Substitute Bride: The Enemy Emperor Dotes Only on Me

Murong Zhao is the seventh princess of Beishuo, born to Consort Jing who died when she was eight. For the next ten years, she endured neglect and abuse in the Cold Palace, learning swordsmanship in secret from her mother before her death. When Beishuo is defeated by Dayin, the Emperor demands a political marriage to secure peace. The legitimate Fifth Princess, Murong Yan, and the Empress refuse to go, fearing the rumored bloodthirsty Emperor of Dayin, Xiao Yan. The Emperor orders Murong Zhao to replace her sister as the substitute bride, a sentence she accepts without protest, recognizing that resistance would only bring further suffering from the powerful Empress.

Before departing, her brother Murong Heng secretly gives her a dagger and warns her to choose death over humiliation if necessary, though Murong Zhao vows to survive and return one day to make their enemies pay. On the journey to Dayin, she is accompanied by Wei Zhao, a silent guard who reveals he was saved by her mother years ago and sworn to protect her. The procession faces multiple assassination attempts orchestrated by the Empress and Murong Yan, including a rockfall ambush at Yanmen Pass and a poisoned meal. Wei Zhao shields Murong Zhao from falling stones and fights off assassins, sustaining severe injuries. Murong Zhao kills an assassin who breaches her tent, proving her capability to defend herself.

Upon arriving in Dayin, Murong Zhao is subjected to humiliation by the Empress Dowager, who makes her kneel for an extended period, and by Consort Shu, who confiscates her dowry and expels Wei Zhao from the palace under the guise of enforcing rules. She is assigned to Yong Lane, a dilapidated courtyard reserved for disgraced concubines. Despite losing her protection and possessions, Murong Zhao remains composed, focusing on survival and planning her next moves. She discovers that someone sent her a warm quilt, hinting at hidden allies within the palace.

Wei Zhao defies his expulsion and returns to protect her, risking execution. He informs her that Consort Shu is plotting against her and that the Emperor has shown interest in her. Murong Zhao continues to practice her swordsmanship in secret, preparing for the challenges ahead. The Emperor, Xiao Yan, observes her from a distance, intrigued by her resilience and determination. He sends the quilt as a test, curious about whether she is truly as weak as others perceive or if she possesses hidden strength. Murong Zhao senses his presence but does not reveal her awareness, maintaining her composure as she navigates the treacherous inner palace.

The story follows Murong Zhao as she transforms from an abandoned princess into a calculated survivor, using her skills and alliances to counter the threats posed by the Empress, Consort Shu, and the complex politics of Dayin. Her journey is one of endurance and strategic maneuvering, as she seeks to reclaim her dignity and power in a hostile environment.