As a seasoned night owl and a hardworking medical student, she had always dedicated herself to memorizing textbooks and exhausting her energy on research. In the blink of an eye, she found herself transmigrated into a world where she not only gained a bunch of male consorts but was also disturbed during her sleep. For someone who held sleep in devout reverence, this was nothing short of a tremendous grievance!

Ji Zhaohe tried to push the person off her with all her might, but before she could exert any force, the figure drifted lightly and landed beside her.

Are the power dynamics in this matriarchal world reversed too? Ji Zhaohe wondered skeptically.

She looked closely: the person’s jet-black hair cascaded around their ears, partially obscuring their face, but she could vaguely tell they were a beauty. Her mind still foggy, Ji Zhaohe’s fingers unconsciously tapped the person’s fair, soft cheek.

So soft.

She sighed softly, her hand moving uncontrollably to pinch it—it was as bouncy as jelly.

Still not waking up? She gazed at the red mark her pinching had left on the beauty’s face.

Seems like they’re dead asleep.

Probably one of the Third Princess’s consorts, right? After all, given the Third Princess’s temperament, no one else would dare climb into her bed.

With that thought, Ji Zhaohe relaxed and lay back down, turning to curl her arm around the person again, gently resting one arm over their shoulder.

It had to be said—men in this matriarchal world were exceptionally delicate. Their bodies seemed as if molded from water, soft and incredibly comfortable to hold. Their hair was so smooth too—how did they maintain it? They also carried a faint, pleasant scent of begonia. This young consort was like a sweet, soft little cake.

“Your Majesty, they’re right in here.” A sharp voice sounded outside the door. The person in Ji Zhaohe’s arms showed slight signs of stirring, nestling deeper into her embrace as if trying to block out the noise and focus on sleeping.

Ji Zhaohe gently patted their shoulder, intending to wake them, but before she could, the door was violently thrown open with a loud crash.

The person in her arms shuddered and fully awoke. They stared blankly at the unfamiliar woman before them, and as their vision cleared, their face turned pale. They hurriedly scrambled out of her embrace.

Both of them looked toward the door.

Empress Ji Yu, Crown Princess Ji Zhaoyi, and a group of people Ji Zhaohe didn’t recognize but could tell were of noble status stood outside the door.

“Your Majesty, my son has always been disciplined and never ventured outside. There must be more to this situation!” Minister Shen’s voice trembled as she bowed her head deeply.

Ji Yu’s expression was cold as she cast an oppression-heavy gaze toward the two on the bed, but her words were directed at Minister Shen: “Minister Shen, are you suggesting… the Third Princess deliberately seduced him?”

Even though the Third Princess had a notorious reputation—she had even snatched men off the streets before—the scene everyone witnessed when the door opened was Minister Shen’s son leaning against the Third Princess, snuggling into her embrace. It clearly appeared consensual, leaving Minister Shen with no ground to stand on.

“Mother, it’s not…” Ji Zhaohe straightened her robes, thinking she had tidied herself up, and got off the bed. She grabbed the quilt and draped it over the young man’s slender frame. Everyone outside is female—if this gets out, it’ll ruin his reputation.

“Yue’er, no need to explain. Since things have come to this, the two of you shall marry soon.” Ji Yu’s decree was final, leaving no room for the Third Princess to argue.

“But this matter…” Ji Zhaohe couldn’t help wanting to say more, but before she could, the palace attendants shut the door, blocking everyone outside. Ji Yu’s voice came through the door: “Yue’er, you and Young Master Shen tidy up properly. Make sure to arrive at the night banquet on time.”

Only when the sound of footsteps faded into the distance did Ji Zhaohe snap out of her daze. Wait, that’s it? I thought I’d be punished! From the sound of it, this young man is Minister Shen’s son. She turned and instinctively glanced at the young man on the bed.

From beginning to end, the young man had kept his head bowed, silent and offering no explanation. His hair was disheveled, the corners of his eyes flushed red, and upon closer inspection, faint, suppressed sobs could be heard.

Like a little kitten.

But given the circumstances, it was no wonder he wasn’t happy. After all, her reputation was well-known. I’ll have to clarify things with Mother at the night banquet, Ji Zhaohe thought worriedly.

“This is my fault. You… were set up, weren’t you?” Ji Zhaohe hesitated slightly toward the end.

Though she had little understanding of court intrigues, she could guess some of it. Moreover, since this plot wasn’t mentioned in the original novel, she was somewhat confused.

In the original story, Minister Shen’s son, Shen Qingtang, was the female lead’s official match—the main consort. However, the female lead had countless admirers, so his presence was relatively low-key. He was merely an obedient and well-behaved supportive partner, remarkably tolerant of the female lead’s other suitors, which made readers feel deeply sympathetic toward him.

But now, this seemingly emotionless, docile character from the original story couldn’t hold back his sobs anymore and suddenly burst into tears.

Ji Zhaohe was startled and hurriedly used her wide sleeve to wipe his tears. To her surprise, the poor thing grabbed her wrist and bit down hard.

“Ouch!” Ji Zhaohe shook off his hand. What’s wrong with this guy? I was kindly wiping his tears, and he repays me by biting me? Looking at the neat teeth marks on her wrist, she couldn’t help but feel furious.

“I’m sorry.”

After a long while, Shen Qingtang finally looked up at her with guilt in his eyes, red like a little rabbit’s, and apologized in a hoarse voice.

Ji Zhaohe didn’t respond, neither accepting nor rejecting his apology. Instead, she sat by the bed, picked up the clothes from the bedside, and handed them to him. “Put these on first. We need to go to the night banquet soon.”

The young man stiffly took the clothes. Noticing her unwavering gaze, he hesitated before speaking: “Could you… turn around?”

