Monopolizing the High Branch

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Meng Lingyao could count at least three quarrels with Pei Xu. The earliest began on the Shangsi Festival. Her meticulously painted "Spring Mountain Rain" painting, which took a full day, was completely overshadowed by a single impromptu poem from him, and all the applause went to Pei's Jade Prodigy. He was the most unattainable Wisteria branch in the capital.

He was the "peerless and unparalleled, one of a kind" dream for every noble lady, yet for her, he was merely an eyesore of an enemy who repeatedly stole her thunder!

When she reached marriageable age, she went through the name registry and circled three men. The new top scholar was gentle and honest, Imperial Merchant Zhou Lang was richer than the state, and the young general was deeply devoted. As for Pei Xu, the Deputy Minister of Dali Temple? Naturally, his name wasn't even worthy of being on the list.

Then, several prophetic nightmares shattered the illusion of these splendid matches—the gentle top scholar? Addicted to abuse! The romantic imperial merchant? Kept male favorites! The devoted general? Only obeyed his mother's commands!

Meng Lingyao sat up abruptly, drenched in cold sweat, realizing that all her choices were bottomless pits. To seek the truth, she maneuvered and probed, but unexpectedly stumbled upon a major case of Dali Temple.

Her several potential husbands were successively thrown into jail. Pei Xu's expression was indifferent, "Miss Meng, has anyone told you that your judgment in people is truly not very good?"

Meng Lingyao stared at him, grinding her teeth in hatred, "Yes! My judgment in people is truly not very good!"

Later, at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet in the palace, Pei Xu drank the drugged wine on her behalf and then disappeared. Meng Lingyao searched every corner of the Qionglin Garden, until she reached the depths of a secluded rockery.

A terrifying wave of heat suddenly dragged her into darkness. A scorching body held her tightly, hairpins scattered, and her skirt lay on the ground. Beside her ear was Pei Xu's broken, hoarse panting, burning away all his usual cold restraint, leaving only an undeniable heat—"Yaoyao... don't look at me."

Beautiful, self-aware, arrogant young lady X Restrained, polite, jealous, and deeply affectionate devotee.

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Shi Ying, who was unloved by her father and mother, transmigrated and became the eldest young lady of the Ding'an Marquisate. The whole family doted on her like a precious jewel, except for one thing—her body was so weak she panted after two steps, collapsed with a gust of wind, and could only eat 70% full!

Shi Ying closed her eyes in sorrow, struggling to survive each day. Until that stormy night, her usually gentle and elegant sworn brother climbed through her window, clamped her jaw, his knuckles digging deep into the soft flesh of her cheek, his voice so gentle it could drip water—"Sister, you promised to marry me for good luck, why are you backing out?"

She cowered, trying to escape, but then heard a "ding-dong"—【System: Health value +0.5!】 ...Wait, this illness can be treated this way?!

Her sworn brother pressed closer, and Shi Ying was forced to retreat to a mountain villa. Amidst falling pear blossoms, she encountered a beautiful man in white, his appearance as picturesque as a painting. He raised his hand to pluck a fallen flower from Shi Ying's hair, lowered his gaze, and chuckled softly, his voice tinged with loneliness—"You haven't come to see me in a long time."

【System: Health value +1!】 ...He can also do it?!

After earning a good amount of health points, Shi Ying learned that the beauty was actually the Imperial Preceptor and fled overnight. On the road back to the capital, her carriage was startled. At the critical moment, a rider in black armor broke through the dust, arriving in a flash—"Be careful!"

The extraordinarily handsome young general clutched her waist tightly. In a dizzying spin, she fell entirely into his firm chest. 【System: Detected increased contact area, health value +5!】

Shi Ying: I have another bold idea. Whether you're a gloomy yandere, a sweet-on-the-outside-dark-on-the-inside beauty, or a pure-hearted big wolfdog... you're all great, absolutely great! Misguided heroine who becomes a celestial magnet X plotting men who eventually become loyal dogs. Content tags: Imperial Court, Marquis, Happy Enemies, Fated Match, Sweet Romance, Enticing, High and Mighty. Meng Lingyao, Pei Xu, Xie Chengyu. Others: 'True Fragrance' slap-in-the-face; sweet romance; refreshing plot. Short summary: What if you're temporarily in fourth place? The latecomers will prevail! Theme: Relying on oneself is better than relying on others.