Life in the deep palace was refined yet cold. Shao Shang felt as though even the movement of her eyeballs had slowed, her words and actions inexplicably gaining an air of grace. Even when staring blankly at the copper clepsydra, she could rest her fragrant cheek on her hand and twist her slender waist, her melancholic gaze resembling an exquisitely shaded ink painting of a noble lady.
Yet no matter how languid her speech, how dreamy her eyes, or how absorbed her reverie, nothing could stop the torrent of mischief churning in her mind—an endless, ever-ready supply.
As the Empress had been unwell in recent years and state affairs were running smoothly, the Emperor wished to celebrate her upcoming birthday on a grand scale. Despite the Empress’s repeated gentle refusals, the Emperor remained insistent. So on this day, the Empress decided to don formal attire and go to the Department of State Affairs to remonstrate.
Sensing trouble, Shao Shang blocked the inner palace gate and asked the Empress how she planned to advise the Emperor.
The Empress replied, “As the saying goes, ‘Where the superior has preferences, the inferiors will surely follow.’ Since His Majesty advocates frugality, he should not abandon this principle for personal indulgence. As the supreme ruler, even the slightest whim could mobilize thousands of commoners. Who knows how much of the tribute flooding the palace would be squeezed from the people’s hard-earned wealth—”
“Hold on, hold on,” Shao Shang quickly interrupted the lengthy lecture, teasing, “Your Majesty, I think those court officials have it hard enough—either spending a lifetime studying to earn His Majesty’s favor or fighting through bloodshed for an official post. Let’s not steal their thunder.”
The Empress’s eyes darted, her lips curling slightly. “Was my approach unsatisfactory?”
Shao Shang put on her best sycophant’s face. “Your Majesty, you are first His Majesty’s wife, then his subject. Perhaps set aside the grand principles for now—though advising against an extravagant celebration is right. Your Majesty, I have a suggestion. When you see His Majesty, say this: ‘Since ancient times, husband and wife are one. There’s no reason for the husband to eat husks while the wife feasts on delicacies. When Your Majesty celebrates your own birthday properly, then you may lavish mine.’ Add that if His Majesty lives so austerely, even if your birthday were as magnificent as the Queen Mother of the West Kunlun’s, your heart would ache unbearably. Ask him to spare you this pain out of consideration. Then speak more about how his frugality pains you—gently, pitifully, avoiding direct eye contact. Don’t sound like a stern minister delivering blunt advice…”
“What nonsense are you spouting at your age!” The Empress’s jade-like face flushed.
Shao Shang sighed. “Your Majesty, if I had your looks, would I be in this state? Lord Ling would obey me without a word, and I wouldn’t be trapped in the palace without a step outside. You sit on a treasure yet remain unaware!”
Though the Empress had been reserved and cautious since childhood, and the Emperor was not one for sweet talk, what woman doesn’t enjoy praise for her beauty? No matter how dignified, she couldn’t help but beam, her golden hairpin trembling slightly.
“…Who told you to refuse even a single soft word?” she chided playfully. “What harm is there in yielding?”
Unwilling to discuss her matters with Ling Buyi, Shao Shang sighed again. “Your Majesty, my talents are meager—best not to dwell on it. Now I pin my hopes on you. Once you charm His Majesty into ordering my release, who would fear Ling Buyi then? That would be the greatest blessing! Your Majesty, I’m counting on you!”"I won't help you with this! Zisheng practically grew up in my palace—if anything, I should be helping him!" The Empress's beautiful eyes sparkled with mischief, her playful demeanor making her seem like she'd returned to her carefree childhood.
As the Empress walked out of the inner chamber, Shao Shang called softly after her retreating figure, "Remember to be gentle! Act heartbroken—you can even faint if needed, but try to collapse onto His Majesty..."
The Empress stumbled slightly, turning back to glare fiercely at Shao Shang, though she couldn't suppress her smile.
Zhai Nanny, standing nearby, nearly burst from holding back laughter, thinking to herself that although Cheng Niangzi disliked staying in the palace, for the Empress, having such a mischievous and endlessly amusing young girl by her side was truly the best thing possible.
