[Fake male side character rises to the top | Real male substitute romance | Cousins sharing one woman | A lord gives his wife to his minister]
Min Jiaoyue had the beauty of a goddess, yet was born into a lowly station.
Lately, she'd been puzzled. They'd been married for three months, and her husband treated her very well, except that he always slept alone in his study.
If she kept spending every night alone, how could she ever have a baby?
She dug out the erotic paintings her mother had tucked away in her dowry trunk.
That night, she gathered her courage, simmered a deer marrow tonic, and carried it to his study.
Lu Zhan's face was as beautiful as jade, but his manner was cool as he raised his eyes to look at her.
She stood in the lamplight and called sweetly, "Husband, drink it while it's hot."
At the third watch of the night, she draped herself in a light gauze robe and slipped into his bed with her eyes closed.
Her cool, fragrant skin pressed against his burning back.
This time, he didn't push her away.
**
By moonlight, Lu Zhan caressed his little wife's satisfied sleeping face, the Crown Prince's instructions flashing through his mind.
"Cousin, I met a courtesan and fell for her, but her background is humble. I don't want anyone else to know."
The cousins looked alike: the minister was like a solitary pine, while the ruler was like the rosy dawn.
"You look like me. Why don't you marry her in my place for now?"
"As you command."
On their wedding night, Lu Zhan knelt outside the embroidered screen, holding a towel and comb, listening to her muffled, helpless cries as silk covered her eyes.
The Crown Prince emerged in his robe, sweat soaking through his brocade. He patted Lu Zhan's shoulder. "I'm going to the western campaign to oversee the army. Take good care of her for me."
"Just one thing: don't touch her."
Lu Zhan bowed his head and obeyed.
Behind the curtains, he used a plain handkerchief to wipe the traces from her delicate body, his knuckles clenched white.
Back then, she was as lovely as a peony, yet forbidden to touch.
Now he thought: If I don't touch her, but she touches me, surely you can't blame me.
At worst, when the baby turns a month old, I'll invite you for a drink too.
After all, you personally sent the woman you love into my bed.
**
The Crown Prince returned from the western campaign on a spring day.
In the rear courtyard of the Lu residence, he spotted Madam Min sitting beneath the corridor, far away.
She held a tiny garment and was sewing on a button.
Her belly was slightly rounded.
When she saw him, she smiled warmly. "Husband, you're back?"
[Reader's guide]
1. All the men are virgins. A homewrecker story, where she mistakes her enemy for her husband.
2. Male substitute romance I The Crown Prince gives his wife to his minister I Fake male side character rises to the top | Cousins share one woman.
3. The female lead is face-blind, and the two cousins look alike.
Blurb written on 2026.2.8, screenshot saved.
Theme: I hate how the moon hangs high in the sky and shines on everyone but me.
