Last night, inside the carriage where Shallen and Isabella sat side by side.
“Isabella Rudo, it seems I might be able to help you reclaim the position unjustly taken from you.”
“What… What do you mean by that?”
Shallen leaned closer to Isabella and whispered in her ear.
“There’s a secret about Kasallin that Emperor Parnes doesn’t know.”
“A secret?”
“If you want to know, you must promise me. The conversation we have here stays between you and me, and you must never tell another soul.”
Isabella immediately understood what he was about to reveal to her.
She pretended to know nothing.
But she nodded earnestly, as if deeply interested in his story and ready to keep the secret.
The sincere light in her eyes was enough to plant a seed of trust in Shallen’s heart.
Shallen, as if whispering sweet nothings to a lover, looked into Isabella’s eyes up close and began to share a long-hidden story.
“In truth, Kasallin was involved in a terrible accident in the past. It was a horrific event, one that could only be described as the gods turning their backs on her. Because of it, she lost the child in her womb and became unable to conceive.”
“Good heavens. Such a tragic thing happened.”
“I loved her deeply. I was always devoted, willing to give everything for her. But what could I do? A woman who cannot bear children cannot be crowned queen of a nation. In the end, I persuaded her, and we decided to part ways. For a time, I spent every night in tears.”
By this point, Isabella was grieving as if it were her own pain.
While Shallen spoke of Kasallin’s weakness, he cleverly concealed or distorted facts that might reflect poorly on him or disadvantage him.
Isabella naturally felt sympathy for Shallen.
She thought he deserved far greater happiness than he had now.
On the other hand, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed in Kasallin, whom she had regarded with moderate goodwill until now.
From Shallen’s words, Kasallin seemed to have treated him cruelly, like a heartless woman who used every trick to rise to the position of empress.
In particular, the fact that she had approached Emperor Parnes to seduce him while still a maid to Queen Rose was almost unbelievable.
Isabella could never have imagined such a frivolous side hidden in Kasallin.
“Emperor Parnes likely has no idea. That she cannot continue the imperial line of the Rennel Empire.”
“That must be true. If His Majesty had known, she would never have been crowned empress in the first place.”
“I’m worried. For the emperor, who will be shocked when he learns the truth one day, and for Kasallin, who has fallen into ruin through her greed. The reason I couldn’t fully enjoy the banquet this time was because my heart was heavy with concern for them both.”
“Why would Her Majesty make such an irreversible choice? It’s truly troubling.”
Isabella covered her mouth with one hand, her face serious.
The shocking revelation stirred her emotions so much that she couldn’t help but feel like laughing.
One thing was certain at this moment: if this truth came to light, Kasallin would, at the very least, be deposed as empress.
“Your Highness, wouldn’t it be better for Her Majesty if we set things right before it’s too late? The longer this goes on, the greater her sins will become.”
“I agree. For the future of the Rennel Empire, Kasallin’s hidden secret must be revealed to the world.”
“Is there no way to do it?”
“If there’s a way…”
Shallen paused to think, then let out an “Ah” and furrowed his brow.
“There was a doctor who examined Kasallin at the time of the accident. I don’t recall his name… but for personal reasons, he resigned and returned to his hometown after that day.”
“It might be worth finding him and talking to him.”
“The problem is, I don’t know where his hometown is. If I’d known, I would’ve paid more attention back then.”
“Don’t worry, Your Highness.”
Isabella smiled brightly, showing her white teeth like blooming marigolds.
“I’m not sure how much help it will be, but the Rudo family can look into it as well. With more hands, we might find him faster, don’t you think?”
“Miss Rudo, you are truly kind. Since it’s just the two of us, I must say I cannot fathom why you didn’t become empress.”
“You flatter me. I’m not that remarkable. My mother always scolds me.”
“No, in my eyes, you are the perfect candidate for empress. If you expressed your feelings more boldly to Emperor Parnes, he would surely see your sincerity.”
“Really… Do you truly think so? If I keep trying, will I one day see results?”
“Of course. I guarantee it, kind and beautiful Miss Isabella.”
By the time their conversation ended, Isabella and Shallen were holding each other’s hands tightly, as if they were the closest of friends.
Of course, it was merely a shallow trust born from seeing each other as useful tools.
“…And that’s what happened.”
The conversation with Shallen in the carriage.
And about Kasallin’s tremendous secret and deception, Isabella told everything to her mother.
Shallen had earnestly asked her not to tell anyone, including family, but to Isabella, Duchess Rudo was like an extension of herself.
Hiding anything from her mother was unimaginable to her.
Thus, Duchess Rudo was not included in Shallen’s “anyone.”
