Chapter 1

This is an elegant women’s boudoir. On the beauty couch by the window, a young girl was lying down. Upon closer inspection, the girl was actually only wearing a smoky pink bellyband and a pair of white shorts.

The skin on the limbs and around the navel was just so openly exposed to the air. At this moment, the warm and gentle sunlight streamed through the window and fell on her, adding a faint golden glow to her skin, which was whiter than snow, pure and flawless, smooth and delicate. At this moment, four maids were surrounding her.

Each of them held a delicate small jar, occasionally taking out a pearly white ointment from it. Carefully applied to the girl’s long legs, slender arms, delicate waist that could be covered by a single hand, cute and lustrous little white feet, and tender, onion-like slender fingers. One of the maids, Miaoyun, moved with exceptional grace. She had just finished the final step of massaging her mistress’s skin and spoke in a soft, soothing tone.

“Miss, your skincare routine for today is complete. In an hour, it will be time for your herbal bath. Madam Li is preparing it now.”

The young woman turned her head slightly at these words, a faint smile gracing her lips.

“Alright, you may go. I’ll read for a while and head over when the time comes.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, almost honeyed. Though she spoke only a simple sentence, it carried a charm that could melt hearts.

“Yes, Miss,“ the maids replied.

The four of them carefully gathered their tools and herbal jars, ensuring everything was tidy before leaving the room.

With the maids gone, the young lady’s appearance was fully revealed. Her brows arched delicately like crescent moons, her eyes sparkled like stars, her nose was smooth and refined, and her lips were a delicate crimson framing pearly teeth. Her hair, like soft clouds, framed a face so radiant that she seemed like a celestial maiden descended to earth.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her face and enhancing her porcelain complexion. She was as stunning as morning sunlight on fresh dew, as captivating as a lotus blooming in clear water. Su Jingyao raised her slender hand, shielding her eyes from the golden rays. Slowly, she opened her eyes, which shimmered like a tranquil autumn lake.

Once her vision adjusted, she reached for the gauzy robe draped nearby, her movements fluid and graceful as she wrapped it around herself. Her petite feet lightly touched the floor, and she rose effortlessly from the chaise longue, her figure moving with a natural elegance.She retrieved a poetry book with leisurely composure and walked gracefully toward a soft couch in the sunlit alcove.

Half-reclining on the couch, she rested her elbow on a pillow designed for comfort, a single strand of her dark hair falling loosely over her shoulder. It had been fifteen years since Su Jingyao had arrived in this world, and she had grown completely accustomed to life in ancient times. In fact, she enjoyed it far more than her previous existence.

In her past life, Su Jingyao had been an orphan, with no family or close connections—only herself. Her upbringing taught her a crucial lesson: anything she desired in life could only be achieved through her own effort and determination. This philosophy shaped her character. As a child, she poured herself into her studies. As an adult, she dedicated herself to refining her skills and appearance. She pursued anything that could enhance her quality of life with relentless focus.

She was, without question, a pragmatic and self-serving individual. To her, people—whether men or women—were merely tools to be used for her benefit. As for how she ended up in this world, Su Jingyao still had no answers.

In her previous life, overwhelmed by work pressures and her boyfriend’s insistent demands for marriage, she had picked up a romance novel one evening, hoping for a brief escape from reality. But the more she read, the more the story reminded her of her own struggles. Instead of finding solace, the plot only deepened her frustration with life.

In anger, she penned a scathing review, pouring hundreds of critical words onto the page to vent her emotions. Feeling somewhat relieved, she finally fell into a deep sleep.

When she awoke, she was no longer her modern self. Instead, she had become the newborn daughter of the Grand Secretary in the Jun Dynasty, bearing the same name as before. Five years ago, she overheard her father mention that the emperor had named the empress’s legitimate son, Jun Zechen, as the crown prince.

It was then that everything clicked.

Jun Zechen was none other than the male protagonist of the very novel she had read.

And she, Su Jingyao, was destined to play the role of the villainess, the cannon fodder who interfered with Jun Zechen’s love story with the heroine, Ling Yue.

How ironic.

At fifteen, Jun Zechen became the crown prince. At seventeen, he stepped onto the battlefield, where he crossed paths with Ling Yue, the daughter of General Ling. Ling Yue grew up in the frontier, living freely and unrestrained. Her straightforward and carefree nature, paired with her pure and innocent heart, deeply fascinated the Crown Prince, who had been raised within the confines of the palace.

