I Wanted to Start a Business, but Became the Founding Regent

[Alternate history + farming and business + political intrigue + a touch of ensemble cast + no romance]

Qin Qing, a leading researcher at a dark-crop research institute in the Age of Declining Magic, is born into an ancient farming family as Lin Qinghe, the only daughter of the second branch of the Lin family, headed by Lin Decai.

Who in Linjia Village wouldn't say that Grandma Wang dotes on the children? But only Lin Qinghe knows what a kind-faced, cruel-hearted woman she really is. At last, the family splits up, and Lin Qinghe plans to take it easy and go into business. Little does she know that this land was ceded to the Xiao Kingdom by the Yu Kingdom. Fine, then. She'll help the princess of the Yu Kingdom conquer the realm.

A few caveats:

1. This isn't a story about an all-powerful heroine. The female lead isn't good at everything. Her expertise is in research, and she'll have to learn political intrigue gradually.

2. This story leans toward political intrigue, so even early on, there are few characters who wear their evil on their sleeves. There are also very few “brave” villains who knowingly charge into danger.

3. The female lead's previous life was unhappy, so at first she has mild social anxiety, doesn't talk much, and has a lot of inner rambling. She'll get better later on.

4. The female lead never lets a grudge go. If someone bullies her, she'll strike back twice as hard.

5. Most importantly, the female lead's mother is rather timid at first, but she'll gradually grow. They help each other heal: her mother becomes braver because of her daughter, while the female lead slowly emerges from the shadows of her past because of her mother's love.