The scene unfolds at the ‘Lake Mountain’ in the former territory of Earl Lorel.
“I never knew His Majesty the Emperor cared so deeply for his people.”
“Not shying away from such hard labor despite his royal status…”
“Indeed, Emperor Maxwell is a gift from the heavens.”
Voices filled with admiration for the Emperor echoed throughout the forest.
The focus of everyone gathered for the forest’s restoration was on a young man, the most active among them. It was unbelievable even to those witnessing it firsthand: the dignified Emperor Maxwell himself was taking part in the reforestation efforts.
The former Earl Lorel’s soldiers, a hundred strong, appeared, supporting Emperor Maxwell and the thirty members of the Imperial Guard.
The presence of the Emperor at such a messy site was astonishing. As people bowed their heads in greeting, the Emperor announced:
“From now on, the army will join the locals in the restoration work. Split into groups under the command of Sir Jacob and execute your assigned roles.”
The locals were stunned by the Emperor’s decision to deploy the army for restoration. Typically, such aftermaths were solely the responsibility of the locals, especially in territories far from the central administration in the capital.
Under the Earl Lorel, who favored superficial grandeur, the town had access to the latest trends but neglected the natural surroundings like forests and rivers. The local economy suffered due to poor management of agriculture and livestock.
The prosperity of ‘Lake Mountain’ had been a gift of nature until now.
“Working systematically like this makes it much more efficient.”
“It feels like we’ve halved the time needed.”
“Planting trees and building stone walls at the forest’s edge leading to the village will prevent floods and landslides.”
As the locals, divided into groups, removed damaged trees and planted saplings, their faces brightened.
Emperor Maxwell, whom they believed would surely return to the castle, had instead thrown off his uniform jacket and vest to help with the restoration, shouldering a large, fallen log scorched by flames.
His presence was so commanding it seemed as if the late afternoon sun followed him alone. His sweat-soaked tunic revealed the contours of his muscles, offering a spectacle to the tired locals.
As sweat traced his sharp jawline and streamed down his neck, women momentarily forgot to breathe, and men had to roll down their shirt sleeves as his biceps and triceps bulged with every lift of the logs.
“Never expected His Majesty to personally assist in such labor.”
“I thought such restoration work wasn’t even on his agenda.”
Despite the chilly late autumn weather, Sir Jacob and Sir Peter, drenched in sweat, paused for a moment to converse.
As they paused, shifting some ashes, their gaze followed the Emperor’s, who was looking intently in a certain direction.
Following his gaze, they saw Arabella, some distance away, tending to injured and exhausted animals, providing water and care.
As Arabella caught sight of the Emperor and smiled, his eyes and lips curved into a warm expression, and his steps naturally veered towards her.
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Not at all. Aren’t you, Your Majesty?”
“To ask if I’m fatigued by this. Do you not know who I am?”
“The most wise and magnificent Emperor of the continent.”
Arabella’s sincere and unhesitant response made the corners of the Emperor’s mouth rise to the sky.
He had been wary of those who showered him with flattery. Yet, Arabella’s embarrassingly sweet praise somehow made him want to hear it again. The Emperor thought this to himself, trying to suppress a smile.
It seemed to have started when he heard Arabella in the shabby dining room of Cander Castle saying, ‘Your Majesty is the kindest person I have ever met.’ It wouldn’t hurt to be seen as a good person by at least one person.
The Emperor encountered Arabella descending the stairs, having changed into her simple clothes brought in a bundle.
“I wanted to help with the restoration of the mountain. I heard the villagers are gathering there now.”
“Why would Your Ladyship bother with the locals’ work? It would be better to rest today, as we leave tomorrow.”
“This isn’t just the locals’ affair. The mountain’s ecosystem is connected to everyone. If the mountain dies, it affects not only the life within but also the village. I may be small, but I want to help.”
Arabella spoke with determination, causing the Emperor to frown in displeasure.
“How can you be so sure? I thought it was a natural disaster.”
“I went to see it on my way back. The fire was spread in a diamond pattern among the trees, and maple oil was used to accelerate the blaze.”
The Emperor had forgotten about the girl who loved the mountain, moving through it as freely as a squirrel, loving everything about it.
“What a bad person. The one who started the fire. Really bad.”
Hearing Arabella tremblingly utter ‘bad person,’ the Emperor felt as if punched in the gut.
“I’ll be back by dawn tomorrow.”
As Arabella bowed her head in farewell, the Emperor slowly opened his mouth.
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.]
