The Powerful Minister's Scheming Cousin

The black-hearted cousin who's the legitimate daughter of a military family x the power-hungry minister, a greedy and ruthless wolf of a cousin (formerly titled My Cousin Yu'an)

On her way back to the city from a spring outing, Zhang Heng came across Feng Shang, whose carriage had broken down and horse had been injured. He was a complete mess.

Feng Shang: "Young lady, might I hitch a ride with you?"

"No," Zhang Heng politely refused.

A smile warmed Feng Shang's captivating, flirtatious eyes. "Young lady, please, do me a favor and give me a ride. I'd be ever so grateful."

Zhang Heng: "Young master, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you're handsome."

Feng Shang's smile faded. "I'll pay you. Name your price and I'll..."

"Do I look like I need money?" Zhang Heng chuckled. "That's out of the question."

"Is that so?"

The next moment, a cold dagger was pressed against Zhang Heng's neck.

Feng Shang: "Let's discuss something."

Zhang Heng wiped her face. "Well, I'd be delighted to help you, young master!"

They met again at a banquet at the Marquis of Guangning's residence. Feng Shang was surrounded by a crowd of young nobles and noblewomen, dressed in fine robes and jade belts, his bearing as noble as a dragon and phoenix, and his looks unmatched.

Her grandmother introduced them: "This is my nephew's grandson. Come and meet your cousin. He's even prepared a gift for you."

What a small world.

"Cousin Yu'an."

Note:

1. They aren't related by blood. Her grandmother married into the family later as a second wife.

2. Both are each other's first.

3. Set in the Northern Song dynasty.

(Synopsis archived.)

My next book will be The Sixth Daughter and the Villainous Young Nobleman. Please add it to your favorites!

Synopsis:

The crafty daughter of a minor official x the Marquis's wicked second son

Wang Yi's cousin arranged a marriage for her.

Her cousin said, "Li Dalang is from a marquis's family. He's not stupid or disabled."

Wang Yi had recently heard plenty about the man's "fine character." "Cousin, are you hoping for a promotion?"

Her cousin: "...I really want to get into the Ministry."

Wang Yi: "I know a road to the heavens. Want to take it?"

And so her cousin married into the family of the rouge-tiger daughter of the Minister of Personnel.

After that, Li Yu confessed his feelings to Wang Yi.

Wang Yi's bright eyes sparkled. "You're certainly handsome, but what am I supposed to do if I don't like men who can't even lift a chicken?"

Li Yu: "I stopped everyone from barging in on your cousin and the rouge-tiger's wedding chamber."

Wang Yi smiled, her eyes curving. "I also don't like men who are all brawn and no brains."

Li Yu: "I spread those rumors about my eldest brother, Li Dalang."

Wang Yi: "I'm not sure I could bear to leave all those wicked, slippery members of the Wang clan."

Li Yu just smiled. "The people in the Li family aren't necessarily any less depraved."

(Synopsis archived on April 21, 2026.)

Theme: If Heaven won't protect me, I'll save myself.