I Decline the Ex-Boyfriend of the Regretful Male Lead (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
The Emperor’s Audience Chamber.
“Your Imperial Majesty. It has been a long time since I last saw you.”
Roused by the voice he hadn’t heard in ages, the Emperor abruptly lifted his head. Turning his eyes toward the source, he saw Hertian walking in.
“Have you been well all this time?”
His voice echoed through the vast chamber. The Emperor, who had briefly smiled in pleasure at the sound, immediately wiped the expression from his face.
“Drop the formalities.”
Despite his inner feelings, he greeted his son with a cold tone.
Hertian replied curtly to the Emperor’s unchanged demeanor.
“Then I shall drop them.”
It had been two years since their last meeting—two years since he’d seen the Emperor, and since he’d returned to the capital.
No matter how many times he visited, the imperial palace remained utterly unfamiliar. Feeling stifled, Hertian unfastened the tightly buttoned collar of his coat as he approached the throne.
“Now that you’ve returned victorious from war, has your arrogance grown even further?”
“I’ll stop now.”
“Yes. Enough of that arrogant attitude toward your father…”
“I said I would stop wandering battlefields just to avoid the imperial in-laws.”
Cutting off the Emperor mid-sentence, Hertian went straight to the point. Prolonged pleasantries did not suit his temperament.
“What did you say?”
Startled by his son’s sudden defiance, the Emperor straightened his previously slouched posture.
“I’m sick of it. It’s horrifying that the place I fled to just to preserve my life is a battlefield where people kill each other.”
Four years had passed. While his friends played freely at the academy, he’d unexpectedly inherited the title of Duke and spent those years drifting between battlefields. He thought he’d grown accustomed to suppressing his desires—but he no longer wished to live by giving up everything.
Moreover, Anette wanted him. War, in this situation? Even if the empire were to fall, he wouldn’t go.
“It’s still too soon. Wait. Until you’ve built your own power.”
But the Emperor wasn’t one to yield easily. Having already lost the woman he loved, he refused to lose his son as well. Yet if he openly protected Hertian himself, it would only provoke rebellion. Knowing this well, the Emperor was still biding his time.
“No.”
Hertian answered firmly.
“Are you defying my will?”
“I clearly promised before the war—you said you’d let me return to my domain once this war ended.”
“But you ended the war earlier than the agreed time.”
He’d been instructed to drag it out for at least another year. But to Hertian, Anette’s letter mattered far more. With Anette possibly marrying another man, he couldn’t afford to linger idly on the battlefield. Better to confront this now than live like that.
“Failing to end a war when you can is incompetence.”
“Dare you defy the Emperor’s words?”
“No. I’m merely informing you—I will no longer go to the battlefield just to preserve my life.”
Leaving behind words that bordered on an ultimatum, Hertian turned away coldly.
He’d expected the Emperor to be furious anyway.
Just as he was about to step out of the audience chamber—
Puhahaha!
The Emperor burst into loud laughter. Hertian halted mid-step.
“The time has finally come.”
At the Emperor’s deep voice, Hertian’s head snapped around irritably. An expression of satisfaction—the likes of which Hertian had never seen in his life—was spread across the Emperor’s face. His son’s first act of defiance clearly pleased him greatly.
“You should have done this long ago. Now that you can even talk back to the Emperor, you’ll surely be able to protect your life—and your people.”
Hertian’s eyebrows twitched.
“…Have you been testing me all this time?”
For four whole years?
“A true lion king of the forest always throws his cub off a cliff. It wasn’t a test—it was my way of helping you grow strong on your own.”
“It’s you who’s playing with words, Your Majesty.”
“Think as you please.”
The Emperor didn’t mind.
With that kind of boldness, his son wouldn’t be taken for a fool anywhere.
“So, what do you plan to do for a living once you return to your domain? You’ve known nothing but war until now.”
Of course, this was only the beginning. Returning to that cold, barren land would be far harder.
‘He must have something planned to act so confidently.’
The Emperor grew slightly curious.
But the words that came from Hertian’s mouth defied all expectations.
“I’m going to get married.”
He never imagined hearing those words from Hertian—not even from Serdis.
“What? You’re getting married?”
“Don’t interfere.”
That brat… He wasn’t joking. He was serious.
He truly intended to marry.
“Living under Calix has only made your head swell… You don’t even have a partner.”
The Emperor still doubted him. Having watched his lone-wolf younger brother Calix die without even experiencing love, let alone marriage, he assumed Hertian feared the same fate.
“I do. Someone to marry.”
“You do? You, who’ve done nothing but wander battlefields? Did you perhaps fall for a neighboring kingdom’s princess on the battlefield?”
“Even if I told you, Your Majesty wouldn’t know her.”
“That brat…!”
The Emperor slammed his hand down on the armrest. Ignoring the Emperor’s reaction, Hertian moved toward the exit—but stopped at the commotion outside the chamber.
“No entry without permission!”
“No matter how noble you are, you must apply in advance to see His Imperial Majesty…”
The door soon opened, and a servant hurried in, repeatedly bowing as he approached the Emperor.
“What is it?”
The servant gestured toward the outside and explained the situation.
“It’s… Lady Young-ae of Count Leangberia suddenly requested an audience with Your Imperial Majesty, causing a minor disturbance. Since she arrived without an appointment, I’ll quickly persuade her to leave.”
Lady Young-ae of Count Leangberia.
Hertian’s head instinctively turned.
“Anette…?”
