Originally, You Qi was already a bit taller than Chi Huai, and now dressed in men’s attire, the once seemingly delicate (misconception) and frail (misconception) You Qi exuded a handsomely rugged charm that was downright dazzling.
Well, at the very least, Chi Huai was thoroughly dazzled.
Chi Huai had to admit that compared to the plain and simple women’s clothing, the dark men’s attire suited You Qi far better, accentuating his figure, looks, and demeanor. Though Chi Huai had never pursued anyone and remained single until now, he had always assumed his preference would be for soft, cute girls. Unexpectedly, it turned out that You Qi in men’s clothing struck a chord deep within him.
Thinking of his fiancée, whom everyone around him knew about, Chi Huai quickly shook his head, banishing those chaotic thoughts. But still, he couldn’t help being utterly captivated by You Qi’s dashing appearance! You Qi in men’s clothing was absolutely incredible!
And just like that, Chi Huai unwittingly fell deeper under You Qi’s spell of charm.
Seemingly focused ahead but actually preoccupied with Chi Huai, You Qi was well aware of his infatuation. Appearing before him in men’s attire was, in a way, a subtle test and an implicit gesture. The results, it seemed, were quite satisfying.
You Qi wielded considerable power. Though the current emperor was generous and perceptive, unafraid of meritorious subjects overshadowing him and never acting in ways that would disillusion his loyal officials, You Qi had witnessed too much darkness and had no desire to test human nature. Lingering issues like this would only drain both sides emotionally.
After all, even if the emperor harbored no ulterior motives, constant overthinking on his part might eventually lead to undesirable outcomes. You Qi wasn’t willing to gamble on that.
Thus, the marshal did not choose his own son as his successor but instead selected Jin Shaoxin, whose family only had a younger sister left.
For one, the marshal understood his son’s temperament—utterly unsuited for leading troops into battle, whereas Jin Shaoxin was far more fitting. Secondly, it was also a hope that his relationship with the emperor would remain harmonious, sparing him further anxiety. It was a win-win for everyone involved.
And by choosing Chi Huai, a merchant and a man at that, You Qi sought to reassure both sides.
You Qi had hoped for a marriage with Chi Huai free of complications, but reality often brought unavoidable compromises. This arrangement, however, wasn’t bad at all.
Lost in thought, a trace of melancholy crept onto You Qi’s face.
Chi Huai, who had been watching him closely, noticed immediately. He quickly took You Qi’s hand and asked with concern, “You’er, what’s wrong? Is something troubling you? If you can tell me, I’d be happy to share your burden and help you!”
As a man who prided himself on standing tall and as You Qi’s fiancé, Chi Huai felt it was his duty to shoulder responsibilities and ease You Qi’s worries.
Touched by Chi Huai’s sincerity, You Qi felt immensely comforted. He gently squeezed Chi Huai’s soft, smooth hand and reassured him, “It’s nothing serious. With you by my side, I’ll be fine.” As long as Chi Huai was near, You Qi felt invigorated.
Though not entirely convinced, Chi Huai didn’t press further. Instead, he smoothly changed the subject: “So, You’er, where would you like to go next?” Wherever You Qi wanted, Chi Huai was ready to accompany him.
After a moment’s thought, You Qi replied, “I’d like… to visit the Hundred Flowers Pavilion!”
Chi Huai froze instantly at his answer: “…?!”
Even in men’s clothing, You Qi shamelessly clung to Chi Huai’s arm, disregarding appearances as he cooed, “A-Huai, come with me, won’t you? Please?”
Though seeing a grown man act so coquettishly toward another might induce chills in onlookers, their striking looks made it somewhat bearable. Yet… Chi Huai found nothing amiss and was instantly disarmed by the charm offensive: “Alright, but we’ll have to wait until it officially opens in the evening.”
Chi Huai: *It’s just a brothel. If it makes You’er happy, so be it!*
Pleased with the agreement, You Qi flashed a radiant smile, successfully reducing Chi Huai to a dazed, intoxicated kitten.
You Qi: *Mission accomplished!*
Seeing Chi Huai’s reaction to his men’s attire, You Qi grew even more satisfied. He couldn’t help but admire his own impeccable taste—even his chosen partner was so delightfully obedient.
Since the Hundred Flowers Pavilion wouldn’t open for a while and neither was particularly interested in the street performances outside, the two decided to stroll around the area. It was a chance to bond and pass the time.
Meanwhile, hidden away and observing the bustling scene outside, Qiu Liuyue was immensely pleased to see her establishment drawing such a crowd.
Watching the lively spectacle below, reflecting on her thriving businesses and the devoted, handsome men surrounding her, Qiu Liuyue’s pride knew no bounds: “Truly, as a uniquely favored transmigrator blessed by fate, I am the world’s chosen one, its rightful ruler!”
“Ah, but thinking of all those willing to sacrifice everything for me, even sharing me with others, gives me a headache. Honestly, it’s no wonder—I’m simply too dazzling and extraordinary. How could these exceptional men resist being drawn to me, orbiting around me like satellites?”
“Alas, being too exceptional can sometimes be a burden!”
Despite her words, Qiu Liuyue’s expression radiated sheer satisfaction. It was understandable—before transmigrating, she had been just another face in the crowd. Now, she possessed everything she once deemed unattainable, which explained her loss of original intentions.
Initially, Qiu Liuyue had only wanted to earn some silver, escape the stifling confines of the Duke’s mansion, and live freely, eventually finding her destined male lead to share a blissful life with.
But as her wealth grew, so did her greed, especially under the constant provocation of the extravagant Qiu Muxue. Her mindset spiraled further out of balance.
Then, encountering more and more exceptional men, she began deluding herself: *As the heroine showered with adoration, though I have only one destined male lead, it’s natural to have devoted side characters willing to sacrifice everything for me. It’s not greed—I just can’t bear to break their hearts!*
Qiu Liuyue: *These side characters are fated to lose me anyway. If I don’t treat them kindly, wouldn’t they be pitiful? Besides, I don’t yet know who my true male lead is. What if distancing myself leads to missing him, and him missing his destined soulmate? Wouldn’t that be tragic?*
Qiu Liuyue: *Such a heaven-sent bond deserves cherishing!*
With this mindset, Qiu Liuyue began maneuvering among various exceptional men. Under the constant provocations of the Duchess and Qiu Muxue, she shed her former trepidation and conscience, growing ruthless and unscrupulous.
She blamed her surroundings for corrupting her, claiming she was forced into this path by enemies. But was that truly the case?
Some, trapped in darkness with only oppression and pain around them, choose to embrace that darkness, joining their tormentors and harming others—especially those resembling their past selves. *If I suffer, why shouldn’t they?* They resent those who resist, seeing their integrity as a mockery of their own weakness.
Others, despising their oppressors, refuse to become like them. They cling to their principles, fighting toward the light and carving their own path.
The same environment breeds different choices and outcomes. Qiu Liuyue was undeniably the former—shirking responsibility for her actions, blaming others, and lacking courage or accountability.
As adults (Qiu Liuyue was one before transmigrating), we must own our choices, actions, and their consequences. Evading responsibility and shifting blame is simply immature and pathetic.
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