Scheming con artist 🦊 x cold, calculating minister
When Fu Zeshi, a deputy minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was investigating a case around town, he sensed someone watching from the shadows and his expression darkened.
Shen Zhen was brought before Fu Zeshi. Kneeling in front of the punishment rods, she still gazed at him with adoration. "Deputy Minister Fu, I'm no thief. I just... I just took a fancy to you..."
The room fell utterly silent. Fu Zeshi lifted his eyes to look at her, his face as cold as frost.
One of the officials recognized Shen Zhen and feared Fu Zeshi would get into trouble. He quietly warned him, "Lord Fu, that young lady is the Princess of the Duke of Zhenguo's household. Be careful, or you could ruin your future!"
Fu Zeshi detested people who relied on their power more than anything. He said coldly, "Guards, she's interfering with my investigation. Take her away, give her three strokes of the rod, and throw her out!"
Shen Zhen stared at him in shock and innocence. Deep in her eyes, her interest only grew.
*
In her previous life, Shen Zhen was betrayed by her fiance, and her family was destroyed.
In this life, she puts herself on the line and seduces Fu Zeshi, all to use him to uncover the truth about the past.
Court banquets, gatherings of the nobility, even crime scenes...
Whenever Fu Zeshi is there, Shen Zhen boldly flirts with him and clings to him.
Her best friend: ??? Have you gone mad? He's the famously untouchable beauty who never goes near women!!!
Shen Zhen: He never goes near women? Then I'll make him come closer!!!
After several "coincidences," Shen Zhen helps Fu Zeshi crack one mysterious case after another.
As they spend more time together, Fu Zeshi's coldness melts away, while Shen Zhen hides her smugness.
On the day her mission is complete, Shen Zhen meets the man she loves:
Fu Zeshi's former rival, the third-place palace exam graduate, Song Yan!
When Fu Zeshi learns that Shen Zhen is getting married, he bursts in covered in blood on her wedding night and knocks her bridal veil away with his spear, his eyes red with rage.
"Shen Zhen, if you dare marry him, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your life!"
Shen Zhen trembled. The next moment, Fu Zeshi lifted her onto his horse in front of everyone, his voice domineering and wicked at her ear.
"Tonight, you're mine alone!"
*
Bonus Scene
On their wedding night, the red candles flickered.
Fu Zeshi leaned toward Shen Zhen. She'd been drinking, her cheeks flushed and her almond eyes sparkling. "Fu Zeshi, do you know I didn't love you at first?"
Fu Zeshi paused, his voice hoarse.
"I know."
"Then do you know how long I've waited for this day?"
#
Theme: Love others, but love yourself more.
