A matriarchal world + palace and household intrigue with male characters + a touch of political scheming + the strongest heroine + all the men have no prior romantic or sexual partners
Main character: Zhu Yan
"Elder Sister, just focus on being Crown Princess. If you need money, I'll investigate. If you need evidence, I'll find it. As for those who refuse to listen to reason, I know a thing or two about fighting."
When Zhu Yan woke up, she'd become the most useless third prince in a matriarchal dynasty.
The Empress was diligent, her Crown Princess sister was kind, and the other princes each had someone to rely on. She alone paid no attention to state affairs, indulged in wine and women, and had once become the laughingstock of the whole city over a man.
Zhu Yan thought the reputation suited her just fine. It meant nobody would be on guard against her.
But the husband the Empress bestowed on her refused to share her bed.
Shen Qingci had someone else in his heart: the woman who had saved his life at Hanshan Temple years ago. He had never seen her face, but he had remembered her for years.
Zhu Yan didn't force him. She shielded him from the harassment of an old flame, cared for his injuries, and treated him with all due respect.
He observed the proper etiquette, so she stopped crossing the line.
Until Shen Qingci finally realized she was the person he had never been able to forget.
He wanted to grow closer to her, but she brought another man home.
On the main street, that man held up a hairpin and asked with a bright smile, "My wife, do I look good wearing this?"
Before Zhu Yan could answer, Shen Qingci's voice came from behind her.
"Your Highness, are you going to take him as a consort too?"
He clutched his sleeve and asked calmly, but his eyes had reddened.
Liu Qing, who had pursued her in the past, refused to give up either. He tearfully asked her why she wouldn't even look at him anymore.
Shen Qingci gazed at her with red-rimmed eyes. "My wife, I want us to be a true married couple."
