An embarrassing old piece... There's no need to read it again.
Both leads reborn + household intrigue + foreign princesses + powerful eunuch official
Naixia and her younger sister Danzhu are princesses sent as tribute from the Helan Kingdom.
In her previous life, Naixia was given as a concubine to Pei Jie, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Pei Jie was ruthless, cruel, and powerful enough to dominate the court, but he was also a eunuch. Her younger sister Danzhu, meanwhile, became a concubine to Prince Yong, the most likely heir to the throne, making her the hope of the Helan Kingdom.
Life in the Pei household was indeed hard. She had to tread carefully at every step to avoid displeasing the commander and being dragged out to feed the dogs. But little by little, she found her way into Pei Jie's heart.
Later, Pei Jie usurped the throne. On the day the new emperor was enthroned, he took her hand and led her up the city wall, promising her the empress's title, his empire, and a future life together.
Naixia: Thanks, but I'll pass on the next life.
Danzhu did enjoy a spell of married life with Prince Yong doting on her, but before long, a newcomer to the household took her place. She cried, threw tantrums, and even tried to hang herself, but nothing could win back Prince Yong's heart. He grew so tired of her that he made her a courtesan for entertaining his courtiers.
Later, both women were reborn. Danzhu stole Naixia's match and entered the Pei household, leaving Prince Yong to Naixia.
Naixia merely smiled.
Go ahead and take him. If you can survive three months under Pei Jie, I'll admit defeat.
Later, while attending a spring banquet with Prince Yong's consort, she ran into Pei Jie again.
Usually restrained and unassuming, Pei Jie stopped her in front of everyone and asked in a hoarse voice, "Have we met somewhere before? Why are you humming this ballad I wrote for the woman I love?"
Naixia covered her mouth and laughed. "My lord, that's such a cheesy pickup line."
