The Minister Beneath Her Skirt

Regent Princess × Newly Crowned Top Scholar

The emperor died after a long illness, and his nine-year-old crown prince ascended the throne. Then an imperial edict sent shockwaves across the realm.

Princess Yuanjia would assist the young emperor until he came of age and married.

In the eyes of the world, the pampered princess, who had just lost her consort, had never involved herself in court affairs before. Yet the first time she did, she swept through the court with overwhelming force, beginning six years of ruling from behind the curtain.

Qi Yan had studied hard for years. On his way to the capital, he heard all kinds of rumors about the princess's regency.

They said she was hungry for power, manipulated the young emperor, murdered loyal ministers, and even meant to usurp his throne. Since her consort had died young and she had no children, she was secretly looking for a man to father one.

At last, on the day the exam results were announced, he met the ambitious Princess Yuanjia of the rumors.

She stood on a raised platform in a flowing gauze dress, her eyes bright, her presence commanding even without anger.

He remembered the young woman who had handed him a silk umbrella in the swirling snow years ago.

With the bed curtains hanging loose and the moonlight tender, Qi Yan looked at the graceful woman on the bed and smiled.

“I heard Your Highness is looking for a father for your child. What do you think of me?”

*

Ever since her consort's death, Kang Shuyao had lost interest in romance. She wanted a child simply because she found life lonely and wanted someone by her side for the years to come. She couldn't understand why a promising new top scholar would volunteer to have a child with her, a princess notorious for her terrible reputation.

At first, she thought they could give it a try and call it quits if it didn't work after three or five months. She never expected Qi Yan to keep coming back, relentlessly determined to tie himself to her.

In the end, she could never get rid of him.

*Female lead has past partners, male lead does not; younger man, three-year age gap

*The male lead fell in love with the princess at first sight as a boy

Every reunion after a long separation has been plotted long ago.

Theme: Every reunion after a long separation has been plotted long ago.