Books that gave off a puff of dust and the stale smell of long storage when opened, books made more for beautifying the aristocrats’ libraries than for reading.
Books that Aelfrie had read all alone when she was young.
Beyond those books, Aelfrie could not read anything else. Because her father did not buy any other books. Also, her father did not like Aelfrie reading books.
“Excessive knowledge leads to arrogance.”
He did not want his daughter to become smart. Aelfrie had no use for him, even if she learned a lot, as she was the eldest, not the second daughter, Elize.
“What’s the use of reading more books when you have to serve your husband? Rather, think about honing your deficient eloquence and charm! Not a single proposal came for you this year! I can’t raise my head in shame when people occasionally talk about you!”
There’s no way proposals would come in, as she hadn’t been out in society for several years.
But if she said so, it was fortunate if she did not get hit.
Anyhow, he was a person who did not bestow even a bit of generosity on Aelfrie.
So, if Aelfrie wanted to read a new book, she had to borrow it secretly from the library, avoiding her father’s eyes.
But if the tail is long, it gets stepped on. Half a year ago, she was finally caught. That day, Aelfrie was slapped. Her father ordered her not to take a step out of the mansion for a month.
Of course, he did not allow a single sheet of paper, let alone a book.
How painful that time was.
Unable to endure the boredom, she repeated writing equations on the foggy windows with her fingers.
Even that became impossible later, and she had to do everything in her head.
She came out of the room a little earlier due to lack of help, but she couldn’t even think about going out with her ID again.
“I know it’s wrong, but…”
Aelfrie looked at the new books with a face filled with emotion. Just looking at them made her body tremble with joy.
In Denerthum, the only time she could glimpse the world, being confined to the mansion always, was just now.
Aelfrie touched the spines of the new books with trembling hands. That’s when it happened.
“Huh?”
Something caught Aelfrie’s eye.
There was something sparkling between the new books.
At first, she thought the sunlight had come in. But the Academy’s shelves were designed not to let the light come directly in.
‘What’s this?’
When she turned her gaze to where the light had been seen, there was one book lying alone, separated from the others.
As soon as she saw the shape, Aelfrie realized it was a book of the Empire.
Unlike Denerthum’s books, which were made by covering expensive leather, the Empire’s books were covered with cloth.
The nobles scoffed at the books as vulgar, but Aelfrie liked the Empire’s books better.
Because it seemed like anyone, not just the privileged male nobles, could read them comfortably and happily.
She reached out to set up the book properly, and that’s when she saw the title.
Successors of the Golden Rule
The moment she saw that title, Aelfrie, who had stopped her hand, soon smiled bitterly.
She remembered what someone had said about her at a party a long time ago.
That person called Aelfrie a “failed successor.”
“Even calling me a failed successor is too much.”
For he was not even born as a successor to the Golden Rule.
Golden Rule. It was a term that meant the power that those who lived on the continent in ancient times had.
People believed there were laws that constituted everything in the world.
Those ancient people who perfectly understood that primal law called it the Golden Rule and applied it, using astonishing power.
A miraculous power, like moving a housesized rock with a touch of the hand or making water spring from the dry land.
And those who had that power were called the successors of the Golden Rule.
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.]
