Several generations of Schneider ancestors to the current Emperor granted titles to people of conquered nations.
Whether merely symbolic or not, these titles were decent compensation for those who had lost their nations.
While higher titles were given to the royal families of these nations, most nobles received the title of baron in the Dermaire Empire.
For these nationals, the flippantly granted titles seemed like medals of honor. Those who received them often oppressed their own to ensure loyalty to the Emperor of Dermaire.
The problem was their gradual desire to penetrate the central power.
The easiest way to enter the center was through marriage.
Thus, this ball itself was a festival for social climbers. Whether parents or individuals, barons and below eagerly pinned yellow roses on their chests, hoping to become mistresses or wives of men from earldoms or higher.
Ricardo had heard that people did not hesitate to pay exorbitant sums just to secure an invitation to this event.
“But why isn’t that woman looking this way?”
Women were supposed to be able to tantalize men even from afar. She kept looking around as if searching for someone but never turned back.
“I wonder what expression the Princess Consort would have if she knew you were so curious about another woman.”
Stuart’s eyes widened in genuine alarm at Ricardo’s teasing remark.
“Don’t even joke about that. You know Mariette is the one I fear most in this world. This is a secret among us men.”
He shivered as if truly frightened, then pointed to a spot in the hall.
“Oh, there’s Walter.”
The person Prince Stuart pointed to was Walter Shaw Chaplin, the successor of the Chaplin ducal family. He was one of the few men in the empire widely recognized as genuinely upstanding.
Ricardo agreed with this assessment, though it didn’t mean he had a particular liking for Walter.
Walter, still a Marquess, had been handling the duties of a Duke for some time, as his father had been seriously ill for years. Some impetuous people already called him the Duke of Chaplin.
“Just look at that. Even Walter, known for his discerning eye, seems to be approaching her. That’s how it is with men. So don’t even think of mentioning it to Mariette.”
Strictly speaking, Walter was not exactly approaching the new “yellow rose.”
It was implausible for Walter, known for his obsessive cleanliness but only towards women, to voluntarily approach a woman wearing a yellow rose. If anything, he’d be more likely to retreat if they approached him.
However, Ricardo knew about Walter’s peculiar condition through his sharp observational skills. This condition was as secretive as the Chaplin family’s powers, so it wasn’t surprising that the Prince misunderstood.
Regardless of the reason, it was clear that the silver-haired lady was the center of attention tonight.
Princes and heirs of major houses like Chaplin and Paquin, even the Second Prince, all seemed drawn to her, whether by gaze or by approach.
Ricardo chuckled hollowly as he observed the unfolding scene.
“All the men are flocking to her. Why don’t you give it a try too?”
Just as the lady, who had been turned away, finally turned around, the voice of Prince Stuart began to sound distant to Ricardo.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