At eighteen, the victorious Crown Prince married seventeen-year-old Ling Yue and made her a solemn vow: “Of all the waters in the world, I will only drink from one cup.”

Yet, two years passed without Ling Yue bearing a child, drawing the Empress’s discontent. She ordered the Crown Prince to take Su Jingyao, the daughter of the Minister of State, as a concubine to ensure the royal lineage would continue.

In the original story, Su Jingyao entered the Eastern Palace just as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’s love was at its peak.

Having been pampered and sheltered since childhood, Su Jingyao had a soft, gentle temperament. But after her marriage, the Crown Prince distanced himself from her, leaving her to endure humiliation and gossip within the palace. Her husband’s coldness and the Empress’s relentless pressure for a pregnancy made her life unbearable.

Servants whispered about her behind her back, and in the end, she succumbed to despair and passed away in sorrow, her beauty fading with her life.

When Su Jingyao first read this part of the story, she thought the male lead was admirable, as he stayed true to his promise to the female lead, dedicating himself to one woman for a lifetime.

But after ascending the throne, the male lead still lacked an heir with the Empress. This led to the inevitable selection of new consorts.

Despite being protected by the Emperor, the Empress was no match for the younger, more competitive concubines. By the end, even the Emperor’s youthful affection for her had faded.

How laughable.

But this Su Jingyao was no longer the same as before.

She resolved to rewrite her fate, rise above all obstacles, and reach unparalleled heights. If the female lead’s world was destined to be shrouded in darkness, then Su Jingyao would reveal its ugliness early.

Fortunately, her identity provided her with significant advantages. Her mother was the legitimate wife of Su Hongyu, her father, and they shared a relatively harmonious relationship. She also had an older brother who had just come of age.

Their relationship was only “relatively harmonious” because, in the original story, her father doted heavily on a concubine, Madam Xu.

Since the age of ten, Su Jingyao had taken great care of her appearance, asking her mother to procure skincare tools and remedies for her. With the help of dozens of maids, she maintained her beauty meticulously.

In any era, beauty is a silent yet lethal weapon for women.

She also subtly passed her insights on charm and allure to her mother:

“Mother, Father spent the day with Madam Xu again. Remember, the storybooks say even married couples must keep a sense of novelty. Try on this gauzy dress—it will look stunning on you.”

“Mother, don’t prioritize Father’s feelings over your own. You’re well-versed in poetry and literature—assert yourself more.”

“Mother, today is your wedding anniversary. Prepare a surprise for Father.”

“Mother, if Father is in the wrong, you should show your displeasure. Next time, refuse to see him.”

…

Over the years, Su Jingyao subtly influenced her mother, ensuring no concubine could surpass her status.

Now, her father was utterly enamored with her mother, who had mastered the balance between charm, intellect, and capability. In the eyes of a man, such perfection rendered all notions of “true love” irrelevant.

Su Jingyao was determined to be the epitome of perfection in the eyes of men.

As she flipped through her poetry book, she reflected on how she had read it five times since childhood. Each time, the poems seemed to reveal new perspectives on life and emotion. She couldn’t emulate the poets’ grand aspirations, their carefree spirits, or their profound expressions of love.

But it didn’t matter—she could pretend.

Soft sunlight streamed through the window, mingling with the faint, fragrant smoke from an incense burner, filling the room with warmth and tranquility. Glancing at the time, Su Jingyao rose gracefully. It was time for her medicinal bath. She set aside her book and moved to the inner chamber of her boudoir.

“Miss, the bath is ready. Please allow me to assist you.”

Su Jingyao nodded, raising her slender hands to loosen her robes, which slid to the floor in a delicate cascade. Her flawless, radiant skin seemed to glow in the light, her beauty unparalleled. She stepped into the jade-crafted bath, where steam swirled and the air was infused with a subtle blend of floral and medicinal fragrances.This bath was prepared using a secret formula created by a female physician her mother had hired at great expense.

It contained petals of roses, jasmine, and lilies to nourish the skin, combined with rare herbs like angelica, astragalus, lingzhi, and snow lotus to rejuvenate the body.

The final touch was a unique blend of rare spices, making the preparation time-intensive and costly. But the results were undeniable.

