A Dream Like the First

In my previous life, I did everything I could to restore the family fortunes, carefully arranging every detail of my life and my twin brother's. Later, I became renowned in the capital for my talent and learning. The Crown Prince fell in love with me at first sight and married me as his Crown Princess. My brother was frail and bookish, but because he was male, I sent him to the frontier camp, where he eventually became the General Who Pacified the South. On the day the Crown Prince ascended the throne, my brother stormed the capital, claiming he was purging the court of evil. He personally killed me, branding me a “wicked consort.” Before I died, he said my life would pay tribute to the souls lost on the battlefield. But neither of us expected to be reborn. In this life, my brother feigns illness to avoid conscription and becomes a student of the prime minister, who has returned to his hometown.

“Elder Sister, I'm afraid your younger brother isn't cut out to lead an army. Becoming an honest official is the wiser choice.”

But you still don't understand: isn't the world of officialdom just as treacherous, with death or ruin waiting at every turn?