Raising a Snake [Matriarchy]

Song Guanqing is the magistrate of a remote county. The town sits between mountains and water, and has never produced anyone important or harbored any criminals. She has no desire for fame or fortune and is happy to enjoy the peace and freedom of a place far from the emperor's reach. One day, while inspecting the mountains, Song Guanqing came across a group of children tormenting a bright green snake. She rescued it, released it, and promptly forgot about the incident. The next morning, the green snake was coiled on her footrest. Song Guanqing let it go. The following morning, it was coiled beside her pillow. Its flat little head and pair of slit pupils somehow struck Song Guanqing as rather cute, so she let it go again. On the third day, the snake's cool body wound around Song Guanqing's arm, its head resting in her palm as it flicked its tongue. Its intentions were obvious. Song Guanqing could only sigh and let it stay. From then on, everyone said Magistrate Song had a little green snake that was remarkably intelligent. Ever since it appeared, the county had enjoyed good weather and abundant harvests. They hadn't seen Magistrate Song roll up her trousers and lead everyone in flood relief again. What a blessed omen! Little did they know that every night, the green snake hailed as a lucky omen took human form, using his silver tongue and a host of tricks to persuade the guileless Magistrate Song to make it up to him. Not long after, Magistrate Song had a handsome young man carried out of the mountains in a bridal sedan chair borne by eight men. The young man was icy toward everyone. Just meeting his gaze sent a chill through you, as if he might take your life at any moment. But whenever he faced Song Guanqing, he went limp, leaning against her with languid, flirtatious eyes and teasing her in a low voice until the innocent magistrate blushed scarlet. Theme: Good weather and abundant harvests, peace and prosperity.