My Lady, Absolutely Not

Cool, wealthy widow x scheming, handsome powerful minister

When Zhang Heng returned dressed in mourning for the fifth time, rumors that she was cursed and doomed her husbands had spread throughout town.

Her father, Zhang Fu, had gone gray with worry. In this world, young men were more fragile than autumn leaves. One moment they were alive, the next they were dead, leaving his daughter to bear the shame!

Anyone who married his daughter died. So if someone could marry her and still be full of life, surely he had extraordinary luck? His Aheng was the ultimate test of a man's fortune!

Then, one day while inspecting the fields, he saw a man among the furrows. His worn clothes could not conceal his striking looks, and he had the air of a pine tree growing deep in a secluded valley.

Zhang Fu stood there in a daze for a long while. After living most of his life, he had never imagined there could be such a man in the countryside.

He was so astonished by the man's beauty that he went up to strike up a conversation at once. The man had nothing but the four walls of his home and was still unmarried, so Zhang Fu happily coaxed the poor scholar back to his mansion.

After entering the Zhang residence, Chen Ping moved through its grand courtyards with ease. His eyes were languid, and he spoke with a smile, though his words were not polite in the slightest. "Poverty cannot make me yield. Does Master Zhang intend for me to become the sixth corpse in a grave?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the bamboo curtain stirred.

Zhang Heng was leaning beneath the covered walkway, dressed in mourning, like moonlight reflected in a cold pool.

Chen Ping froze. He had seen her before, when he and Zifang traveled through Xiapi and encountered the Sword Saint Gai Nie. This woman had been at his side, her robes fluttering, her cool beauty beyond compare.

As he left, Chen Ping had looked back several times. Zifang had teased him, "Ping, has someone stolen your soul?"

He had laughed it off, thinking it was just a fleeting glimpse of beauty, and that they would never meet again. Who could have guessed they would reunite here?

He had spoken those harsh words far too quickly.

Chen Ping regretted it, though he kept his face composed. He wished he could swallow those reckless words back down.

Zhang Heng glanced at him and saw that the scholar really was handsome. In this world, she could go without a husband, but she could not go without a child if she hoped to survive. "Marriage is just a formality."

Her father had a good eye. Everyone was greedy for profit, so a refusal only meant the price was not high enough. Looking at the scholar, who had gone speechless at the sight of her, she let her gaze drift over him. "I like your looks. A thousand gold for one night. Are you willing?"

Chen Ping: ...

He thought he still wanted to be the legal husband.

Years later, Liu Bang looked at the trusted minister by his side. Chen Ping's ruthless methods and devious schemes were unmatched at court. There was just one thing that gave the emperor a headache: whenever Chen Ping took on a task, he demanded ten thousand gold before lifting a finger, and would not accept a copper less.

Emperor Gaozu sighed. "Chen Ping, every time you demand ten thousand gold before even carrying out a task, you ask for an enormous sum. Isn't that going too far?"

Chen Ping replied sorrowfully, "Your Majesty, I have my difficulties."

"Oh?"

"There is a tigress in my bedchamber."

[Everyone is a comedian. A silly, lighthearted story to make you laugh, with the bustle of the streets, the world of martial arts, and the imperial court.]

Currently serializing: [Wu Zhou] Taiping, Look, It's the Xuanwu Gate

Di Wangshu is a detective novel fan who transmigrates to the Tang Dynasty and becomes Di Renjie's youngest daughter. But her father never takes her along when he investigates cases. He always says, "She's only a child. How could she be exposed to bloodshed and criminal trials?"

When she finally manages to grow up, her father changes his tune again. "A woman should be gentle and quiet. Why get involved in matters of life and death?"

It is simply too much. Di Wangshu may weigh a hundred pounds, but she has three hundred pounds' worth of rebellious spirit.

Every day, she charges down the road to drive her father mad.

Di Renjie advises Empress Wu to make a son of the Li clan crown prince, saying, "Surely a nephew can't be closer than your own son?" Di Wangshu thinks this makes perfect sense and immediately goes to undermine her father before Empress Wu. "Your Majesty, surely a daughter is closer than a son?"

Your Highness, taking the throne depends on the laws of our ancestors. Perhaps you'd like to hear about the Xuanwu Gate?

Di Wangshu dazzles everyone in the imperial examinations. After entering government service, wherever she goes, prosperity follows. Every city she governs flourishes, and her achievements are so remarkable that no one can find a flaw to criticize. The ministers may complain aloud, but inwardly they are green with envy. That old fox Di Renjie certainly has a good daughter.

Who could have guessed she would dare to turn the world upside down and put a princess on the throne? There are several princes ahead of Princess Taiping! Even setting gender aside, she is neither the eldest nor the legitimate heir. She has no claim to the throne!

The officials in the hall glare at her in fury. Yuan Tiangang once said she bore the aura of a sage and had the makings of a Taigong Wang. Bah! What nonsense! She is no Jiang Ziya. This is clearly Sima Zhao's ambition, plain for all to see!

Your Majesty, don't be fooled!

[Many original character details. The rise of a powerful minister.]

Theme: Finding the right person