The Exam Crammer Gets the Cannon-Fodder First Wife's Script (Imperial Exams)

Mu Qinglin was cunning and ambitious. He rose from the son of a merchant to the highest rank a subject could attain, calculating every move and winning at every turn. He gave all his tenderness to the woman he loved, who had married someone else, and treated his legal wife with utmost coldness. His wife spent her whole life alone in a loveless, sexless marriage, and died young. Huai Ye, a consummate overachiever, had just passed the civil service exam when she transmigrated into the story as the male lead's cannon-fodder wife. She said, "It's even better without a man getting in my way." She brought her work ethic to bear: advance when she should, retreat when she should, stand firm when she should, yield when she should... She would strive to excel at household politics, business, and court affairs alike. The only problem was that her lifespan was a little short. Until one day, she accidentally learned that her husband had orchestrated her death so he could marry his first love. She gave a faint smile. "Lord Mu is getting on in years. It's time he got some rest." On his deathbed, Mu Qinglin gazed at the wife who had weathered so many storms by his side. "Did you ever... love me?" Huai Ye: "I loved your position." Outside the door came the announcement that an imperial edict had arrived. The eunuch looked at Huai Ye obsequiously. "Chancellor Huai, please receive the edict." Note: Set in an alternate Tang dynasty. Please don't nitpick historical accuracy. Theme: I want to be significant!