The Empress played her part before the Emperor exactly as planned. Though Shao Shang didn't know if the 'fainting' tactic had been employed, it successfully dissuaded the Emperor from holding an extravagant celebration while simultaneously putting him in excellent spirits. For several consecutive days, the Emperor remained at Everlasting Autumn Palace, until the Empress finally urged him to visit Consort Yue instead. Puzzled, Shao Shang asked why, to which the Empress replied, "Consort Yue and His Majesty share a childhood bond. If she wanted to please him, she could do so a hundred times more easily than I could—yet she never monopolizes his favor. Shao Shang, after all these years between us, this arrangement works perfectly well."
Shao Shang only half-understood.
Thus, several busy days passed until the Empress's birthday arrived. Palace maids and eunuchs bustled about cleaning and decorating, the Emperor opened the palace treasury to distribute rewards, and the imperial princes and princesses began preparing their customary gifts. Even Luo Jitong returned to the palace to assist in the celebrations. The long-absent Fifth Princess stood out particularly, bringing over a dozen daughters of officials who usually surrounded her, claiming they would perform a dance for the Empress.
"Every part of your daughter's body, every inch of land and ounce of power, was bestowed by her parents. No matter how precious a gift I might find, in the end, it would still rely on Father Emperor and Mother Empress's grace." The Fifth Princess's pockmarks had faded considerably, transforming from a sky full of stars to the scattered sesame seeds on a flat cake. With her previously arrogant expression softened, her smile now appeared almost sweet.
"This dance was specially choreographed by renowned masters from the common folk to celebrate Mother Empress's birthday. We've practiced it extensively at my residence. On the day of the performance, even if there are flaws, please pretend not to notice and cheer loudly for us."
The Empress smiled warmly, repeatedly expressing her approval. Though her youngest daughter was selfish and spoiled, often disappointing her, at this moment, like any loving mother, she simply hoped her child would mature with time.
"Very well, I appreciate your filial devotion. Nothing makes me happier than knowing you understand that sincerity outweighs material gifts... However, I've heard you enclosed tens of thousands of acres in Hongnong County for your private estate. Is this true?"
Shao Shang, who had been nearly dozing off during this mother-daughter exchange, suddenly perked up at this. She thought enviously how wonderful it must be to be a princess—if only she had transmigrated as one, no Ling or Yao would dare confine her in the palace to learn etiquette!
The Fifth Princess stiffened momentarily before cooing, "Oh, Mother Empress, those were just barren wastelands—dry, rocky patches nobody wanted. I had canals dug and the land fertilized, then allowed refugees to settle and farm there. It produces grain and stabilizes the populace—Father Emperor should be rewarding me!"
The Empress sighed helplessly, offering neither confirmation nor denial.Fifth Princess glanced sideways at the Crown Princess seated beside her and said with a smile, "Mother Empress, don't always pick on me. Just recently, the Crown Princess also acquired a large amount of land—at least seven or eight thousand mu. Why don't you say anything about her?"
Shao Shang immediately cast an envious look at the Crown Princess, thinking to herself that appearances could be deceiving. The Crown Princess usually seemed gentle and quiet, even tearing up for days if someone so much as criticized her. Who would have guessed she'd stretch her hands so far? Truly unexpected.
The Crown Princess, looking aggrieved, said, "Mother Empress, you may not know, but the Crown Prince often needs funds for official matters and personnel. The expenses are considerable. Without some liquid silver and gold at hand, many things wouldn't proceed smoothly..."
"Nonsense!" Fifth Princess retorted angrily. "The Emperor has granted the Crown Prince so many fiefs with tax revenue and mines—mountains of gold and silver wouldn't be an exaggeration. How could there ever be a shortage? Clearly, the Crown Prince, heeding his advisors, barred you from meddling in the Eastern Palace's finances, which is why you took matters into your own hands..."
"Enough!" The Empress struck the table, her face darkening. "The Crown Princess is the consort of the heir apparent. While the Crown Prince has many expenses, so does she. How can you, as a younger sister, speak to your elder sister-in-law like this?"
Fifth Princess bit her lip indignantly. Seeing this, the Crown Princess quickly bowed in gratitude for the Empress's understanding and added, "Though I do own some modest farmland, I've duly registered both the land and the laborers with the local government's records, without omission. But Fifth Sister is different. Despite her ample fief, she's enclosed vast tracts of land yet only reported twenty laborers to the authorities..."
