The Lazy Fish's Stepmotherly Life in Ancient Times

1. Shen Lantang transmigrated into this world before birth and has lived here for nineteen years. She married Xie Jin, the son of the distinguished Xie family, as his second wife, and got a chubby, adorable stepson thrown in for free. After the wedding, Shen Lantang was virtuous and gentle, thrifty and courteous, respectful to her elders and kind to children, and full of zest for life. To put it plainly: She ate and drank to her heart's content, never got involved in things that weren't her business, and never meddled where she shouldn't. She hadn't accomplished anything remarkable, but there was nothing to criticize about her, either. That was, until one day: Her second aunt came to discuss arranging a match for the family's youngest daughter with her mother-in-law. Shen Lantang: "The man who's supposed to be betrothed to Fourth Miss already has a concubine, and he's still hanging around brothels, carrying on like a libertine. No way. I'll find a way to stop this engagement from happening." Second Aunt and Mother-in-Law: !!! "That Third Brother of yours is going to drag the Xie family's reputation down with his if he keeps hanging out with his good-for-nothing friends. Someone ought to put a sack over his head and give him a good, physical talking-to." The next day, the strapping Third Brother broke his leg after stepping out with his left foot first. Shen Lantang: "…" Shen Lantang thought she was, at best, a six-out-of-ten daughter-in-law in the Xie family, barely passing muster. She never expected her mother-in-law to clasp her hand tightly and say, overcome with emotion: "Lantang, it took three generations of good deeds and virtue for our Xie family to be blessed with a daughter-in-law as wonderful as you!" Shen Lantang (leaning back in alarm): Aren't you laying it on a bit thick? 2. Xie Jin has figured out that only matters Shen Lantang truly cares about can make her inner thoughts spill out. One day, bound by an oath made by his ancestors, he has no choice but to bring an old flame's daughter into the household. Though he arranges for her to stay in a separate residence, he still feels uneasy. When Shen Lantang walks over, his heart tightens, though his eyes brim with hope. Shen Lantang walks right past him without so much as a glance, her heartbeat steady and her expression as calm as an old dog. Xie Jin: "…" Coming soon: I'm Not Being Emperor Anymore! In his previous life, Xiao Jingqi had the misfortune of becoming emperor. He worked diligently as a cog in the imperial machine his entire life, staying up late and rising early, devoting himself to good governance, and finally bringing peace and prosperity to the realm. But after spending the whole night reviewing memorials, he died at his desk, aged just twenty-six. When he opened his eyes, he was back at the age of twelve. Thinking of all the late nights and overtime that awaited him, Xiao Jingqi promptly lost it: I'm done! I'm done! I'm not being emperor anymore! Xiao Jingqi had five older brothers, all of them talented and virtuous. Under normal circumstances, he would never have become emperor. But: The First Prince and Crown Prince died of an epidemic while overseeing disaster relief. The Second Prince was frail and sickly from birth, and died young before reaching twenty. The Third Prince was devoted to the woman he loved, but after all manner of hardships, the two were unable to be together. He died coughing up blood. The Fourth Prince fell from his horse while riding outside the city and was trampled to death. The Fifth Prince was brilliant, but obsessed with mysticism and elixirs. He died after accidentally taking one. And so Xiao Jingqi, only sixteen, was forced to take on the burden of the throne, eventually working himself to death on the job. After learning he had returned to his youth, Xiao Jingqi sat bolt upright as if on his deathbed and immediately set himself a goal in life: He would make sure all five of his doomed, useless older brothers survived! Who said you could die? You're all going to live and work like oxen! Note: The male lead is a transmigrator, and he still becomes emperor in the end. As for romance, his destined match is the Empress from the original timeline. It's one-on-one, but the romance gets little page time and comes later. Theme: Learn to express yourself and be your truest self.