Before leaving, Ji Zhaohé fell a step behind Shen Qingtang and turned her head to instruct: “Have someone guard this place. Copy down the full story and send it to the capital via the Crown Princess’s trusted envoy.”

In the original story, it was almost inevitable that the differently surnamed princess, the female lead Wei Miao, would ascend the throne. In the later stages, the ever-loyal Minister of Works Shen defected at the critical moment and joined the female lead’s faction. To repay Minister Shen for his support, the female lead later married Shen Qingtang. By then, Shen Qingtang was… remarried!

The original story was written primarily from the female lead’s perspective, with only fragments of information about events in the capital during the same period.

This made sense. Shen Qingtang had been manipulated by the Emperor into marrying the Third Princess. Given the Third Princess’s original temperament, he would have suffered untold torment. Unable to bear his son’s suffering and disillusioned by the Emperor’s suspicions, Minister Shen resorted to this desperate measure.

The female lead, in turn, looked down on Shen Qingtang for being remarried but maintained a facade of respect in public. Shen Qingtang, aware of his perceived inadequacy, responded with magnanimity.

The key to seizing the throne lay in winning over Minister Shen, and the key to winning over Minister Shen lay with Shen Qingtang.

As Shen Qingtang’s wife, if she were cruel and tyrannical, it would play right into the female lead’s hands—making her the perfect villain, as if bestowed by heaven.

But she had transmigrated into this role and had no intention of dying so soon.

“Tangtang—” Ji Zhaohé rushed forward, disregarding propriety, and embraced Shen Qingtang tightly just as he turned around. Her soft breath brushed against his neck, stirring a warm, ambiguous sensation. Shen Qingtang froze for a moment, then hesitantly raised his arms to return the Third Princess’s embrace.

The veil was knocked to the ground. Half his face was hidden against the woman’s chest, while the other half, smeared with ointment, was exposed to the public gaze.

But he paid no attention to any of that now.

His heart pounded like a drum, loud enough to shatter his eardrums. The scent of sandalwood, unique to Ji Zhaohé, filled his nostrils. Overwhelmed and feverish, Shen Qingtang wondered vaguely: Was he falling for her?

After a long moment, Ji Zhaohé finally released him. She took the veil from Jiang Deming and carefully placed it over his bewildered almond eyes. Her arm naturally rested on his shoulder as she said, “Come, your wife will take you to enjoy something else.”

They did not take the carriage. Instead, Ji Zhaohé led him through the market stalls. The jewelry and trinkets on display were delicate and exquisite to ordinary folk but seemed somewhat lacking in the eyes of royalty. The capital was filled with dainty, intricate items, especially within the palace, and jewelry was no exception. Their interest waned as they wandered.

Suddenly, cheers erupted ahead. Ji Zhaohé took his hand and led him toward the commotion.

It was a game similar to modern-day ring toss. Various items were arranged in a roped-off area as targets: delicate ceramic figurines, small vases, wooden crafts, handkerchiefs, and more.

Ji Zhaohé leaned down and asked, “Do you want to play?”

Shen Qingtang shook his head. “I don’t know how.”

“No worries,” Ji Zhaohé called out to the stall owner, “Give me ten rings!”

The stall owner, hearing a big spender, quickly set his foot down from the stool and hurried over to hand the rings to Ji Zhaohé.

Jiang Deming produced some silver pieces, took the rings, and handed them over. Ji Zhaohé plucked one out and gave it to Shen Qingtang. “You try first.”

Shen Qingtang took the ring, took a deep breath, aimed at the little rabbit ceramic, and threw it. The ring traced an arc through the air but veered off course just before reaching the rabbit, landing swiftly on an empty spot.

The crowd let out a soft sigh of disappointment. Shen Qingtang frowned and instinctively glanced at Ji Zhaohé. Catching his plea for help, Ji Zhaohé casually took another ring and tossed it lightly. The ring flew steadily through the air and landed perfectly on a vase at the very back. The crowd burst into applause.

Shen Qingtang couldn’t contain his excitement and instinctively grabbed her arm. “You got it!”

Ji Zhaohé clasped his soft hand, placed the rings in his palm, and said, “Here, let me teach you.”

Shen Qingtang’s face flushed with embarrassment. He tried to pull his hand away, but she held it tighter. Ji Zhaohé wrapped her arms around him from behind, her wide sleeves shielding them from the blatant stares around them. She gently adjusted his grip on the ring and said patiently, “Curl your fingers naturally. Hold the ring like this.”

Guiding his aim toward the little rabbit ceramic, she whispered, “You want that one?”

The person in her arms nodded. The next moment, Ji Zhaohé covered his hand and threw the ring. It landed securely around the little rabbit. But instead of cheers, silence followed. Puzzled, Shen Qingtang turned around—and his lips brushed softly against hers.

Ji Zhaohé kissed him through the veil.

His mind went blank for a moment. “What… what are you doing?” he murmured.

A low chuckle sounded in his ear. Ji Zhaohé teased, “What do you think I’m doing? What do you want me to do?” She emphasized the word “do” heavily.

Shen Qingtang turned as red as a ripe peach, heat flooding his cheeks and ears. Even back in the carriage, the warmth hadn’t subsided, and he didn’t dare remove the veil.

Fortunately, the area had been cleared. If anyone had seen, they might have mistaken him for her secret lover, seducing her in broad daylight.

Recalling the warm embrace and the kiss, Shen Qingtang felt dazed. The Third Princess’s actions were practiced and natural, as if she had done them countless times. She must have used these tricks on many young men outside. Yet here he was, her properly wedded husband, treated the same way.