Shao Shang gasped inwardly. Given the current agricultural capacity, how could twenty people possibly cultivate tens of thousands of mu of land? This was clearly an attempt by Fifth Princess to conceal laborers and evade taxes! Then Shao Shang quickly glanced at the Crown Princess again, thinking this sister-in-law wasn't playing her cards right. The Empress had clearly taken her side, so she should have taken the opportunity to gracefully let the matter drop.
Moreover, even if Fifth Princess was at fault, the Crown Princess should have discussed it privately with the Empress, not in front of herself, Zhai Nanny, and so many palace maids. As sisters-in-law, with a significant age gap between them, and the Crown Princess not yet ascended to the phoenix throne, to be so harsh and unsparing toward her younger sister-in-law—could the Emperor and Empress really expect her to look after their other children in the future?
What a fool!
The Empress's smile vanished entirely. She said coolly, "Oh, is that so? I'll have someone look into it later. That's enough for today. I'm tired. All of you may leave now."
The Crown Princess seemed about to say more, but Zhai Nanny had already signaled the palace maids to open the door and usher them out. Fifth Princess shot a venomous glare at the Crown Princess before storming off in a huff.
Shao Shang pitied the Empress but reminded herself of her place. One was a daughter-in-law, the other a daughter—where did she fit in?
The Empress leaned back quietly for a long moment before asking, "Shao Shang, do you think those lands Fifth Princess acquired were truly wasteland?"
Shao Shang had been about to offer a polite laugh but, seeing the Empress's despondent expression, paused and replied softly, "This humble one is ignorant, but even I know that Hongnong has been prosperous since ancient times, densely populated, and was among the first commanderies pacified by the Emperor. Logically, it should be like Qingzhou last year—after clearing out bandits, the land should have been quickly reclaimed for farming. How could there still be so much unclaimed wasteland?"
The Empress murmured, "Indeed. Yet the Crown Princess didn't point this out, only daring to mention the laborers. It seems the origins of her own lands aren't entirely clean either. What do you think, Shao Shang...?"Shao Shang felt uneasy, sensing she was treading close to a forbidden topic. She feigned pride and said, "In my family, from estates to shops, Mother manages all the money. My Third Uncle doesn’t even keep a single Wu Zhu Coin—he hands everything over to Aunt. Even Lord Ling is willing to give me as much as I want..."
Noticing the Empress’s amused gaze, she grew embarrassed and laughed awkwardly before changing the subject. "Besides, I can earn my own wealth. I believe the Crown Princess should first reflect on why the Crown Prince is unwilling to entrust his finances to her."
Princesses live off their parents’ wealth—if they misbehave, they’re just scolded or punished. But the Crown Princess depends on her husband. Either she should be like me, free from desires and planning to earn her own fortune in the future, or she should dutifully please the Crown Prince—that’s the best strategy.
The Empress sighed softly. These words truly resonated with her, but she couldn’t openly criticize the Crown Princess in front of Shao Shang. She merely said, "...I’ve long heard of Madam Xiao’s virtue, erudition, diligence, and frugality. Over these months, I’ve observed that your conduct and expenditures reflect your mother’s admirable traits. That’s very good."
Shao Shang detected the bitterness in her words. The Empress herself lived plainly, yet the children she raised were... well, difficult to praise. She couldn’t help but wonder what the princes and princesses under Consort Yue’s wing were like.
Soon, the Empress gave her the opportunity to find out by sending her to deliver a silk scroll letter to Consort Yue.
Since the current dynasty had no Empress Dowager, Consort Yue resided directly in the spacious and tranquil Yongle Palace.
Stepping onto the rival’s turf, Shao Shang put on her most adorable and charming smile, looking like a plump, soft Q-version dumpling. The senior palace maid on duty had initially scrutinized her as "Eleventh Master’s fiancée," but even she couldn’t resist softening at Shao Shang’s grin.
Another senior maid worriedly said, "Her Highness is currently... Perhaps Cheng Niangzi should wait?"
The first maid replied, "Don’t presume to decide for Her Highness. We’ll wait for word from inside."
Just then, a young palace maid hurried out, panting, "Her Highness summons Cheng Niangzi inside." Hearing this, the first maid shot a triumphant glance at the other and gave a light hum.
Shao Shang kept her head down, determined not to get involved.
