Rich Fragrance on the Branches

Everyone in Jinghua City knew Yuan Yunnong had the face of a bodhisattva and the heart of a snake. She secretly loved Shen Chuan, the top scholar, and envied Princess Mushuifei. She stole another woman’s marriage, broke up a couple in love, and schemed her way into marrying Shen Chuan. When the truth came out, everyone cursed her, yet her life remained as lavish as a brocade of flowers and a blaze of glory. Whoever saw her had to grit their teeth and call her two-faced, yet marvel at her good fortune. Under the old dynasty, she was a Junzhu of Chaorong. Under the new dynasty, she became empress. Only Yuan Yunnong knew that Pei Lingyi had seized power and forced her to become empress for the sake of the woman he loved, Mushuifei. They hated each other, yet remained entangled, dragging one another down. They were a pair of ill-fated spouses destined to be struck by lightning. People said the emperor and empress were united in heart and trusted one another completely. In truth, they were at odds and couldn’t stand the sight of each other.

Reborn, Yuan Yunnong decides to help Pei Lingyi and Mushuifei find their happily-ever-after, while rekindling her romance with Shen Chuan. Then she’ll leave Pei Lingyi and Mushuifei behind for good. Mushuifei likes upright gentlemen, so Yuan Yunnong sets out to mold Pei Lingyi into one. But the child turns out all wrong, and things don’t go according to plan.

“Has he been here to see you, Sister?”

“Love me, Sister. Hate me, Sister. Anything is fine.” Pei Lingyi buries his face in Yuan Yunnong’s neck. “Just don’t leave me.”

Content warning: Both leads are scheming black lotuses, rotten to the core. In their past life, they were twisted, obsessive spouses who hated each other.