After Becoming Everyone's Least Favorite, I Made the Saintly One Dark and Cruel

Le He transmigrates into the body of the universally hated young emperor of the Yi Kingdom. The country is on the brink of collapse, and he's just one step away from being dragged off the throne.

But the male lead, Yun Yuhuai, has the people's support and is such a saint that he can't bring himself to harm an emperor who hasn't even come of age.

Le He slaps his forehead. Whatever, I'll take matters into my own hands! I'll force the male lead onto the throne, then fake my death and live happily ever after!

-

Le He waves his brush across the page, ruining the memorials the male lead has just finished reviewing.

The male lead smiles faintly and forgives him.

The border is under attack, and the male lead leads the army into battle. Before long, news arrives that he's met with disaster.

Le He holds a celebratory banquet in the palace and rejoices wildly.

The male lead looks helpless, but forgives him.

After several failed schemes, Le He finally sets his sights on the male lead's close friend from the book, the newly crowned top scholar.

In front of the entire court, he issues an imperial decree to take the scholar into his harem as a consort.

This time, the male lead is finally enraged.

He ruthlessly purges his enemies. He seizes power over the court. He storms the palace with the Imperial Guards!

Huh? Why is he claiming to purge the emperor's corrupt advisers?

Beneath the dragon-patterned canopy, the bed curtains sway. Yun Yuhuai holds Le He's chin, his voice still gentle and clear as a gentleman's, but his eyes are filled with a madness Le He has never seen before.

"Since Your Majesty has no interest in the empire of Yi, that's fine. Just be my emperor alone."

That night, Le He cries until his voice is hoarse. Male lead, get a grip! You're supposed to be a saint! Can't you forgive me one more time? QAQ

A mischievous uke determined to fake his death x a seme driven to abandon all propriety, formerly a gentleman and now sinister and brooding

Reading notes:

1. The historical setting is very loose and has no connection to any dynasty or real historical model.

2. The political intrigue is very simplistic. The focus is mainly on romance, written in plain, colloquial language with a historical flavor. Don't read if that's not your thing.

3. The young emperor has no harem. It's one-on-one in both body and heart from beginning to end, with a sweet, angst-free happy ending.

Theme: Keep looking toward the light even in adversity