Leaving the two Everlasting Autumn Palace maids at the entrance, she followed the guiding maid deeper inside. After passing through two corridors and turning into the inner hall, she heard Consort Yue’s voice from the inner chamber—
"...You’ve lost your mind, daring to covet Zisheng! Even if you just fantasized, you had the audacity to harass his new bride! What, coming to the palace today with such defiance—do you still think you’ve been wronged? Tell me, what do you have? Looks? Talent? Why would he favor you? What can you offer him—wealth, power, or the Emperor’s favor? Zisheng lacks none of these, and he has far more than you in every regard!"
Shao Shang immediately realized who Consort Yue was addressing. She froze awkwardly at the doorway, not daring to enter, but the maid had already announced her arrival. Reluctantly, she lowered her head and stepped inside. Upon entering, she saw not only the Third Princess, who seemed ready to bury her face in the ground, but also the Second Princess—both looking even more uncomfortable than she felt.The only one in the inner chamber who wasn't embarrassed was Consort Yue, who beckoned Shao Shang over and gestured for her to sit down before continuing to lecture her daughter: "...If you're truly so idle, why not learn from your Second Sister and compose a little tune or dance? Then have those scholars spout some nonsense to flatter you—it'll make your father look good, showing our family is cultured and refined, not just skilled with swords and spears. That would be filial piety in itself, don't you think?... What brings you here?"
The last question was directed at Shao Shang, who had been listening with great interest. Startled, she quickly stated her purpose and presented a silk scroll with both hands. Consort Yue unrolled it and chuckled. "A dance performance? No doubt her retainers suggested this. Well, it's certainly a unique and thrifty birthday gift. At least those retainers aren't completely useless."
She rolled the scroll back up neatly and asked Shao Shang, "Have you met all the young girls performing the dance?"
"I saw them briefly," Shao Shang replied.
"How do they look?" Consort Yue asked with fearless curiosity. "Is Fifth Princess planning to present beauties to her father?"
"Mother!" Second Princess nearly shrieked.
"No, no, absolutely not! Your Highness, please believe me!" Shao Shang waved her hands frantically, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
"Even if she wanted to present beauties, would Fifth Princess choose Her Majesty the Empress's birthday for it?" Second Princess, despite her artistic temperament, couldn't help but show visible frustration at her mother's words. Shao Shang felt a pang of sympathy for her.
"Exactly! Besides, I've seen those sisters—they're all like woven bamboo baskets! Even if one or two are slightly better-looking, it's just the difference between a basket with broken edges and one with smooth edges!" Though Shao Shang didn't particularly like Fifth Princess, she was still the Empress's daughter and deserved some support.
This remark finally drew a laugh from Consort Yue. "Bamboo baskets? Heh, you're quite amusing. Very well, go back and tell the Empress I agree. They can stay in the eastern garden here—I'll 'look after' them properly."
Only then did Shao Shang realize the Empress had entrusted the girls Fifth Princess brought into the palace to Consort Yue's care.
"...But I've heard Fifth Princess is short on funds lately—has she been seizing land outside the palace?" Consort Yue abruptly changed the subject, startling Shao Shang into stunned silence, her face turning ashen.
Noticing her expression, Consort Yue smiled. "Judging by your face, the Empress already knows. Ah, raising retainers costs money, raising wandering swordsmen costs even more, and raising handsome wandering swordsmen is like burning money... Alright, Second Princess, stop coughing—I won't say any more. Lady Cheng, you may go back now. While you're at it, ask the Empress if she'd like to send Fifth Princess to me as well. I'll... hmm, 'reason with her'..." As she uttered these last words, Second Princess wore a bitter smile, while Third Princess looked as if she deeply understood the sentiment, her former arrogance nowhere to be seen.
Shao Shang smiled awkwardly. "Th-that won't be necessary. I believe Fifth Princess has become much more sensible this time." Having the Empress's daughter disciplined by a consort would shame the entire Everlasting Autumn Palace into never showing their faces again.
Consort Yue raised an indifferent eyebrow. "Fine. Then have those girls come over quickly—no wandering around the palace causing trouble."
Shao Shang blinked. "It... it surely won't come to that..." Things couldn't escalate so fast.Consort Yue couldn't be bothered with her and waved her away, turning back to her two daughters. "Now, where was I? Ah yes, filial piety. Let me make this clear—don't you dare cause any trouble during the Empress's birthday celebration, or our mother-daughter relationship ends here. Girls from poor families toil from a young age, and in hard times, their parents might even sell them. You were born lucky, draped in gold and silver, well-fed and pampered from head to toe, never at risk of being sold. I expect nothing more from you than to behave. Understand? Stay in my palace these next few days. One misstep, and you'll be banished to your fiefdom—don't even think about coming back!"
