After I Bought the Left Chancellor as My Male Concubine

My father insists on marrying me off to Beimin, the suspicious and capricious prime minister.

Terrified, I went straight to the opera house and bought a handsome male companion to ruin my reputation.

My male companion is strikingly handsome and incredibly gentle, though he is a little busy.

He even has to go into the palace often to sing for the consorts.

So I have to tie him up in the hibiscus-curtained bedchamber with a silver chain.

I hook up his chin with my toe:

"I'm your wife. You may sing only for me!"

"Don't let anyone else get a look at you!"

That is, until the palace banquet, when Father takes me to meet him.

I see him seated at the head of all the officials.

Below the emperor, every minister bows to him with utmost respect.

They cry, "Long live the Prime Minister!"

I tremble as I bow along with them.

His gentle, glass-like eyes turn toward me.

His expression unreadable, he says, "I thought I was your male companion?"

"You needn't stand on ceremony, my wife."