The General Changed Dynasties for Me

A vengeful, truly black-hearted heroine x an absolutely devoted, fiercely protective hero

The character art on the cover is by Wushi.

Extra! Extra! The most distinguished young lady in the capital has married the Wang family's useless wastrel!

After the Emperor and her half-sister conspired against her, Zhang Ningzhi was sent back to the age of eighteen by a poisoned cup of wine, just in time for her birthday banquet, where she was to choose a husband. She personally selected Wang Chengye, the fierce general who would one day usurp the throne, but who was currently the Wang family's pitiful little outcast.

Wang Chengye was a son born to a concubine, and had been looked down on by everyone since childhood. Once, someone gave him a bowl of food. He treasured that kindness in his heart, and secretly loved her for the rest of his life. He did not know why Zhang Ningzhi had married down to him, but for her, he gradually found his footing.

Little scenes:

1. Her half-sister marries the Crown Prince as a concubine. "Elder Sister has always thought so highly of herself. How could she marry a husband like that?"

The Wang family matriarch: "Now that you've entered my household, you must follow my rules."

The Crown Prince: "Even if I have to wait until she divorces him and marries again, she will be mine."

2. The Crown Prince is deposed and exiled, and her half-sister has to go with him.

Her half-sister wails: "For the sake of our blood ties, please save me, Elder Sister!"

Zhang Ningzhi inspects her nails. "Since you and the deposed Crown Prince are so deeply in love, you should follow him to the ends of the earth and make your love story come true."

3. Wang Chengye ascends the throne, proclaiming Zhang Ningzhi Empress to all under heaven.

A censor protests: She is a remnant of the previous dynasty and unfit for such a position.

After court, in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Zhang Ningzhi had expected this. Testing him with a dissatisfied tone, she said, "Now that Your Majesty stands above all others, there must be people who disapprove of me."

Wang Chengye's expression was inscrutable. "Then guess what I said?"

Zhang Ningzhi put on a fierce look. "Did you order them not to speak ill of me?"

Wang Chengye adored the way she clenched her teeth in anger. He chuckled softly for a moment, then leaned close to her ear and murmured, "I said I'm the one who's unworthy of you."

Theme: Are kings and nobles born to rule?