Does the Heroine Have to Be Beautiful?

Shen Yunqiao had plain features and an unremarkable appearance. Cao's greatest wish was to sell her off and use the money to find a wife for her precious eldest grandson. But more than a decade passed, and no sucker ever came forward to buy her. Then one day, a young scholar with a head full of knowledge knocked on the door... Yunqiao had never looked in a mirror, but ever since she was little, people had mocked her for being ugly and said she was destined to be a maid. She didn't want to be sold off to serve someone. If she couldn't marry the cripple from the neighboring village, she'd marry the pockmarked man from her own village. Yunni had said that with a powerful man to back you, even a pheasant could become a phoenix. Later, when Yunni told her that the Tang family's young scholar was the most promising man for miles around, she went after him without a second thought. As long as you aim high, who cares which man's shoulders you stand on? [This story will be available for purchase on Wednesday. I hope you'll show it lots of support!] Coming in 2022: Reborn, but the Throne I Longed For Isn't So Great After All Xie Yao here. I'm the Crown Prince's eldest son, and I've coveted the throne for years. But my grandfather, the emperor, is vigorous and healthy, with no plans to abdicate! After much thought, I decided to lead an army and force my way into the palace, making the old emperor give up the throne. Who could have guessed that on the eve of my plan, a twist of fate would transmigrate me into the old emperor's body! I got the throne I'd always dreamed of without losing a single soldier. Xie Yao was so happy he nearly cried. Punish corrupt officials, abolish forced labor, expand the civil service examinations, and enlarge the borders. Just as he was preparing to make his mark and become a wise ruler for the ages, the civil and military officials came to see him with tears in their eyes. "Your Majesty, there are many matters of state to attend to these days. We hear you are unwell. Please let the Crown Prince take part in government and handle state affairs!" Xie Yao: "..." He could eat and drink just fine. There was absolutely nothing wrong with him! "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is generous and kind, and treats worthy men with respect. He can surely help relieve Your Majesty's burdens!" Xie Yao: "..." He could handle things himself. Wait. Xie Yao sensed something was off. "Are you all trying to force me from the throne?" Men of the imperial family lived long lives. He had waited so hard for this throne. How could he hand it over to someone else? Not even his own father! Besides, his father was indifferent to power and loved flowers and plants more than being emperor. If he knew the civil and military officials were doing this, he would surely reject them outright. Xie Yao waved his hand triumphantly. "Summon the Crown Prince to the palace to discuss this." Let the officials hear the Crown Prince's answer for themselves and finally give up! "Crown Prince, the officials propose that you come to the palace and assist me with state affairs. What do you think?" Crown Prince Xie Shao: "Your son is willing to help ease Father's burdens!" Xie Yao: "..." Damn it, his father was the most deeply hidden rebel of them all! Mobile link to Reborn, but the Throne I Longed For Isn't So Great After All Theme: A clever woman is the most beautiful