As Shao Shang walked out, she faintly heard the Third Princess murmur an acknowledgment. She sighed inwardly—if only the Empress had half of Consort Yue's fierceness, she wouldn't be so soft-hearted.
Walking along the palace corridor, she noticed the senior maidservants from Consort Yue's chambers bustling about to prepare the neighboring garden for habitation. Shao Shang couldn't help but chuckle at how overly cautious Consort Yue was—her victim mentality was truly something. She wondered just how intense the rivalry between her and Madam Huo had been back then. Those young ladies had only just entered the palace yesterday, barely settled after a night in the outer court. They hadn't even properly arranged their lodgings—how could they possibly be scheming mischief already?
But barely a quarter-hour later, as she floated in the chilly lake waters, Shao Shang realized just how naive she had been. On her way back to Everlasting Autumn Palace, while passing through the imperial gardens, she had been "accidentally" pushed into the pond by a group of young ladies out for a stroll.
The seven or eight girls stood on the bank, giggling gleefully at Shao Shang floundering in the water. They even restrained the two palace maids accompanying her, preventing them from helping.
"Oh my, I've heard so much about this Cheng Niangzi—how talented and virtuous she is, practically a saint among mortals. How amusing to see her as a little duckling now!"
"She's not even that pretty. Must be good at flattery and sucking up. Hey, say something nice! Maybe we'll pull you out if you amuse us!"
"Shouldn't we help her up? If something happens, we'll be in trouble."
"Shut up! Wasn't it your foot that tripped her?"
...
Shao Shang treaded water lightly, watching the giggling troublemakers on the shore with complete indifference.
Staying afloat wasn't difficult—the human chest cavity contained enough air that even doing nothing but keeping face-up would keep the torso buoyant. Raising the chin to keep the mouth and nose above water was enough to breathe safely. Most drownings in calm water resulted from panic. Besides, as a southerner, she had learned to swim as a child. Since arriving here, she often practiced kicking and paddling in her bathtub to adjust to her body's sensations.
After a while, seeing Shao Shang's calm composure in the water, the girls began tossing small stones at her for amusement. She wasn't about to wait around as target practice—especially in the frigid late-autumn waters. Shedding her waterlogged Wrapped Robe and belt, she wriggled free like a nimble little fish, swimming swiftly to the opposite bank.Though she didn't mind walking back to Everlasting Autumn Palace wearing only her underwear, the chilly wind blowing against her wet body still made her sneeze. The two young palace maids rushed over immediately—one took off her outer garment to drape over Shao Shang, while the other pulled out a handkerchief to dry her.
Shao Shang cast a cold glance at the seven or eight little vipers by the pond, then turned and walked away without a word.
Thanks to her active imagination and ample experience as a "victim," in the short time it took to swim from the pond to the shore, she had already come up with five or six revenge schemes—each one vicious and humiliating, guaranteed to leave them scarred for life without shedding a drop of blood.
On the opposite shore, the group of girls gradually grew uneasy, chattering nervously among themselves.
"Do you think she’ll go complain to the Empress?"
"Why should we be afraid? No one saw anything here—we’ll just deny it! The princess will back us up!"
"Exactly! Besides, she didn’t even get hurt—what’s the big deal? At worst, we’ll just get a beating!"
...
Returning to the Everlasting Autumn Palace, Zhai Nanny was shocked to see Shao Shang in such a state. She quickly ordered someone to prepare ginger soup and warm the stove, and even prepared a large basin of hot water for her to take a bath. Shao Shang's icy skin gradually regained its color in the steaming bathwater, and she let out a long sigh of relief.
As Zhai Nanny helped the girl dry off, she said angrily, "After freshening up, we must hurry and inform the Empress!"
But Shao Shang replied, "Ah, no need to rush."
"Young Lady, don’t be afraid. The Empress likes you and will surely stand up for you."
"Sigh, precisely because the Empress treats me so well, we must at least wait until after tomorrow’s birthday banquet."
"If we don’t go now, those wretched maids will surely deny everything later!" In truth, going to complain without taking a hot bath would have the best effect, but Zhai Nanny was worried the girl might catch a cold.
