Su Baiyue is a character in a stallion novel titled Domination. The male protagonist, Lu An, whose name implies “wild dog,” begins life in humble circumstances but through relentless effort, ascends to the pinnacle of power, eventually establishing a vast harem.
As is customary for a male protagonist in such a narrative, his first love, often symbolized by the trope of “Bai Yueguang” (White Moonlight), is an exceptional figure. In this case, his first love is Princess Ling Yun, the daughter of the King of Weinan. Renowned across the vassal states for her beauty, Princess Ling Yun is admired by many noblemen and princes, but unattainable. She is portrayed as a pure, celestial figure, reputed to be the most beautiful woman in the world.
From the outset, it is clear that Princess Ling Yun, occupying a position of social and moral superiority, would not be interested in Lu An, who at this stage in the story resembles a pitiable, downtrodden figure. However, the narrative’s purpose for this kind of “Bai Yueguang” is to set the stage for a future reversal, where the protagonist eventually humiliates his former unattainable love. The pleasure derived from sullying such a pure and noble figure is part of the darker themes of this stallion novel.
As the protagonist of a dark stallion narrative, Lu An’s success inevitably involves immoral and unscrupulous methods. If Lu An represents the embodiment of darkness in Domination, then Liu Ling (Princess Ling Yun) is its epitome of purity. The moment Lu An first lays eyes on Liu Ling, he realizes he desires her.
Princess Ling Yun is a unique character among the nobility. Her obsessive cleanliness prevents her from maintaining close contact with even her own family. Living an ascetic lifestyle, she avoids meat and grains, subsisting only on fruits and dew, which has caused her health to decline. Her fragility leads the entire Weinan household to fear that she might one day ascend to the heavens, leaving behind her mortal existence.
After many years of these trials, Princess Ling Yun has finally reached marriageable age. Her father, King Weinan, dissatisfied with the smallness of his domain and the lack of suitable suitors for his ethereal daughter, has moved the family to the royal capital in search of a worthy match.
Despite her otherworldly existence, Princess Ling Yun still attracts many suitors, drawn not only by her beauty but by the power and influence of the Weinan household. With various vassal states eager to assert dominance, the economically and militarily strong Weinan palace is highly sought after.
Even the Emperor is eager to form ties with the Weinan household, often sending the Crown Prince with gifts. Although Princess Ling Yun’s poor health prevents her from bearing children, such issues can be resolved by adopting an heir to continue the lineage.
As a result, the Weinan palace has become a bustling hub of activity, with many visitors coming under the guise of congratulating Liu Chen on his recent victory, but in truth hoping to win favor with Princess Ling Yun.
Meanwhile, Su Baiyue begins to feel anxious as the story is about to enter the second major scene, where she, playing Princess Ling Yun, will confront the male protagonist, Lu An.
Although described as a confrontation, it is really a scene in which Princess Ling Yun humiliates and tramples upon the male lead. This initial dynamic establishes the foundation for the grand romance between the noble princess and the lowly stable boy.
Princess Ling Yun is proud and aloof, accustomed to doing as she pleases without regard for others’ opinions. Even in the company of other princesses and noblewomen, her haughty demeanor has long caused resentment. However, due to the power of the Weinan household and her brother’s recent military achievements, none of her peers dare to voice their complaints openly. Instead, they whisper behind her back, only to greet her with smiles when they next see her.
The scene takes place at the Weinan palace racetrack.
Liu Chen, having consumed some wine, is in high spirits and is coaxed by the princes and noble sons to showcase his equestrian skills. The racetrack is filled with the sons and daughters of noble families, including the Crown Prince, who has come bearing gifts. On the suggestion of the Lady of Weinan, King Weinan has summoned Su Baiyue, with the intention of introducing her to the Crown Prince.
Although the royal family is in decline, the Crown Prince remains a significant figure. Since he has shown interest, it is almost certain that Su Baiyue will become his consort.
A procession of maids enters first, carrying white silk, which they lay across half the racetrack in layers. Curtains are raised to block the dust, water is sprinkled to clear the air, and luxurious incense is lit before the maids retreat to the sides to wait.
When Su Baiyue first encountered this scene in the novel, she found it absurd that such ostentation could continue. Surely, it was only due to the favor of her father and brother that a character like Princess Ling Yun could survive so long. However, after experiencing these extravagant rituals firsthand, Su Baiyue could only think: wealth truly brings unparalleled happiness.
After all, the joys of wealth are beyond ordinary imagination.
A luxurious carriage slowly approached, draped in fine silk and adorned with bells and lanterns, exuding an air of opulence and refinement.
Upon hearing the carriage, the princes and nobles eagerly craned their necks to catch a glimpse. Even the Crown Prince rose from his seat in anticipation.
Through the thin veil, a slender and graceful figure emerged from the carriage. She wore a veiled hat that obscured her face, but her regal demeanor made it clear that this was none other than the legendary Princess Ling Yun.
The noblewomen, witnessing the captivated expressions on the men’s faces, reacted with disdain. After all, they were also princesses—what made Ling Yun any more noble?
It wasn’t that Su Baiyue was trying to flaunt her position; her character was written this way. If she didn’t act in such a manner, it would be out of character.