Did she equate him with those courtesans? She showed him no respect at all.

The thought made him resent his own weakness—how easily he succumbed to a little tenderness.

Fuming, he glared at Ji Zhaohé through the veil.

Ji Zhaohé lay on the soft cushions, completely unaware that she was being glared at.

The sensation of the kiss still lingered on her lips. In her eyes, Shen Qingtang had utterly become a piece of soft, glutinous rice cake—utterly squishable.

This matriarchal society was just as fantastic as she had imagined!

Especially since her official husband was a top-tier beauty, perfectly fulfilling her former wish of having a male wife. Setting aside any ulterior motives, she was more than willing to be affectionate with him. After all, who could resist getting close to such a sweet, soft little treat?

Another day, she would have Jiang Deming secretly buy her some books to study how to properly engage in certain activities with her husband.

As dusk began to settle and lanterns lit up, boats lined up on the lake one by one. Ji Zhaohé held Shen Qingtang’s hand tightly as they stepped onto the deck.

Soft music drifted from the boat. “How many in your party, guests?”

“Two.”

Ji Zhaohé chose a secluded spot by the window. After they sat down and ordered some dishes, the song and dance performance began before long.

A dozen beauties with slender waists and long legs, dressed in colorful, sheer garments, danced gracefully on the central stage, showcasing their excellent flexibility and figures.

Fu Jiu was stunned. “Master, this…” What kind of wife brings her official husband to such a place openly?

The Third Princess was far too audacious—she didn’t take her master seriously at all!

Earlier that afternoon, she had openly flirted with him in public, and now she was bringing him to a place like this. It was truly intolerable!

Shen Qingtang set down his bowl and chopsticks, lifting his gaze to look at her. The Third Princess wasn’t even eating anymore—her eyes were fixed on the dancers’ waists.

How ridiculous.

It seemed just as he had thought: in her eyes, he was no different from those entertainers.

She couldn’t even be bothered to keep up appearances.

After the dance, the performers on stage dispersed, stepping down lightly and making their way to various tables. While dancing, they had been observing the women in the audience, and many had set their sights on Ji Zhaohé. The woman was dressed luxuriously, with a belt adorned with purple gems around her waist. She lounged lazily, propping her head up, exuding an air of indolence rather than uprightness. Still, it was clear she was someone of noble status. More importantly, she was strikingly beautiful. Compared to other patrons who were plump and stout, they much preferred attending to someone wealthy and good-looking.

The only hitch was that she had brought a young man with her. His face was half-hidden, only revealing a delicate jawline when he ate.

But a young man brought to such a place was likely not someone respectable—undoubtedly a secret lover.

After watching the performance, Ji Zhaohé turned and asked, “Was it nice?”

No one answered.

Ji Zhaohé mischievously reached to lift the veil covering Shen Qingtang’s face. “How can you eat like this?” Her wandering hand was swatted away. Ji Zhaohé gritted her teeth—the thought of her wifely authority being undermined grew stronger.

“Madam—” a chorus of coquettish voices rang out, giving Ji Zhaohé goosebumps.

Soft, boneless hands rested on her shoulders. She shrugged impatiently, but within seconds, she was surrounded by three or four attendants, nearly pushing Jiang Deming aside.

Fu Jiu stamped her foot in anger. Those little vixens! How dare they seduce the Third Princess right in front of her master!

“Fu Jiu, give me the handkerchief,” Shen Qingtang said calmly.

“How old are you, Madam?”

None of your business??

“Did you come alone, Madam?”

Can’t you see there are four of us?

“You’re so handsome, Madam—”

I’m well aware.

“Have a drink, Madam—”

Ji Zhaohé was annoyed by the noise, closing her eyes and massaging her temples. She was about to dismiss them when she looked up and saw Official Consort Shen, sitting across from her, lift his veil to reveal his exquisite face. He looked at her calmly and said, “Wife.”

His cool voice stood in stark contrast to the surrounding chatter. Ji Zhaohé stared, mesmerized. Meanwhile, many gazes on the boat fell upon Shen Qingtang.

He was a rare beauty—his skin wasn’t the artificial white of powder but a naturally pinkish porcelain, with delicate, perfectly proportioned features. Especially his lips, as pink and tender as cherry blossoms.

The surrounding voices gradually softened. Ji Zhaohé sensed something amiss and quickly stood up, moving to sit beside Shen Qingtang. She used her sleeve to shield his face while hurriedly snatching the veil from Fu Jiu’s hands to put it back on him.

The attendants nearby, realizing they were out of luck, left reluctantly, muttering under their breaths. Though this woman was noble, was she perhaps foolish? Bringing her official husband to such a place.

The title “Wife” wasn’t something just anyone could use—only the officially wedded principal husband or secondary consort could address her as such.

The young man was so beautiful—he must be the principal husband. What a pity that he was blind enough to marry such a clueless woman.

After ensuring he was thoroughly covered, Ji Zhaohé satisfiedly withdrew her hand and swept a glance around at the onlookers, asserting her dominance.

“Tangtang, from now on, don’t remove your veil when we’re out. It’s too dangerous!” Just look at those people—their eyes were practically predatory.

Shen Qingtang watched his wife’s every move, his hand trembling slightly as he held his teacup. His eyes were downcast. Suppressing the disgust in his heart, he parted his lips and said softly, “Wasn’t it you who told me to remove it, Your Highness?”

She had brought him to such a place, exposed him to the lecherous gazes of those vulgar people, and now she was telling him not to do it? If he hadn’t lifted his veil, wouldn’t those attendants have been taken home with them?