"What I want is for them to deny it," Shao Shang said with a smile, seemingly not angry at all, even showing a hint of nostalgia. Being bullied was nothing new—who hadn’t experienced it? She had plenty of experience in that regard.
Zhai Nanny slowed her movements as she dried Shao Shang’s hair and sighed, "If you were willing to tell Eleventh Master, he would avenge even the greatest grievance for you."
Shao Shang looked at her reflection in the mirror, silent for a moment before murmuring, "A'ao, do you think the Empress likes me now because I’m to marry Lord Ling in the future, or because of who I am?"
"To be honest, it was because of Eleventh Master at first. But over these past few months, the Empress has truly grown fond of you. With you by her side, she’s been much happier than before."
Shao Shang touched her damp, soft hair and nodded. "My Aunt used to say I was naive and stubborn. If I had enemies, I would quietly keep it to myself and deal with them on my own. If I faced difficulties, I’d want to rack my brains to overcome them. Even if I were to end up on the execution ground someday, I’d prefer it to be because of some terrible crime I committed myself, not because I was implicated by others..."
"How can you say such reckless things!" Zhai Nanny quickly interrupted.
"It’s really wonderful that the Empress likes me," Shao Shang picked up an intricately carved golden wooden comb and began slowly combing her hair. "You and the Empress don’t need to worry about me and Lord Ling. I’m not actually angry with him—I know he meant well. Besides, he’s saved and helped me countless times; how could I be so ungrateful? It’s not that I can’t yield or make him happy, but can one keep pleasing another forever? That’s no way for a married couple to be."
Zhai Nanny seemed to understand. "Speaking of which, your Father and Mother, as well as your Uncle and Aunt, are famously devoted couples. Ah, if only you and Eleventh Master could be like that—Your Majesty and the Empress would be overjoyed."
Shao Shang clicked her tongue and said helplessly, "Well, that’s a nice hope, but such things can’t be forced. That said, precisely because Lord Ling treats me well, I must be honest with him in return. I want him to know this disagreeable temperament of mine... Who knows, he might still have time to regret it." Whether they could be like their parents was another matter, but at the very least, they should respect and value each other.
Zhai Nanny burst into laughter. "Alright, you go on dreaming then."
The two smiled at each other in the mirror when suddenly a young palace maid rushed in frantically. "Cheng Niangzi, Cheng Niangzi! The Empress summons you! Quickly..."
Zhai Nanny frowned. "What’s all this panic? Can’t you speak properly? What have we taught you all this time? What exactly is the matter?"The little palace maid stammered, "...Fifth Princess brought a young lady, one of the dancers meant to perform for Her Highness. She said... she said..."
"What did she say?" Zhai Nanny demanded impatiently.
"She said that last night, Lord Ling sneaked into the outer courtyard and assaulted her! Now she's demanding justice from Her Highness! Good heavens..."
Shao Shang abruptly stood up.
"What?!" Zhai Nanny turned pale with shock. "How could this be possible?" When she turned back, she immediately became furious. "You—you—you! How can you look so delighted upon hearing such news about your betrothed son-in-law?!"
Shao Shang touched her own face, unable to suppress a grin. "Do I... look happy?"
"Go find a mirror and see for yourself!" Zhai Nanny was torn between scolding her and laughing—she was nearly driven mad.
"Who has time for mirrors now?" Shao Shang hurriedly grabbed an outer robe, her voice brimming with unconcealed excitement. "Quick, help me dress and do my hair! I must go see... ahem, I mean, I must go clear Lord Ling's good name!"
Zhai Nanny: Living long enough truly means witnessing everything.
Author's Note:
Minglan was a concubine-born daughter who already had a fully formed personality before transmigrating, coming from a warm and stable modern family. Her misfortune was landing in a rigidly hierarchical world—in modern times, she would've been happy and carefree.
Shao Shang is stubborn, even flawed. Even in modern times, she would struggle with emotional barriers. Though she's a legitimate-born daughter with no rivals at home (no matter how biased her mother is), she remains troubled and constantly thwarted.
The characters are different, the settings are different, the conflicts are different—naturally, the writing style differs too. Those who miss the old work might want to find another concubine-born daughter story instead of suffering here.
I won't write the same thing twice.
There's a high chance of a meteor shower tomorrow.
The author's note can be turned off—look for the option. But I must thank the little angels who sent me thunder and nutrient solutions. Thank you, angels, for showering me with your support!
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