While Shen Qingtang was getting dressed, Ji Zhaohe stared at the door and said, “Today’s incident is quite suspicious. Don’t worry, I will definitely find out who dared to scheme against me like this!”

“…There’s no need,” Shen Qingtang paused mid-action.

“What? Why?” Ji Zhaohe turned to look at him.

Shen Qingtang was adjusting his clothes when she suddenly turned around, causing him to startle slightly.

He really is like a little rabbit, always so easily startled.

“Are you actually willing to become my official consort? Or do you not know who I am? I’m that notorious Third Princess!”

This was the first time Shen Qingtang had heard someone speak of themselves in such a way. He was stunned for a moment, thinking that the rumors were indeed true—the Third Princess was not very bright and seemed rather foolish.

She couldn’t even see through her own mother’s blatant scheme.

The Empress did not want the Shen family to form a marriage alliance with the Qian family, so she orchestrated this elaborate spectacle to force the Shen family into a corner. Even if he were unwilling a thousand times over, he would have no choice but to marry the Third Princess. At the same time, this act served as a warning to the Shen family, preventing them from acting recklessly.

But his mother and elder sister had always been dutiful and loyal to the court, their devotion etched into their hearts. After this incident, his mother would inevitably feel disheartened.

Once Shen Qingtang was fully dressed, Ji Zhaohe suggested they leave. Noticing his troubled expression, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Are you going out like that?” Shen Qingtang asked.

Ji Zhaohe glanced down at her clothes. In the rush of the moment, she had hastily tied them, leaving the garments loose and disheveled, with the collar wide open—a truly indecent sight.

But Ji Zhaohe had no idea how to wear these complicated robes properly.

“Let’s just go like this,” she said. After all, my reputation is already ruined. This won’t be out of character—in fact, it fits the persona even better.

However, Shen Qingtang couldn’t stand it. During the night banquet, the Empress would surely announce the decree. If everyone saw the Third Princess in such a state, it would embarrass his mother and make him the laughingstock among the other young masters.

After hesitating for a moment, Shen Qingtang slowly walked over to her and began straightening her robes.

Ji Zhaohe found herself mesmerized by Shen Qingtang’s slender, jade-like fingers and the glimpse of his fair, delicate wrist revealed under his sleeve as it slipped down.

Looking at it this way, having a husband like him might not be so bad after all.

The original novel also mentioned that Young Master Shen was exceptionally gentle, kind-hearted, and magnanimous. Even when the female lead’s harem was in turmoil, he could calmly mediate among the other consorts. He was truly the model of an ideal official spouse.

As expected, upon returning to the palace, Ji Yu issued the decree, praising Minister Shen’s son for his virtue and compatibility with the Third Princess, and announcing their impending marriage. Though the Shen family was filled with resentment, they had no outlet for their frustration. Minister Shen’s influence was too great, and marrying Shen Qingtang to the Third Princess was indeed a strategic move to ensure the future prosperity of the Shen family. The only pity was that Tang’er had to suffer…

Shen Residence

“Tang’er, it’s your mother who has failed you. If you face any hardships after marrying into the Third Princess’s estate, don’t keep it to yourself. You must tell me. I’ve worked my way up to this position precisely to ensure you and your siblings live safe and worry-free lives,” Minister Shen said with heartfelt pain.

After washing up in the evening, Shen Qingtang showed no trace of the sadness and grievance he had displayed during the day. He smiled gently and said, “Mother, Tang’er is willing to marry.”

For the sake of his mother, his elder sister, and the entire family’s safety, sacrificing himself was a small price to pay.

Even if the Third Princess was spoiled and reckless, with the Shen family’s status and influence, she wouldn’t dare treat him too poorly.

If the Third Princess truly was as cruel to her consorts as the rumors suggested… well, it wouldn’t be the end of the world, Shen Qingtang comforted himself. At least I won’t die.

Shen Siyu seemed to guess what her younger brother was thinking. “Tang’er, there are some things Mother and I cannot inquire too deeply into. If anything happens after the marriage, you can first discuss it with Father. We’ll find a solution together—it will be for the best.”

If the Third Princess continues her absurd and reckless behavior, I will make sure to submit a formal complaint! I’ll rally others to corner her until even the Empress, despite her favoritism, will have to punish her. Even if the punishment is light, it will still make her uncomfortable for a while.

After Ji Zhaohe was betrothed, Ji Yu bestowed upon her a new estate. Located in what seemed like the prime downtown area, it was close to famous buildings, snack stalls, and market shops. Eager to explore, Ji Zhaohe moved into the estate as soon as possible and spent the next few days sampling all the nearby snacks and visiting the entertainment houses. After all, if I were to die unexpectedly someday, I should make the most of my limited time and enjoy the extravagant pleasures of ancient life!

“Your Highness, is there anything else you would like to add?” The stewards and attendants in the estate had all been brought from the palace and were very familiar with her preferences. The decor was all arranged according to the highest standards.

Ji Zhaohe looked around the room, which was adorned in a lavish, opulent style, and felt very satisfied. I have to say, the original owner’s taste is quite commendable.

Since I’m rich, of course everything should be decorated with the most expensive materials!

The only downside was that there were far fewer people in the estate compared to the palace. After the night banquet, Ji Zhaoyi had explained the entire situation and the underlying interests to Ji Zhaohe. Once she learned that her own mother was behind this unscrupulous scheme, she felt a wave of guilt toward Shen Qingtang. When moving into the estate, she dismissed all the side consorts the original owner had kept for nighttime services. Although she wasn’t sure if she could commit to a one-on-one relationship, she still believed the principal consort deserved respect and propriety.

“Plant a few more begonia trees in the estate,” Ji Zhaohe said naturally, thinking of Shen Qingtang.