Chu Yundai transmigrated into an ancient romance novel full of tragic love.
She became the heroine. Having the protagonist's halo was all well and good, except that she was the sort who'd have her heart carved out and her blood drained, her belly slit open to take the child, then be dumped in the Gobi Desert and hung in front of an electric fan for three days and nights.
Chu Yundai: I hauled the carriage away and fled through the night.
*
Thankfully, she arrived the day before the imperial decree arranging her marriage was issued. She rushed into the palace, sobbing as she pleaded:
Chu Yundai: This subject's daughter is unwilling to marry him. I am not virtuous, respectful, gentle, and well-mannered enough. My heart is in turmoil, and so on and so forth...
In reality, Chu Yundai was thinking: Hah, spit! Of course it's because XX and a dog make a match made in heaven. Scumbag, get lost! All of you, get lost!
Come on, what good are gentleness, respect, and courtesy? She'd known since childhood that if you give an inch, people will take a mile.
*
Her green-tea sister put on a show: Your Highness, you and my sister are so deeply devoted to each other. My sister may have been spoiled by Father, so please be patient with her.
Pei Qingrang delivered an impeccable response: I know she only gives a cold shoulder to those who bully her. You know her so well. Are you one of the people who bully her?
Chu Yundai put on a show of her own: Your Highness, please don't let me come between you and my sister. If I've done anything wrong... I... (hides her face and weeps)
Pei Qingrang saw right through it and took her side completely: I know you haven't done anything wrong. Your sister is the one who's always trying to drive a wedge between us.
*
Three years later, Chu Yundai looked at the elaborately embroidered clothes before her and let out a heavy sigh:
I'll give them a taste of their own medicine.
I'll use magic to defeat magic.
All I did was out-scumbag the scumbags and out-green-tea the green tea. How did I accidentally end up becoming the Crown Princess?
Pei Qingrang straightened her hair and raised an eyebrow smugly.
That's because I'm not deaf, blind, stupid, or as dumb as a pig. I know better than to identify someone by a keepsake. That's because I'm faithful in love and keep myself pure, wanting only one partner for life. That's because I act decisively and never let go of what I want.
Chu Yundai: ?? I suspect you're taking a dig at scumbags, but I have no proof.
A hot-tempered big sister with level-ten tea skills x a sweet-on-the-outside, dark-on-the-inside male lead who's an expert at seeing through fake innocence
Theme: Stand on your own and never abase yourself. Happiness will come in the end.
