that cold, sharp-eyed beauty, thinking: Had I known I’d fall for her one day, I should never have offended her in the first place.

And in the end, he paid a steep price for this unyielding affection.

Even on the first day of his rebirth, the only clear thought in his chaotic mind was still the desire to see her.

Compelled by some inexplicable force, he rushed to where she was only to find her utterly drunk at the wedding banquet of her childhood sweetheart.

He stood in the shadows for a long time, watching, before leaving behind a silk handkerchief to wipe her tears and turning to leave.

But suddenly, she chased after him. In the dim light, she grabbed his hand from behind and murmured, “Your back… looks just like the man I love.”

Song Mi’s heart clenched as if seized by an invisible grip. His steps froze. With a cold laugh, he turned around, letting the light fall on his face. “Do I still look like him now?”

Li Juchen rose on her toes and kissed him.