“Think about it. If you become the Prince’s friend, what can I offer you?”
There, I thought. And I knew. The only thing an Emperor could bestow upon a friend of the Prince was mere wealth.
Oh, my. I suppressed the laughter that threatened to escape.
Luxury? I’ve used the same items as an Emperor. I’ve ridden in His Majesty’s carriage, used the silverware he bestowed, and worn clothes made from the silk he gifted.
There was even a time when His Majesty carpeted the entire path from the city gate to where I walked with silk to welcome me back from a victorious return.
In my previous life, I rivaled the Emperor in wealth and power, commanding civil and military officials. My family was renowned.
Yet, despite all that, my end was miserable. I ended my life with the silk gifted by His Majesty, who had exiled me.
Knowing how fleeting wealth and power are, the Emperor’s offer held no allure for me.
“…I simply wish to lead a humble, ordinary life.”
If no one paid attention to me, I’d prefer that.
“Do you know how many people share this Emerald Palace with you?”
But what the Emperor could offer wasn’t all good.
I looked at the Emperor’s fingers pressing down on my small, plump hand.
Could this hand barely encircle one of those fingers? The difference in the size of our hands mirrored the gap in our power, making me acutely aware of the disparity between us.
Although I had no interest in the riches and glory the Emperor could offer, I was deeply concerned about the hardships he could impose.
For instance, Tulla’s life might be at stake.
So, I kept silent.
“Currently, there are four people sharing the Emerald Palace: Yourself, Princess Gianelle of Tatien, Countess Wishian of Chibecha, and Princess Kanique of Gernia.”
My prediction was right. I had been bedridden, so I didn’t know who else was sharing the palace and who they were. It was a relief to easily obtain this information.
“You seem to understand your situation well, but will the others do the same?” said the Emperor, implying that he knew the royals crammed into the palace would tear each other apart like venomous insects, yet he pushed ahead with the plan.
If the power difference between nations is stark, the Empire need not take responsibility for any conflicts among royals, making it a beneficial arrangement for them. They could even blame them for rudeness.
Really, my life… Why can’t I ever take the easy path? I sighed silently, knowing the Emperor would understand, but hoping he would overlook it.
He didn’t press me for irreverence.
“Do you need time to think?”
My thoughts on what the Emperor could offer were complete, so I contemplated what he wanted from me.
Ultimately, a playmate for the Grand Duke. But before letting me meet the Grand Duke, he said he wanted to test me. What would the test entail?
If it were mere threats, he could directly question my desire for life or threaten Tulla’s life. But since he’s discussing the royals in the Emerald Palace, he likely wants to test me in that context.
“Your Majesty, I am but three years old. Do you wish me to unify the royals?”
Then, the test is clear: become the final venomous insect managing the royals trapped together like Gu poison.
“I won’t ask a three-year-old to control dozens of royals.”
‘All of them.’ That had an ominous ring to it.
“Just maintain order in the Emerald Palace. Then I’ll consider employing you.”
Employment, my foot. I suppressed the urge to curse. If one can’t ignore the nonsense of the powerful, they can’t be a minister.
“I will do my best.”
“A good ambition.”
The Emperor smiled, his face seemingly kind, but I remembered the look in his eyes beyond his eyelids.
Having observed people for 65 years, I can assure that those eyes were of someone who could jeopardize your life if made an enemy, and squeeze your existence dry if allied.
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.]