Since they were at the racetrack, it was only fitting to ride horses. Su Baiyue, dressed in white fur, stood at the entrance, slender and delicate, her pure, snow-like appearance contrasting starkly with the dusty racetrack.
As per her personality, Princess Ling Yun naturally detested these filthy men and had no desire to even glance at them. However, out of respect for the Crown Prince and in deference to her parents’ wishes, she gave them the barest courtesy. Behind her, a stable boy brought forth a snow-white horse, her mount named Treading Snow.
The stable boy, dressed in the livery of the Weinan household, was a tall and thin youth, his frame slightly hunched. His face was hidden, but his hands, with their distinct knuckles, clutched the reins tightly, as if both nervous and excited.
Su Baiyue’s body was extremely weak—she could barely walk three steps without stopping for breath—so unlike the other noblewomen, she couldn’t gallop freely across the racetrack. Simply sitting on the horse and circling the track once would be an achievement.
Treading Snow was gentle and immaculately groomed. But Su Baiyue had never ridden a horse and had no idea how to mount one. Peering through her thin veil, she watched the other noblewomen and thought to herself that she could surely imitate their movements.
However, Su Baiyue overestimated her strength. She was so weak from hunger that she lacked the energy to mount the horse. Living on three pieces of fruit a day—how could anyone survive like this? She was only alive because the author was sustaining her with the power of the story!
Despite her internal complaints, Su Baiyue steeled herself and, with her starving and dizzy body, prepared to ride the horse. She was almost moved to tears by her own dedication.
Su Baiyue remembered clearly that it was at this point in the story that Princess Ling Yun whipped the male protagonist three times.
Starving and weak, Su Baiyue licked her lips and unsteadily approached the horse. Lu An, who was holding the reins, caught a whiff of the sweet, fruity scent emanating from her—a scent as fresh as dew.
“What are you waiting for?” her maid, Jing Wen, scolded. “Kneel already!”
Lu An instantly tightened his grip on the reins, his entire body trembling.
Su Baiyue understood. As the male protagonist, how could Lu An endure such humiliation? A man’s pride would never allow him to be trampled by a woman, especially one of noble birth.
When she saw Lu An shaking with anger, a pang of pity arose in her heart. But there was no other choice—this was the plot.
Taking the whip from Jing Wen’s hands, Su Baiyue lashed out at Lu An.
With a sharp “crack,” the whip tore through the fabric of his servant’s uniform.
Already faint with hunger, Su Baiyue lacked the strength to properly wield the whip, so the blow was more like a gentle scratch than a real strike. However, to the onlookers, it appeared as though Princess Ling Yun was bullying a mere stable boy.
The young man released the reins and knelt on the ground, his rough, calloused hands digging into the soft white silk beneath him, his fists clenching in frustration.
As the thin layer of white silk draped over him, Lu An felt something light press down on his back—a woman’s weightless body. It was as if there was no pressure at all when she stepped on him.
Su Baiyue tried to steady herself as she used Lu An’s back to mount the horse. She could hear his rapid breathing beneath her, like a wild dog snarling in the snow—fierce and intense.
The boy’s body trembled violently, but he forced himself to remain still under Jing Wen’s reprimands. His thin frame, malnourished and fragile, was nevertheless upright, revealing his youthful form.
Su Baiyue knew that this humiliation would be etched into the male lead’s memory forever. What she didn’t realize, however, was that the boy kneeling beneath her, his face hidden by the white silk, was trembling not from shame or fear, but from excitement.
As Su Baiyue’s feet left his back, Lu An felt a sudden sense of loss.
The white silk was lifted, and Lu An blinked in the sudden light, instinctively looking up.
From his perspective, he could see Princess Ling Yun, sitting gracefully on the horse, her white robes fluttering in the wind and her veiled hat swaying lightly. From this angle, Lu An could clearly see Su Baiyue’s sharp chin, her slender neck, and the pearl earrings hanging from her jade-like ears.
But what captivated Lu An the most were Su Baiyue’s lips. In the sea of pure white, her lips stood out so vividly, as if they were begging to be tasted—tempting, like ripe cherries on a branch.
The beauty lowered her eyes slightly and gazed down at him.
The young man, still kneeling, stared up at her as though he were gazing at his deity.
Su Baiyue’s eyes were clear and pure, their black and white in stark contrast. Her long eyelashes fluttered lightly, casting shadows on her calm, emotionless gaze.
With another sharp “crack,” Su Baiyue lashed the whip again, this time striking Lu An’s hand as he instinctively raised it to shield himself. A shallow red mark appeared on his hand.
Su Baiyue noticed the drop of blood that fell onto the white silk and nervously tightened her grip on the whip. Her previously calm and indifferent eyes now softened slightly.
Lu An quickly knelt down, crossing his hands and bowing deeply. His thin body trembled in the cold wind.
Unable to bear looking at him any longer, Su Baiyue coldly ordered, “Lead the horse.”
The young man moved slightly, and more blood dripped from his hand onto the silk. He tilted his head and slowly licked the blood from his wound before stepping forward to lead the horse.
As for the fact that the future villain still led her horse after being whipped twice, Su Baiyue thought that, in the end, Princess Ling Yun’s death was not in vain.
After all, to be able to humiliate the male lead like this and still die peacefully—she must be the only character in the entire novel to accomplish such a feat.