Serena’s engagement ceremony took place at the age of 20. There was a six-year age difference between them, and at the time, Lora was a 14-year-old debutante with no connection, even as a relative.
If Serena’s marriage hadn’t been so delayed, they would have never lived under the same roof.
“National marriage is such an honorable and joyful event… but it feels a little sad, like I’m losing my newly found sister. You’ll keep this a secret, right?”
Seeing Lora’s sullen and cute face, Serena smiled.
“Even if I go to the palace, you can come visit.”
“Really? Will you invite me?”
“Once I get used to palace life.”
Lora’s face shone brighter than ever. The thought of being invited to the palace as the crown prince’s wife’s guest made her imagine how envious the surrounding ladies and young nobles would be.
“Is it a promise?”
“Yes, it’s a promise.”
Feeling sorry for the genuinely happy Lora, Serena’s intent had always been to keep tabs on Elise and the Duchess.
“I’ve always admired the Duke, it feels like a dream come true.”
Lora said, her hands clasped tightly. If only this girl had been the real protagonist, things would have been much easier. Still, Serena had to be thankful for the information she could glean.
“Would we be able to spend time together again soon, even though not much time is left?”
“Of course. After taking lessons from Lady Abigail, we can have tea.”
Lora nodded repeatedly, her cheeks flushed with joy. Yet, in Serena’s mind, the only image that came up was that of the real protagonist, who had torn dolls apart at the age of 10.
If this was a story, the protagonist would have the most significant impact on this world.
Even if Elise was currently assisting a relative’s recovery and Serena’s social standing was higher, the fact that Elise was the protagonist wouldn’t change.
As Lucas entered the Imperial Palace and paid respects to Adeline, she silently signaled her intent by touching her lips with her index finger. Likely, she didn’t want to wake up Luana, who was sleeping soundly on Adeline’s lap.
“Obri.”
Upon Adeline’s quiet call, the waiting nursemaid came and skillfully lifted the child without waking her.
“Lucas, have a seat. Isabelle, bring tea.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”
The bond between parent and child is strong, they say. As mother and son faced each other, Lucas felt that a six-year gap had faded away.
“She’s three but still very childish.”
“Are you talking about Luana?”
“Yes. She was born after you left, and even the Emperor was very happy. That’s why she’s a bit spoiled.”
“As long as I made both of you happy while being undutiful, a little misbehavior is okay.”
Lucas was as eloquent as ever. Adeline grinned, looking at her twenty-year-old son.
“Don’t worry, all preparations for the national wedding are done.”
It seemed like she had read Lucas’s mind, even before he had asked.
“Did you also persuade Abamama when I decided to marry the Duke’s grace?”
No matter how far away he had been, he couldn’t be unaware of his parents’ disposition. The Emperor would have hesitated to proceed with the postponed engagement, and Adeline would have gently smoothed things out as always.
“Yes. I thought you would never marry if not for him.”
As expected, a mother knows her child.
“You resemble His Imperial Majesty a lot.”
“That’s a bit…”
To Adeline, both men looked the same, but the actual parties involved strongly disagreed.
“Really. When I mentioned our engagement, His Imperial Majesty immediately agreed.”
Their own marriage hadn’t been smooth either, but the Emperor had never given up on Adeline. Much like how Lucas had no intention of giving up on Serena.
“Is it about the serenades for the past year?”
“Yes… if you can call that cacophony a serenade.”
Adeline gave a strange smile. Now, she was someone who loved her husband and children more than anyone but didn’t want to hear that kind of serenade again.
“Anyway, don’t worry about the national wedding. I’ve refurbished the chamber where the crown princess will stay, and I will personally prepare all the furniture.”
It was the Empress’s role to prepare the palace for new family members after the civil war. However, Lucas felt relieved thinking of Adeline’s kindness and taste.
“No matter how passionate I am, I can’t match Adeline’s preparation in those aspects.”
“Since you have Abamama’s help, what would there be for you to worry about?”
Adeline beamed a proud smile at Lucas’s mature response.
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.]
