The very Kingdom of Stephan, the homeland of the Empress Dowager and now extinct at the hands of the current Emperor, Ian’s father, was a place of significant interest.
For some reason, the Emperor harbored a deep-seated hatred for Stephan, his mother’s native land. Even after conquering and subjugating their territory, he relentlessly persecuted those of Stephan origin, particularly despising their prophets. Words like ‘prophet’, ‘divine illness’, and ‘holy land’ related to Stephan were taboo, even to mention. Bounties were still placed on the heads of Stephan prophets.
Grandfather nonchalantly mentioned ‘divine illness,’ likely thinking it was merely a patient’s diagnosis.
Though exceptionally skilled in treating patients, Grandfather lacked in survival instincts and social skills. That’s probably why his 10-year-old granddaughter, me, had to handle most of our life’s dealings.
Predictably, Steward Simon’s demeanor grew fierce. Being able to see his changing expressions, my own blood ran cold. Despite my warnings…
‘Can’t you care a bit about your only granddaughter’s life along with the patient’s?’
Even blind, Grandfather should have sensed Simon’s intense aura. Whether Grandfather was obtuse or fearless was unclear. Simon, barely containing his fury, asked in a low voice.
“As far as I know, men don’t get afflicted with divine illness. It’s said that only women speak for the gods. All known prophets have been female…”
I nodded along. Divine illness was known to manifest only in women.
The prophet group of Stephan Palace consisted entirely of women. At one point, they were even treated like a harem of the Emperor.
“Didn’t you suspect what His Highness’s illness was, Steward? That’s why you kept it a secret.”
At Grandfather’s remark, Simon nodded gravely.
‘Wait, he knew what the illness was and still called for medics?’
Confused, I looked at Simon, who, softening his demeanor, sat down wearily on a nearby chair.
“I’ve lived long enough to hear many things. I even served the Empress Dowager. Thinking that male prophets don’t exist… I just thought it was an old man’s needless worry…”
His expression quickly aged, resembling someone who had accepted their impending death.
“Although rare, male prophets did exist.”
“I’ve never heard of such.”
“It’s understandable. Male prophets usually show symptoms in infancy and die in early childhood, hence never becoming known.”
“Oh, God…”
I, too, sought a God I didn’t usually believe in, though only in my mind.
The thought of this young, delicate, beautiful prince dying young was dreadful, as was the fear that when the prince was buried, Grandfather and I might be laid to rest beside him.
‘Even if the steward leaves us alone, the Emperor himself might come to silence us.’
Although the reason remained unknown, the Emperor condemned and executed Stephan prophets. Now, his own firstborn was dying in the agony of a prophet. Would he want such a secret revealed?
He’d likely want to silence all who knew this secret. Historically, the most effective way to ensure silence has always been through murder.
“Grandfather might be at peace even if he dies now, but I’m just 10 years old. It’s unfair to die like this!”
“Is there really no way? No treatment?”
Simon, who had been sitting listlessly as if on the brink of death, suddenly stood up, grabbed Grandfather’s collar, and shook him, demanding an answer. I, too, wanted to ask Grandfather the same question.
If most male prophets die in their youth, then this child lying in the bed might not have much time left. Are we just going to watch him die?
“Please think carefully, Grandfather! You always said you could cure any disease if you knew what it was! Are you going to let this child die?”
I wanted to add that it was also too early for me to die. If the prince dies, we will surely be quietly disposed of by this steward.
Three lives were hanging on Grandfather’s hands: a blind pharmacist, a young apprentice pharmacist, and a prince whose life could end at any moment.
“There isn’t absolutely no way.”
Relief washed over me, feeling resurrected from the dead. My legs gave way, and I collapsed onto the prince’s bed. I knew it was disrespectful, but I was too drained to maintain decorum.
“Not a complete cure, but…”
“But what?”
“A prophet is said to suffer as a punishment for stealing a glimpse into God’s plan. If we use medication to suppress the prophetic abilities, it will lessen the pain and potentially extend his life.”
“That’s good. The prophetic ability doesn’t matter. Better without it. So, quickly make the medicine. Or at least tell me how.”
Simon’s words sounded like he was saying our task was done, so hand over the formula and our lives with it. Robbery! I glared fiercely at him.
Grandfather replied in an indifferent tone.
“The formulation is complicated. Even if I write it down in detail, could you properly make the medicine? His Highness will need to take it for his entire life, and as he grows, the dosage and method will need to change.”
Fortunately, Grandfather didn’t easily divulge the formula.
It seemed he understood the precariousness of our situation.
As Grandfather refused to reveal the formula, Simon spoke in a grave voice.
“Hmm… Alright. We have no choice. Everything that happened in this room must remain absolutely secret.”
He emphasized the importance of secrecy repeatedly, clearly implying that if the secret got out, he would hold us accountable. In other words, he would take our lives. He’d probably extract the formula through torture if necessary.
“Wait! That’s too much!”
I stood up abruptly, blocking his path. Simon glared at me fiercely. I glared back, although I couldn’t hide my trembling legs.
“What’s so unreasonable? Are you saying you won’t keep the secret?”
Simon didn’t say it out loud, but it seemed he thought, ‘Even if we dispose of the useless girl, as long as we have the blind pharmacist, it’s fine.’ I swallowed hard.
“Jane…”
The prince, who had momentarily lost consciousness, regained his senses and called my name.
I quickly moved to him, sitting close by his bedside. He tightly held my hand.
I had promised to protect him, but it felt like he was protecting me. Feeling his warm hand, I mustered up my courage again and spoke.
“It’s not that I won’t keep the secret. But it’s unreasonable to hold only us accountable if the secret leaks. We will keep the secret, but there are many people working in the palace, and other healers have visited, so who knows where the leak might come from?”
Indeed, they may not know exactly what the prince’s illness is, but they will certainly remember that he suffered from a peculiar illness and its symptoms.
“There’s no need to worry about that. No one who knows about this matter can speak of it. We are the only ones who know. Even His Majesty the Emperor is unaware of it.”
His words did nothing to ease my mind. As I had feared, anyone who knew about the prince’s illness was in a situation where they could never speak again.
If Grandfather hadn’t known how to prepare the medicine, he and I would have been in the same dire situation. Even now, if they deem Grandfather unnecessary, we could be disposed of to keep the secret. A shiver of fear ran down my spine.
“Jane…”
Perhaps sensing my fear through our clasped hands, Ian called out to me. It was as if he was reassuring me that as long as he was there, no one could harm me.
It was an ironic situation. The cause of this life-threatening ordeal was Prince Ian, yet he was also the one offering me comfort.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