His eyes naturally followed in her direction.
The Emperor, too, quickly noticed the woman’s name slipping so naturally from his war-obsessed son’s lips—and even the way his gaze trembled as he looked outside. This reaction from his son was unprecedented.
‘Could he really be planning to marry that young lady?’
A sly smile crept onto the Emperor’s lips.
This was the perfect opportunity to tease his rebellious son.
“Let her in.”
The Emperor wouldn’t miss this chance.
“Yes?”
“Lady Young-ae of Leangberia. Bring her in.”
[This is the timeline separator]I left Serdis in Violet’s care.
Serdis might come looking for me while I met with the Emperor.
I needed someone to keep him occupied. Violet gladly accepted my request.
And so, I recklessly stormed the Emperor’s audience chamber, causing a scene until I finally gained entry by imperial command. My father would be furious if he found out, but I, too, felt cornered.
“I knew it was impolite, but I absolutely had to see Your Imperial Majesty.”
Beneath the towering throne, I bowed deeply.
“You said you were Lady Young-ae of Leangberia?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You could have simply requested a meeting through your father. Why cause such a commotion and insist on entering so recklessly?”
“Because I must speak with you right now. Please grant me some time.”
The Emperor exhaled sharply and spoke.
“I’ll grant you time. But if what I hear seems unreasonable, I’ll imprison you in the dungeon.”
His voice was cold and dry, like an ice pick. Yet I remained undeterred.
“If you deem my words absurd, punish me as you wish. But since this reckless act was mine alone, punish only me.”
And boldly added,
“And if my words prove true, please grant me one wish in the future.”
This was my Plan B.
Foreseeing events from the original story to gain the Emperor’s protection.
It wasn’t safer than marriage. As I’d experienced, the original plot might not unfold as written, and the Emperor had no obligation to grant my wish. But after repeated marriage failures left me with nothing visible to lose, I gained the courage to try anything.
“Speak.”
The command fell.
I uttered the words I’d prepared.
“There will be an assassination by poison at the victory ceremony soon.”
The very reason I had to see the Emperor today.
Because today was the day of the victory ceremony. Normally, one needed to apply at least a week in advance for an audience—but I had no time.
To obtain what I wanted as quickly as possible, I had to take risks.
A heavy silence passed. Then the Emperor’s stern, weighty voice broke the stillness.
“How do you know?”
“Ever since an accident in my childhood, I occasionally see things that haven’t happened yet in this world.”
This was the only way I could justify my knowledge from possessing the book.
“Are you trying to pose as a prophetess with such deceitful words?”
“I’m no prophetess. I don’t see everything—and certainly not those involved in this matter.”
I refused to be treated as a prophetess. It would only bring endless trouble.
The Emperor ignored my words without even a snort.
“That’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard all year. I won’t ruin the victory ceremony over an unprovable claim.”
It was a natural reaction.
If someone came to me out of nowhere claiming to know the future, I’d think they were mad too.
“I know the location of the item Your Imperial Majesty has been searching for.”
But I’d already thought of a way to prove myself before coming.
“…The item I’ve been searching for?”
“Dig at the end of the stone-paved path behind the imperial palace.”
“My Lady. If this, too, is merely a prank, I won’t let it go unpunished.”
I smiled calmly.
“I welcome it.”
The Emperor stared at me for a long while, then called a servant and ordered him to dig. Not long after, the servant returned.
“Your Imperial Majesty.”
Without even glancing at him, the Emperor sneered,
“Well? Did you find pebbles?”
“It’s… nothing particularly special—just an old hair ornament.”
“Bring it here.”
The servant unfolded the cloth he’d wrapped it in. Inside lay a well-worn, tangerine-colored hair ornament. The Emperor, who had been examining it dismissively, slowly widened his eyes.
“How… how did this end up there…?”
It was the very ornament he’d personally placed on the head of the woman he loved, during their secret stroll beyond the palace walls. After her death, all traces of her within the palace had burned away, leaving him heartbroken—so this object was both welcome and deeply nostalgic.
The Emperor, who had sat firmly until now, rose and carefully picked up the ornament. I kept my eyes lowered and bowed deeply.
“I don’t know what this item is. I only glimpsed, in passing, Your Imperial Majesty searching for this hair ornament and weeping over it someday.”
And I waited quietly—until the Emperor composed himself.
“I’ll believe your words. Rise and speak.”
Soon, a trembling voice descended. I concealed a triumphant smile and hid the dirt on my hands.
I’d known from the original story, but the location had been hazy—thank goodness I’d secretly dug it up beforehand.
I hadn’t expected it to work this well.
“Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”
Now the real negotiation would begin.
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]
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MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (7)
It was the moment the Duke, who had repeatedly delivered triumphant news from the battlefield, showcased his prowess in our home as well.
Mwahahahaha
The Duke’s retainers urged him to take a Duchess to at least expand his influence, but he had no interest in power—or women. He simply disliked their nagging.
What kind of misunderstanding there 😂
Hm, did someone know the story like FL? That man, suspicious.
Inline Comments (12)
Perhaps because I’m certain he’ll never love me.
Lol girl. You don’t know anything about him. He is obsessive 😂
‘Master Melson.’
Ooo, nice. Genuinely quick on the uptake; a hopeful sign.
‘Besides, it’s just a lake—it can’t be that deep.’
So no actual knowledge from her past life. How odd, given all that time she had to read and watch tv.
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Blairwoods
ML is grand Duke?? Anette would be so surprise hahahah