“And he gave me this invitation. He asked me to visit the Khan royal court sometime.”
Isabella took out the invitation from her bosom and handed it over.
Though the handwriting was messy, written in haste in the carriage, it was unmistakably an introduction penned by King Shallen himself.
“…This is an unbelievable story.”
Duchess Rudo sat on a nearby sofa, touching her flushed face, which radiated heat.
Her expression now mirrored her daughter’s.
Her eyes wavered with confusion and boiled with strange excitement, while her lips twitched uneasily.
Was this the sordid emotion that gripped someone upon discovering a fatal flaw capable of ruining another’s life in an instant?
Duchess Rudo felt utterly despicable.
It was similar to the feeling she had when she hurled venomous criticism at the Dowager Empress while tending the garden.
“Mother, you seem very shocked. Shall I ask a maid to bring some tea?”
“So, you’re saying we should find that court physician and reveal Her Majesty’s secret to everyone?”
“His Highness Shallen said it’s the only way for Her Majesty. No, for His Majesty’s sake, we must correct this mistake before it’s too late.”
“That’s not wrong, but…”
Was it truly the safe path?
Isabella knelt at the feet of Duchess Rudo, who was gripped by doubt, and spoke persuasively.
“Mother, why do you look like that? This isn’t a bad or wrong thing. It’s about telling His Majesty the truth. Isn’t that what a true loyal subject should do?”
Isabella had never tried to persuade Duchess Rudo before.
The path her mother pointed to was the path she walked, and her mother’s every word was Isabella’s thought.
Having never needed to judge or choose for herself, Isabella’s eyes, long dormant, now sparkled vividly.
If she could bring her mother what she so desperately desired, she could truly become a daughter of the Rudo family.
On the seventh morning after being officially crowned empress, Kasallin had to calm her startled heart at a sight she couldn’t get used to, no matter how many times she saw it.
About ten maids and attendants stood by, holding washbasins and silks.
“Have you awakened, Your Majesty? May we attend to your morning preparations?”
She wanted to ask if an empress was treated like a child, unable to wash or dress herself, and had to face such a fuss every morning, but what could she do?
Having decided to live here forever, she had no choice but to adapt to its customs.
“Very well. Good morning, everyone.”
Kasallin cleared her hoarse voice, pulled back the covers, and sat on the edge of the bed.
The maids put out the hearth fire, replaced the drinking water, and opened the windows to let fresh air into the room.
Loren Logia and the other attendants carefully washed Kasallin’s hands and feet, helped her wash her face, and brought several dresses, asking which one she would like to wear today.
Choosing a dress, all seeming much the same while standing in her undergarments, was the most trying moment.
Kasallin hid her embarrassment as best she could, selected a dress and shoes, and had her hair styled elaborately, adorned with opal earrings and a delicate gold necklace.
The day’s duties as empress were about to truly begin.
Over a simple breakfast, Kasallin listened to Sir Nigel Ludwig brief her on the day’s schedule.
“An official meeting with the Minister of the Royal Household in an hour. Lunch with the Chief Scribe at noon, and a tea party with the noble ladies at three. Afterward, you’ll visit the imperial cemetery and review the budget for the Grand Festival.”
“It’ll be a busy day.”
And it seems I won’t see His Majesty Parnes today either.
Kasallin muttered to herself, letting cool tea slide down her throat.
In truth, she hadn’t seen Parnes since their first night, nearly a week ago.
Both were busy handling affairs in their respective domains—the Emperor’s Palace and the Empress’s Palace—with no time or plausible excuse to visit each other.
She could now believe the absurd anecdote that when Emperor Friedrich brought his mistresses into the Emperor’s Palace two hundred years ago, Empress Margaret remained unaware for an entire year.
“Are you alright, Your Majesty?”
“What do you mean?”
“For a moment, you looked lonely. I apologize if I overstepped.”
“Did I?”
Nigel nodded cautiously, and Kasallin’s eyes widened silently.
Lonely?
“Because I haven’t seen His Majesty?”
Kasallin quietly stared at the wide table, where empty dishes and cutlery were neatly arranged, as if some answer lay hidden there.
She had accepted his dry proposal for a cooperative partnership with reassurance.
But now, what?
The morning after their first night, she stared blankly at her husband’s back as he walked away without hesitation.
Since that day, thinking of him with no contact, wondering if there was any excuse to visit.
Now, a week without seeing him, making a lonely expression that even Sir Nigel noticed.
All of it pointed to one answer.
“I miss His Majesty.”
Very much.
With an hour left before the meeting with the Minister, she rose as if enchanted.
“Your Majesty! His Majesty the Emperor has sent a letter!”
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.]
