A Woman as Prime Minister? The Twin Beauties of Jiangnan Transform the Ancestral Temple and Court

[Strong Female Lead + Court Intrigue + Ensemble Cast + Personal Growth + Face-Slapping Comeuppance + Childhood Friends + Sweet on the Outside, Dark on the Inside + A Groveling Husband’s Long Road Back + Happy Ending]

* The decisive, fiercely ambitious top female talent in Jiangnan x the top male talent in Jiangnan, gentle on the surface but scheming underneath

* A clear-minded, independent supporting female character, blessed with beauty and talent but fallen on hard times x a marquis’s son who looks down on her at first, then desperately pursues her later

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For the first time, Shen Youyi sat high above the assembly as head of the household at a clan gathering of the Shen family, a scholarly family with a century of history in Jiangnan.

The elders of the entire clan filled her ears with curses and doubts.

What nonsense about men being superior to women, the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and precepts for women?

Why shouldn’t a woman be allowed to manage the family or take part in politics? Why should women be expected to serve their husbands, raise their children, and remain content within the inner quarters, forbidden to study, write, or harbor ambitions?

See how Shen Youyi faces her critics, sees through plots and schemes, tears away her cousin’s hypocritical facade, and rises step by step from head of the household to clan matriarch!

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A collection of poetry written by young ladies is burned and banned? The court’s officials attack the system of female officials, making it impossible to implement? Talented students from humble backgrounds have no path to an education and can no longer rise to prominence?

See how Fan Hanqing enters the fray herself, establishes the system of female officials, becomes the first female Shang Gong of the fifth rank, and receives the title of Madam directly from the emperor!

See how Shen Youyi turns the tide and opens schools throughout the Great Yong Dynasty! She also supports women and people from humble families in taking office, publishes collections of poetry and passes on the literary tradition, investigates embezzlement and earns extraordinary merit, and helps the crown prince implement benevolent rule, eventually rising to the office of chief minister!

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Could Brother Rong Shi, her family friend who is usually gentle and taciturn, actually have feelings for her? The top male talent in Jiangnan passes all three imperial examinations with top honors, then proposes to her right after the results are announced...

Su Yuchen, the eldest legitimate grandson of the Marquis of Zhennan, wants to break off their engagement? So why does he regret it and pursue her relentlessly...