Scheming to Marry a Golden Branch

Yu Yi was the only child of the emperor and empress, who placed great hopes in her and wished for her to grow up in comfort.

But the princess took comfort a little too far.

One day, she would summon the Grand Tutor's daughter to the palace to feel her soft little hands. The next, she would summon the Minister of Personnel's son to the palace to cultivate her sensibilities.

She embodied the life of a spoiled young noble to perfection.

But if you spend all your time wandering among the flowers, sooner or later a poisonous bee will sting you.

By accident, she got entangled with Lian Chu, the son of a treacherous minister.

He not only sent all her beauties away, but also led her, step by step, into giving him her heart.

When Yu Yi realized that Lian Chu was the only one left by her side, she was furious.

What a loss! A huge loss!

[Little Scene]

One day, Yu Yi started reminiscing about the days when she was surrounded by beauties.

She gazed at the sky and sighed, "Jiaojiao's hands were so soft and lovely. When will I get to touch them again?"

Lian Chu brought a peeled grape to Yu Yi's lips. "What was that, Princess?"

Yu Yi ate the grape and looked at his long, elegant fingers, stained with juice, then shook her head.

Lian Chu's hands were prettier after all.

After eating a few grapes, Yu Yi sighed listlessly again. "I haven't heard Minister Li's son tell stories in ages!"

Lian Chu picked up a storybook. "I'm afraid that won't be possible for a while. Young Master Li is preparing for his wedding."

Yu Yi's eyes widened. Young Master Li was getting married? How had she not heard?

"You think highly of Young Master Li, so last month I arranged a marriage for him," Lian Chu said, looking at Yu Yi before adding with a smile, "To the very Jiaojiao you've been pining for."

Yu Yi: ??

Yu Yi: !!!

(This story is set in an imaginary world, with a mountain of original worldbuilding.)

-------- Upcoming: Please add Black Lotus Has Been Plotting Against Me for a Long Time to your reading list! --------

Yue Long had her eye on Shang Xing, an elder of the Jingyin Sect.

The instant she fell for him, she knew her path to love would be difficult.

First, the Jingyin Sect cultivated the Way of Unfeeling. Second, Yue Long was a demon.

To get close to the one she loved, Yue Long sneaked into the disciples' quarters and used threats and enticements to recruit a newly arrived disciple as her wingman.

The young disciple was handsome, had a lovely voice, and was exceptionally kind.

He just wasn't very reliable.

Years passed, and the disciple grew taller than her, but she still hadn't gotten any closer to her beloved.

Yue Long took stock of her mistakes and decided to confess her feelings.

But on the very night she planned to act, the young disciple she'd watched grow up dragged her off and forced her to listen to him chant scriptures all night.

Her head throbbed, and she nearly passed out several times.

In her daze, she heard the disciple's usually pleasant voice, now seemingly laced with poisoned needles.

"You sneaked into my room, but instead of taking responsibility, you want to go after another man. What am I supposed to do with you, Yue'er?"

Only then did Yue Long realize that the kind young disciple had a black heart.

Theme: Hard work always pays off.