A familiar scent clung to her. The arm wrapping around her shoulder was heavy.
Tilting her head, Benjamin stood next to her. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. As she wiped it away with the back of her hand, another presence approached.
“May the light of healing reach the Empire. Good to see you again. You’re up early.”
“Nice to see you, little Taran.”
Tattante adjusted his scabbard and refitted his dueling outfit. He lamented at his tattered dueling outfit.
“I lost again.”
“I told you, your flank is wide open. It doesn’t get fixed no matter how many times I tell you.”
“Taran warriors rush in prepared to be stabbed by a sword. But your blade slows and numbs the body when it pierces, it’s uncomfortable. I don’t want to be stabbed. Try to kill your aura a bit.”
As Charlotte blinked, Tattante explained on her behalf.
“We are old friends.”
Tattante looked at Charlotte with a mysterious eye.
“Is it okay to be touched by the aura?”
“I am not that frail. Also, His Majesty cleansed it right away, so it was fine.”
Benjamin sheathed his sword.
“I should end the duel here. Leaving for Taran country in the morning?”
“When everyone is ready…”
“That’s fine. Are those the servants of Taran country?”
Servants were coming this way with disapproval.
“Those guys have absolutely no trust in the duel.”
Benjamin caressed Charlotte’s hair as he looked down at her, adequately blocking Tattante’s view.
“No need to be close to someone with a dark heart.”
“Don’t forget that I am listening from behind.”
The wails of the Taran servants grew louder.
“We have to leave early in the morning. If we leave now, we’ll pass the Poppeta coast by evening. We have to say our farewells here due to the rushed departure.”
“Going that way again?”
“As I always say, that route shortens the distance by at least two days.”
It was humiliating to have to cross the sea for an additional two days because of the monsters. If only he could chew their legs like octopus legs.
“Please take good care of the child. Born on the day His Majesty ascended the throne, Taran country believes in destiny. If this child came here, there must be a reason for this encounter.”
“Thank you.”
“Hmph. Although he has a dirty temperament, he is fine if he only follows my master.”
A white furball nudged its head below them, its tail wagging.
“…Looks like we’re being shooed away. We should say our goodbyes here.”
Their farewells with the Taran delegation were made here.
The formalities were dropped, and now…
Tatante performed the final courtesy as the head of the delegation.
Tatante finished preparing to leave and clicked his tongue.
His gaze landed on the Imperial Palace.
“It’s strange how unchanging it is. I wonder where that composure comes from. They’ve buried the last monster incident as if it never happened, and have completely blocked internal unrest. They’re quite adept at ensuring no leaks.”
“Who are you speaking to?”
“The Empress is speaking.”
“…What disrespect, omitting the title?”
The retainers of the Kingdom of Taran only had increasing concerns today.
“Do not forget you are at the heart of the Imperial Palace. If you sit as the representative of the delegation, maintain decorum and dignity.”
“It’s strange. Phantoms are arrogant creatures. They’re not easily tamed, especially those with power. Purebloods are drawn to strong bloodlines, and wolf phantoms have particularly strong egos. And yet, the master chosen by such a phantom is too feeble.”
“The disposition is not feeble.”
“In my eyes, you’re feeble.”
“Then so it is. Choosing the Empress over the Emperor is surprising.”
It was a phantom born when the young Emperor ascended the throne.
“If this fate is a fate, then it’s fate.”
Phantoms choose their masters. I feel like I know why she chose her.
“It’s embarrassing to think it’s a national soul after hearing it.”
“…What?”
“Don’t you feel it?”
Tatante recalled the Empress he had encountered at the banquet palace.
Her hair was dark red, her formal dress was red.
She was a woman like a deeply red sunset.
“They look alike.”
Unfortunately, they resembled each other in their essence.
“Your Majesty, you went out again without any attendants?”
The steward hesitantly followed the Emperor. It was common for the Emperor, sensitive to his surroundings, to go alone, but the delegation hadn’t all left yet.
“Did you go to the training grounds?”
“I always go at dawn, why the fuss?”
“You go without attendants, that’s why.”
Benjamin wiped his sweat with a dry towel, looking down at the steward.
“Shall we continue?”
“I apologize.”
The steward promptly shut his mouth. There were boundaries that servants must not cross.
“Shall I bring some warm tea?”
Charlotte took off her coat, bowing her head. The steward took the coat and glanced at Benjamin.
“Bring it to the bedroom.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t get cold doing so.”
Though the young Emperor had completely consolidated his power and authority within the palace, things were different around the Empress. The ones who felt this the closest were the attendants.
As they entered the bedroom, the warmth enveloped them. Charlotte brushed back her long hair and murmured.
“It’s warm.”
“You’re too insensitive… I’ve always been sensitive to the cold at night, so I’ve asked for special attention to the fireplace, but it seems you didn’t know because you have no reason to be outside at dawn.”
Afterwards, the steward brought the tea.
The news that the delegation from the Kingdom of Taran had all left also came.
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.]
