Who Has Cao Pingshi Offended Today?

Sharp but timid Dali Temple Court Assessor x supposedly dissolute, actually scheming prince

Lighthearted political intrigue // adversarial chemistry // coercion and exploitation // bargaining // bickering couple // courtroom drama (not an investigation story, but what comes after: the trial)

Cao Huan is shrewd and calculating, but afraid of trouble. Yet when you count up what she has done, she has feared nothing and dared everything.

She was a woman disguised as a man, serving as a court assessor at Dali Temple. Unfortunately, her superior thought she had a "feminine-looking face" and assigned her to pose as a low-ranking brothel maid while keeping watch. She accidentally overheard the supposedly dissolute Prince Wang Yu, and her true gender was exposed. Thus began her fine new life of "working off the books to investigate an old case."

Back then, he saw her abilities.

All she could think about was how to get away.

With the threat of being exposed as a woman who had passed herself off as a man to enter officialdom hanging over her, who would willingly get caught up in a deadly whirlpool?

But this old case was the rebellion of the second son of the late Duke of Zhao, a scandal that had shaken the court more than a decade ago.

Just looking at the airtight case records, Cao Huan knew something was wrong.

What did it matter if those involved were nobles or ministers? If it was a wrongful conviction, it had to be overturned!

So what began as forced assistance turned into willing cooperation. Following the clues, they even unearthed the truth behind another old affair...

Only then did she realize that the so-called "villain" had done all those things just to stay alive.

And he had already decided to protect her, no matter what.

As they stirred up the court, their enemies in the shadows discovered she was a woman.

Did she want office, her life, or the truth?

With no way out, Cao Huan simply shut her eyes and faked her own death.

When she returned to the capital, she and Wang Yu had gathered plenty of evidence.

After many twists and turns, they finally brought the truth to light.

At the imperial court, the emperor rewarded them for their achievements.

Wang Yu declared that the greatest contributor to the case was a commoner named Cao Huan.

Only then did everyone learn that gathering evidence at great risk, devising strategies, and cleverly interrogating the chief suspect had all been the young woman's work.

As a commoner, Cao Huan naturally had to enter the throne hall to receive her reward.

Emperor: You have made a great contribution. Tell me, what reward would you like?

Cao Huan deliberately glanced at Wang Yu, then asked timidly, "Can I ask for whatever reward I want?"

There was no fooling the sharp-eyed people gathered there.

The emperor understood at once and declared, "An emperor's word is his bond!"

Cao Huan smiled faintly. "This commoner believes she has some talent for judging cases. I humbly request a post at Dali Temple."

At her words, the entire court was left gaping in astonishment.

For an ordinary woman to become a prince's concubine would already be an immense honor, yet she had just asked for an official post?!

And the emperor had just said: An emperor's word is his bond.

[Bonus Scene]

The more the old emperor thought about this "Miss Cao," the more familiar she seemed. Wasn't she that Cao Tanhua from years ago?

Well, well! That was a crime against the throne!

The bad news: His own son was an accomplice!

Outside the throne hall

Wang Yu: Cao Huaixia, you did that on purpose just now!

Cao Huan: Obviously. How else would I get this seventh-rank secretary's post?

Wang Yu: Did you ever consider that Father might find out?

Cao Huan: Relax. Who would be bored enough to expose you as an accomplice in deceiving the emperor?

Wang Yu's inner thoughts: To be safe, I suggest you make my father part of your clan of nine generations.

[Reader's Notes]

An alternate-history setting inspired by the Tang official system

The heroine is clever, but also the timid type

Political intrigue with plenty of humor, without making anyone stupid

Both are each other's first and only, 1v1, HE

Help me choose a title:

1. Keep the current title

2. Overhearing the Wrong Conversation Led Me Through the Wrong Door

3. Is Court Assessor Cao Wearing a Skirt Today?

4. Can some lovely reader help me think of a catchy title?

Next book, The Assistant Magistrate Xiao's Latest Scheme, is open for follows

Orphaned female official x powerful minister's son

Xiao Yao is an orphan. Disguised as a man, she follows her master and adoptive father to find work in the army of Lu Jia, governor of Xuzhou. She works her way up from odd-job clerk to military aide.

Governor Lu Jia has four sons:

Eldest son Lu Yun, courtesy name Zhaosu, sunny and cheerful

Second son Lu Huan, courtesy name Zhaoming, handsome and refined

Third son Lu Wen, courtesy name Zhaoli, rugged and upright

Youngest son Lu Lang, courtesy name Zhaozhi, gentle as jade

Some of them have always treated Xiao Yao like a brother, while others have started treating her like a brother...

Theme: Cao Huan is afraid to die, but she's even more afraid of betraying the law and the people's sense of justice.