Spring Wind in Shreds

Reborn for a second life, Nian Chujiu has realized that money alone isn't enough. She needs power, too!

She dumps her scumbag fiance. Why not marry into the imperial family?

She picks a short-lived prince for a husband. While he's alive, she can borrow his influence. If he dies, she'll still be a princess consort. A surefire deal. Sounds good!

When they first meet, Dongli Chang'an is so thin he looks like a sheet of paper, the picture of someone with little time left. Nian Chujiu is very pleased.

Who knew the short-lived fellow wouldn't cooperate? "Go away. I'm dying soon. I can't help you."

Nian Chujiu nods. "When you die, I'll take care of your burial."

Dongli Chang'an: ...

Nian Chujiu continues persuading him: "If that won't do, I'll burn incense and paper offerings for you on the first and fifteenth of every month, so you can live like a wealthy idler in the afterlife. How about it?"

Dongli Chang'an turns away, his eyes red. In this world, everyone is scheming. Is there not a single decent person?

Nian Chujiu glances at the two dogs lying nearby. "I'll take care of your dogs, too, until they die of old age."

At last, Dongli Chang'an is tempted. "Well... all right."

Later, the new emperor on the Dragon Throne corners her beneath the vermilion palace walls, hidden fires burning in his eyes. "You can have the throne. Just take care of me for the rest of my life!"

The Empress's declaration:

The fate I want to change--

is one where the granaries of the realm stay full and cooking smoke never ceases;

where women of courage hold their heads high and stand tall, no less than men;

where children are born beneath bright skies and grow up in the light of day, walking the righteous path with dignity all their lives.