The Southern Branch Does Not Perch

[Ambitious merchant's daughter x loyal general marquis]

As the owner of Qinlou, a famous establishment in the capital, Zhu Nanzhi hates nothing more than nobles and officials using their power to bully others.

But just as women officials are being selected, she is poisoned. And to her further surprise, the reclusive Marquis of Nanyang takes advantage of the situation and rushes to the Zhu residence with an imperial edict from the empress.

"By imperial decree, I, the marquis, am permitted to... take your daughter as my wife..."

After the wedding, Zhu Nanzhi miraculously survives. Only then does she see that this edict conceals a shocking conspiracy reaching across the court.

To uncover the truth and protect herself, she takes the examinations for women officials, is made a county princess, and becomes the most renowned Director of Palace Affairs in both court and palace, with a rank comparable to the current Left Chancellor.

Beneath the eaves of the inner residence, Gu Yuheng finishes applying medicine to her, then grabs her hand and gently brushes her hairline as he reminds her, "I know you are clever, my lady, but there's one thing..."

"Next time you use me, there's no need to hide it. I said that everyone in the marquis's household would do as you wished, and naturally... that includes me."

But it isn't until Zhu Nanzhi truly holds power over the court that she realizes the truth: what she hates isn't people using power to bully others. She hates that the person who holds power isn't her.

Unmelted snow lies against the vermilion palace walls. The long flight of steps stretches between them, like a cold ruler measuring the gulf between high and low.

From the top of the steps, Zhu Nanzhi looks down at the man before her, lifting her chin slightly. Her words cut like a blade: "Gu Yuheng, beg me."

Gu Yuheng doesn't stop to think. He leans in and kisses her cheek. She clearly didn't mean that, but the fox fur on her cloak is so ticklish that he can't help himself.

Zhu Nanzhi flushes with anger and shoves him away, frowning as she repeats sharply, "Gu Yuheng, beg me."

Gu Yuheng moves in again, looking as if he's about to kiss her lips.

Zhu Nanzhi quickly raises a hand between their mouths and stares at him stubbornly. "Gu Yuheng, I..."

"I beg you." His voice is hoarse and brief.

From the empress's decree to the ninefold palace, he has accompanied her along this bloodstained road. Facing her, still as ambitious as ever, he murmurs, "I beg you, Nanzhi."

Theme: Love is a contest of wits