Please Teach Me the Ways of Inner-Court Strife, Master

Lu Mingzhou felt like he'd come to this unknown dynasty just to suffer. Everyone wanted to trip him up and see what sort of face-plant he'd make when he ate shit. Lu Mingzhou was absolutely overwhelmed by everyone's inner-courtyard scheming skills. TAT But he already had hungry wolves snapping at his heels, and now his own backyard was on fire. His new bride, the seventh daughter of the Duke of Ying's household, watched him suffer with cold indifference. She held a handful of melon seeds, cracking them as she complained that even when he ate shit, he couldn't manage to get a hot serving. So all he could do was... A divorce letter? Dream on. Wake up and smell the coffee! Even the ants have been racing for ten years already. [Silent scream, utterly hopeless face] Of course he had to kneel and sing "Conquer"! Beg the boss to teach him the art of inner-courtyard scheming! Little scene: Q: If you transmigrated to an unknown dynasty and had to face a family full of smiling snakes, each with their own agenda, what would you do? Lu: ... Q: If you transmigrated as an unloved second son of the main branch who gets set up every day, what would you do? Lu: ... Q: If there's a beautiful girl who's a master of inner-courtyard schemes, how would you get on her good side? Lu: Then... marry her! Reader's Guide (Must Read): 1. The male lead transmigrates, and the story is a slow burn. "Alternate history" here means I've made up pretty much everything, so please spare me, historical accuracy buffs. TAT 2. This is not a wish-fulfillment novel. The male lead will never break character, never intend to harm anyone, and never want to become a marquis. But the outcome... 3. As the saying goes, don't compare this with other novels. If it's not your thing, just move on, and please don't seek attention. Five-star priority: no personal attacks!!! 4. If you drop the novel, there's no need to tell the author. And don't tie your complaints to anyone's values. There's no such thing as values being right or wrong, only compatible or incompatible. If you don't like it, I hope you find something you do~ The next new novel this silly author is planning to start right after this one: So, I Fell in Love with My Hater Blurb: A reader with the same username had been maliciously leaving negative reviews on Qi Heng's historical romance, from the very beginning right through to the latest chapter. The reviews showcased the full five-thousand-year legacy of Chinese profanity. Qi Heng: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻ Can't I write a wimpy male lead based on myself and fantasize about a girl liking me? That doesn't make me a sexist! And quit making personal attacks, will you? Qi Heng rarely posted on the forum, but he decided to vent. He didn't expect that same argumentative troll to reply underneath: Author who thinks like a man*: Talking behind someone's back, huh? Good job, author~ If you've got the guts, meet me in J City. /smile Qi Heng: I've had it. Let's settle this face-to-face! Much later, someone noticed that every chapter in the comments section of a popular historical romance on the rankings had received a deep-water reward. Curious, they looked closer and saw that the ID belonged to the very reader who'd been leaving malicious negative reviews. "Author, your writing is amazing! The male lead is handsome and polite, and treats the heroine wonderfully! He's sophisticated in public, great in the kitchen, and can even keep you warm at night. May the deep-water rewards flow forever, and may our love last a thousand years~" Everyone's welcome to drop by and say hello Theme: