Chapter 1: The Drum of Petitions

“Oh heavens… the sky has fallen, Miss’s innocence has been ruined by you, you shameless scoundrel.”

Imperial Capital, Shengjing.

A secluded official’s residence, Pure Breeze Pavilion.

Dawn had just begun to break.

A sudden commotion jolted Lu Lan from his deep sleep.

Miss?

Scoundrel?

Lu Lan looked around.

The plum blossom canopy was warm; two candlesticks stood by the bed—one snuffed out, the other dying. This was not the rotting, stinking prison cell, nor had he been turned into a mutilated wretch; his limbs, tongue, and eyes were all intact.

This was… his Pure Breeze Pavilion from twenty years ago.

Men’s and women’s clothes were scattered messily across the room. Torn undergarments lay draped over a folding screen. Three shoes were toppled about, and an embroidered shoe hung from a branch outside the window.

The scene was painfully familiar.

A chill ran down Lu Lan’s neck as he recalled something, and he turned stiffly to look behind him.

Sure enough, a delicate, pitiable beauty was curled in the corner of the bed, her body wrapped in the quilt, exposing only a swan-like neck of snowy jade.

Tears hung at the corners of her eyes, shimmering with utter despair. She seemed like an immortal cast down to earth, heartbreakingly tragic.

Lu Lan was rooted to the spot, utterly unable to move.

Gu Xingwan, second daughter of the Assistant Minister of the Board of Rites, House of Gu.

No, she should be called the Demon Empress of an era.

The very woman whose innocence he had destroyed, who then tormented him for a lifetime—a fiend in the guise of a woman.

The stinging pain from scratch marks on his body made it clear: this was no dream.

He had been reborn, returned to the year of his coming-of-age, the source of all his past tragedies.

In his previous life, he and his band of dissolute companions had wandered through the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern fair, where they encountered a dazed Gu Xingwan. He brought her back home without a second thought.

A night of wild passion.

It was only the next day he learned she was a daughter of the Gu family, not yet betrothed.

At first, Lu Lan hadn’t cared. As the heir of the Duke of Yu’s household, famed for his charm and debauchery, he was always haunting brothels and pleasure houses.

What was one ruined maiden to him?

Who could have foreseen that, a few years later, disaster would fall upon the Duke’s household—targeted, framed at every turn, finally accused of treason and executed to the last man.

All nine generations of kin punished; the men sent to labor in the mines, the women sold into shadowy corners of the world.

And yet the culprit, Lu Lan, survived in strange fashion.

Imprisoned in perpetual darkness, his limbs hacked off, his eyes gouged, his tongue cut out; even when he tried to starve himself, he was force-fed to keep him alive. Death, to him, would have been a mercy.

Every year, at Mid-Autumn, a woman would come to the prison with a child, speaking gentle words of concern.

For twenty years.

Only at death did he learn his destroyer had been Gu Xingwan all along—by then, she was Empress Dowager, and the child had become Emperor.

Smack!

Nanny Qin’s rough palm landed on Lu Lan’s head, snapping him back to reality.

“Lu Lan, you beast, you’ve ruined my young lady’s innocence! Come, we’re going to the palace right now to beat the Drum of Justice and plead our case before His Majesty!”

Nanny Qin, fierce as a tigress, seized Lu Lan’s arm and tried to drag him out.

Lu Lan instinctively wrenched himself free.

He had no idea why Gu Xingwan had become a demoness in his past life, but everything had started from the moment the Drum of Justice was struck and her disgrace became the talk of the capital.

“Come on, to the Drum of Justice with me…”

That old hag might have claimed to be seeking justice for her mistress, but Lu Lan saw through it. Rather than handling things quietly or reporting to the magistrate, she chose the most sensational way: a public petition to the throne.

She clearly wanted to blow the matter wide open.

“Ow!”

Lu Lan slapped Nanny Qin, sending her spinning like a top, sprawling on the floor.

“You old swine, don’t get cocky. I’ll deal with you later.”

“You… you…” Nanny Qin met Lu Lan’s ferocious gaze and felt as if her plot had been exposed.

Lu Lan dressed quickly, his tone softening, afraid to frighten the trembling girl before him.

“Miss Xingwan, I know you’re upset, but please—calm yourself for a moment.”

He tried to soothe her, hoping to turn the situation around.

But Gu Xingwan’s eyes suddenly turned vacant, all hatred vanishing.

She realized she had transmigrated into a novel called “The Poisonous Beauty Who Shook the World,” a work of alternate history from a disreputable website.

Every female character in the book was a venomous vixen; from the very first chapter, the women fought fiercely among themselves, until by the end only the title remained.

She was the leading villainess.

The handsome youth before her was Lu Lan, the book’s first “experience point” sacrifice—a notorious wastrel, known throughout the capital as its most infamous beast, whose sole purpose was to help the male lead, Mei Xianghan, level up.

Last night, she’d attended the lantern fair, only to be framed by her close confidante, Jian Aozhu, and lose her reputation.

Jian Aozhu was the book’s fated heroine.

Then came the Drum of Justice, and the scandal spread like wildfire.

Her beloved, the top scholar Mei Xianghan, broke off their engagement; she, heavily pregnant in the dead of winter, was cast out by her family.

Those cruel experiences drove her to complete darkness. She abandoned her dignity and morals, relying on her beauty and wit, moving among powerful men from princes to tycoons, all brought to heel.

When the Crown Prince ascended, she climbed to be Empress, then Empress Dowager, holding sway over court and country.

But a villain is still a villain; she could never outmatch the plot armor of Jian Aozhu. In the end, she was run through by the sword of the man who had loved her all his life—Mei Xianghan.

A tragic beauty, strong yet doomed.

Gu Xingwan, enduring the tearing agony in her body, frowned and asked,

“What does His Lordship wish to say?”

She remembered that when reporting her grievance, Lu Lan—the beast—had not been the least bit afraid.

Because of the Duke of Yu’s family’s ancestral achievements, the Emperor had let him off lightly.

In the end, she was the only one to suffer—who wouldn’t turn vengeful?

The next moment, Lu Lan’s face was set with determination, as if pledging his life to a cause.

“I wish to marry Miss Xingwan.”

This complete departure from the plot stunned both Gu Xingwan and Nanny Qin.

Where was Lu Lan’s notorious unruliness?

Lu Lan had thought long and hard; only a marriage could quell this storm.

If… Gu Xingwan would accept him.

Gu Xingwan’s eyes flickered as she considered his proposal. It was, in fact, the best solution.

In an era shackled by feudal codes, a woman’s reputation was worth more than her life. If the scandal got out, it would be a disaster.

Marriage could indeed silence the gossips.

She studied Lu Lan. In the novel, he had little presence—after providing experience points in the early chapters, he only reappeared to be mocked.

His greatest contribution was to let the crown prince, who was impotent, claim a son as his own.

By virtue of her son, Gu Xingwan’s path was much smoother.

Thinking it through, was Lu Lan truly at fault?

The whole affair had been Jian Aozhu’s scheme; he was merely a tool.

Besides, she longed to escape the Gu family as soon as possible. If Lu Lan was a beast, then what of her so-called kin?

If he dared to marry her, she would dare to wed him!

“Is His Lordship truly sincere about marrying me?”

She wished to test him.

“Nanny…” Nanny Qin was baffled by Gu Xingwan’s lack of hatred.

She had no idea the two had already reached a tacit understanding.

“Yes. Whatever conditions you have, name them,” said Lu Lan, determined to marry her no matter the cost.

“I want a proper marriage, as the legitimate wife and mistress of the Duke of Yu’s household,” Gu Xingwan demanded—a condition most sufficient to dissuade him.

Nanny Qin let out a sigh of relief.

Child, you’re still too young! To be principal wife and mistress? Impossible.

At best, a lowly concubine.

But reality soon slapped her in the face—Lu Lan promptly bowed deeply.

“I will see to the three matchmakers and six gifts, with a grand wedding procession. The entire capital will know I am marrying you as my principal wife and lady of the house, bestowing upon you the title of Heir’s Consort.”

“Afterwards, my mother will hand you the household keys and all domestic authority.”

Nanny Qin was dumbfounded on the spot.

Had Lu Lan lost his senses?

Gu Xingwan was but a secondary daughter; there was no shortage of noble heiresses in the capital. How could she possibly manage the Duke’s household?

Yet Gu Xingwan found his promises most palatable.

Nanny Qin, still not believing it, countered,

“Three matchmakers and six gifts? Fine, my Miss requires one thousand taels of silver, five hundred taels of gold, a chest each of pearls, jade, and jewelry; all hairpins, combs, and jade pendants must be the most fashionable in the capital; one hundred bolts of silk, tribute-quality soft cloud gauze… All told, at least ten sedan chairs of betrothal gifts.”

Nanny Qin rattled off a list of extravagant demands. She’d seen her share of fine things in her life.

Gu Xingwan watched Lu Lan quietly.

According to the novel, the Duke’s household had already been depleted by Lu Lan’s reckless extravagance—he would squander fortunes in contests with other wastrels, ransoming courtesans from brothels, tossing gold leaves to the wind, silver notes from rooftops.

Money came and went like avalanches and floods.

But Gu Xingwan didn’t care for his wealth; she only needed the Duke’s house to shield her from harm and survive in this harsh world.

Seeing Lu Lan’s slight dejection, Nanny Qin was secretly delighted, thinking he’d been cowed.

But Lu Lan’s clear eyes were full of confusion.

“You call this pile of junk a betrothal gift? If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have thought it was a token for an acquaintance!”

No wonder he didn’t get along with small-minded commoners.

Nanny Qin was at a loss for words.

Lu Lan grew anxious. “I said the wedding must be grand! The betrothal gifts must fill one hundred and eighty sedan chairs—each with its own significance, each piece carefully chosen. No useless pots or pans—everything must be solid gold and silver…”

“I’ve already planned the guest list: my aunt, Imperial Consort Dai, as the guest of honor; then Grand Chancellor Zhang Linglu; my maternal grandfather, Minister of Revenue Yan Que; and my father and brother’s old comrades from the army…”

Every name from Lu Lan’s lips was a figure of renown in the Southern Chu.

Ordinary people would have thought he was boasting, but these were all genuinely his relatives.

Finally, he looked at Gu Xingwan with deep affection.

“I will give you the most splendid wedding in the world.”

Lu Lan had made up his mind.

If she was naïve, he would show her the wonders of the world.

If her heart was weary, he would take her on a carousel ride.

In this life, he would make her the happiest woman alive.

Lu Lan’s words struck Gu Xingwan’s heart like a heavy blow. Whether it was her former self or her transmigrated soul, she had never been promised anything like this by a man.

They said a scoundrel’s words are all lies, but how irresistibly sweet they sounded!

Off to the side, Nanny Qin began to doubt her understanding of the world.

How many? A hundred and eighty sedan chairs of gifts? Entertaining such illustrious guests?

Good heavens!

Wouldn’t that wedding shake the city to its core?

Her own father was merely a fifth-rank official; just last year, when he married off a concubine-born daughter, all he could muster was a hundred taels of silver and a meager set of gilded trinkets.

He’d cursed that girl for being a financial burden.

Gu Xingwan’s own marriage prospects were hardly any better.

Seeing Lu Lan unfazed by her demands, Nanny Qin tried a new tactic.

“So what if you’re rich? My Miss is already engaged to Young Master Mei of the Mei family.”

“Who doesn’t know Mei Xianghan is famed for his talent? He took first place in the provincial exams—everyone says he’s destined to be a top scholar. Why would my Miss marry a mere examination candidate like you?”

In terms of background, Lu Lan and Mei Xianghan were equals.

But Lu Lan was an incorrigible libertine, who barely scraped by in the provincial exams after two tries—how could he compare?

He’d once infuriated his own tutor to death and beaten up the principal of his academy.

After being expelled, the Ministry of Rites stripped him of his student status.

“My lady, let’s go beat the Drum of Justice and not let this scoundrel off!”

Remembering how Mei Xianghan had ultimately driven a sword through her heart, a surge of hatred welled up in Gu Xingwan. She cast a cold glance at the foolish old woman.

“Nanny Qin, utter one more word and I’ll cut out your tongue.”

“My lady, this old servant wouldn’t dare!”

Nanny Qin shrank back.

Hearing Gu Xingwan threaten to cut out tongues, Lu Lan’s back went cold, remembering his fate in his previous life. He would have to keep all scissors and sharp objects well locked away in the future.

Weddings and betrothal gifts were all manageable, but it was the question of official rank that troubled him.

“Miss Xingwan, my mother… forbids me from entering officialdom.”

Lu Lan was not lying; his mother would not let him take the spring imperial exams next year.

As to why, even after two lifetimes, he had no idea.

The first time he sat for the provincial exams, Lady Lu had secretly drugged him, leaving him to fail.

The second time, wary, he avoided her food, but she bribed an examiner to slip a laxative into his water—Lu Lan turned into a veritable fountain, but miraculously still passed.

Other families would celebrate a son passing the exams, but Lady Lu wept the whole night, as if in mourning.

He wanted to be diligent, but with a mother like that, all he could do was squander the family fortune.

His tutor hadn’t died of rage, but of shame at Lu Lan’s talent.

He’d only beaten up the principal for making false accusations.

As for Mei Xianghan, he’d made a name for himself with an essay titled “My Father, Minister Mei”—a piece of sycophantic fluff if ever there was one.

Lu Lan knew full well that Mei Xianghan’s fame was far greater than his real ability.

“My admiration, Lord Lu. If you can’t pass the exams, just say so—don’t blame your mother! My Miss may be young, but she’s no fool…”

Nanny Qin hadn’t expected such an unusual excuse—dragging his mother out as a shield.

“Nanny Qin!”

Gu Xingwan jabbed her sharply, nearly toppling the old woman. In truth, she didn’t care about weddings or official rank, but there was one thing she did mind.

“After marrying me, if you ever wish to take a concubine, you must have my approval first. If I disapprove, no concubine shall enter the house.”

Of course, Gu Xingwan had no intention of barring concubines outright—that would only attract resentment.

A jealous wife was seen as the ruin of a household.

But she would not have her home invaded by every scheming shrew.

Nanny Qin watched as Lu Lan’s words tumbled forth like lotus blossoms.

“Take a concubine? Whoever mentions it, I’ll see them out! I, Lu Lan, swear by heaven—this life, my heart belongs to Miss Xingwan alone. I will never take a concubine.”

“We will be together, one heart, one soul, for life and beyond.”

Together, forever—just the two of us!

Gu Xingwan was shaken to her core.

Few men in ancient times would ever think such a thing.

Was he truly the Lu Lan of the original story?

Or… was he, too, like her…?

Just as Gu Xingwan was lost for words, someone banged on the door outside the Pure Breeze Pavilion.

“Out of the way! Let me in! Xingwan, are you inside? Lu Lan, hand Xingwan over!”

The voice was bright and fierce—Lu Lan and Gu Xingwan both frowned.

Jian Aozhu had arrived.