As Su Jingyao ran her fingers over her flawless skin, even she couldn’t resist her own allure. How could any man?

As always, Nanny Li approached to provide a massage.

Unlike ordinary servants, Nanny Li had been specially trained by the female physician. Her techniques were precise, focusing on areas like the lips, chest, waist, and hips. Su Jingyao’s cheeks grew flushed as her expression softened, her eyes sparkling with a mesmerizing allure.

Even though Nanny Li had seen this enchanting beauty every day, she still found herself momentarily entranced. After two incense sticks’ time, Su Jingyao leaned against the edge of the tub, thoroughly relaxed. Once composed, she stepped out with Nanny Li’s assistance.

The smooth, fair body was gently revealed. The nanny carefully dried the young lady’s skin, then helped her dress in a fine gown. Throughout the process, Su Jingyao looked like a delicate flower being tenderly cared for.

Just as Su Jingyao finished getting ready, Miaoxia rushed in, her voice filled with urgency.

“Miss, please hurry to the main hall—a royal decree has arrived.”

Su Jingyao raised her elegant brows slightly.

“Alright, I’ll go now.”

She silently guessed that this decree might be about her being chosen as the Crown Prince’s secondary consort.

When she arrived at the hall, Eunuch Dehai, who served the Emperor, was already there.

Seeing her, Su Hongyu, her father, called out, “Yao Yao, come here quickly.”

“Forgive me for being late, Eunuch Dehai,” Su Jingyao said with a slight bow.

Dressed in a graceful green gown, she looked even more ethereal, like a fairy. Even Eunuch Dehai, who was used to seeing beautiful women, was momentarily stunned by her appearance.

The Minister of Appointments had indeed raised an exceptional daughter.

“No need to apologize,” Dehai replied.

“I came on short notice. Since Miss Su is here, let us proceed with the decree.”

With that, everyone knelt, bowing deeply in respect.

Dehai’s sharp voice rang out:

“By the Emperor’s command:

As ruler of the realm, I am mindful of the nation’s future and the continuation of the royal lineage. Su Jingyao, the daughter of the Minister of Appointments, is known for her exceptional beauty, virtue, and talent, a true role model for women. In recognition of her qualities, I bestow her as a secondary consort to the Crown Prince to assist the Eastern Palace. The marriage will take place in two weeks with a grand royal celebration to honor this union. May the two live in harmony, have children early, and continue the royal bloodline. Thus decreed!”

“This humble daughter accepts the decree,” Su Jingyao said.

After Dehai left, Su Jingyao’s mother, Liu Jingxian, looked worried.

“Husband, I was already planning Yao Yao’s marriage. She’s our beloved daughter, and I wanted her to be someone’s main wife. But now…”

Though Liu Jingxian was in her thirties, her face was still youthful. Her concern for her daughter made Su Hongyu feel guilty.

But this was the Emperor’s decree, and it couldn’t be disobeyed.

“I understand your feelings,” Su Hongyu said. “But the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are deeply in love. I’m afraid Yao Yao will face hardships after marrying him.”

Liu Jingxian, unaware of the Crown Prince’s past, didn’t know that he had been in love with General Ling’s daughter. If the Crown Princess could have children, the Emperor wouldn’t have arranged this marriage now. The Crown Prince had refused to take concubines after marrying the Crown Princess. Now, their Yao Yao was to be the first, which made Su Hongyu worry.

But he couldn’t share all this, as it would only upset his wife further.

“Father, Mother, I’m fine,” Su Jingyao said. “I’m willing to marry the Crown Prince.”

“Even if he doesn’t like me, I’ll stay obedient and live peacefully in the Eastern Palace. Don’t worry about me.”

Hearing her daughter’s mature words, Liu Jingxian couldn’t hold back her tears.

“I should have arranged your marriage earlier so you wouldn’t be forced into this. It’s my fault for keeping you home longer.”

“Mother, the Crown Prince is handsome and honorable. Even if I’m not his primary wife, I’ll still be part of the royal family. Please don’t be sad for me, okay?”

Su Hongyu hugged his wife and looked at his daughter with a serious expression.

“Yao Yao, the Su family will always support you. If you ever face trouble, write to us. Don’t bear it alone.”

“Alright, Father and Mother, you’re the best. I’ll remember,” Su Jingyao said with a smile.