The Slacker Life of a Concubine-born Daughter

Jiang Xuerong is the fourth daughter of Duke Jiang, known throughout the manor for her beauty but also for her profound laziness and lack of ambition. Unlike her sisters, who excel in arts, poetry, or etiquette, she spends her days dreaming of food and sleeping in. Her mother, Concubine Zou, shares this laid-back philosophy, preferring to grow vegetables and avoid the fierce rivalries that characterize the inner court of the Duke's household. The family is a microcosm of political maneuvering, with concubines vying for the Duke's favor and daughters competing for advantageous marriages. Jiang Sixian, the legitimate second daughter, is obsessed with becoming the Crown Princess, while Jiang Yuehua, a concubine-born third daughter, schemes to marry into the powerful Dingbei Marquisate.

The narrative shifts when the Crown Prince, Xiao Mingche, is pressured by his mother, the Empress, to select a consort. Xiao Mingche has no interest in marriage and views women as a distraction from his duties. During the selection process, Jiang Xuerong, having overslept and arrived late, wanders into a secluded part of the palace while searching for rabbit-shaped pastries. She accidentally encounters Xiao Mingche and, terrified by his imposing presence, flees after choking on a pastry. Later, during the formal selection, Xiao Mingche, bored and impatient, randomly points to names on a roster to fulfill his obligation. He selects Jiang Xuerong as a Chenghui, along with three other women, without any particular regard for their identities or backgrounds.

The decision sends shockwaves through the Jiang household. Jiang Sixian, who had been rejected despite her years of preparation and high status, is devastated and consumed by jealousy. She cannot comprehend why the unambitious and gluttonous Jiang Xuerong was chosen while she was passed over. Jiang Yuehua, who had been cultivating a relationship with the Dingbei Marquis heir, feels a sting of envy but remains confident in her own prospects. Jiang Xuerong herself is bewildered and anxious. She had never sought this path and is unprepared for the brutal politics of the imperial harem. Her mother, Zou Ruoshui, is equally worried but tries to comfort her daughter, advising her to simply stay safe and avoid conflict.

As Jiang Xuerong prepares to enter the palace, the dynamics among her sisters become increasingly strained. Jiang Sixian's rejection fuels her resentment, while Jiang Yuehua continues her pursuit of Shen Ze, the Marquis heir. However, Shen Ze's mother raises doubts about Jiang Yuehua's character, questioning why she would attend the selection if she were truly devoted to Shen Ze. This creates a rift in their relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the family's internal struggles. Meanwhile, Zou Ruoshui, having regained the Duke's favor, ensures that Jiang Xuerong is well-prepared, though she knows her daughter's nature makes her vulnerable in the palace environment.

The story concludes with Jiang Xuerong departing for the Eastern Palace, leaving behind her family and the familiar comforts of Ruoshui Pavilion. She is accompanied by her maid, Yin Chan, and joins the other selected consorts, including the wealthy and domineering Luo Huier. The palace represents a new and dangerous world for Jiang Xuerong, one where her lack of ambition could be a liability. As she enters the palace gates, she is unaware that her random selection has set her on a collision course with the Crown Prince, whose indifference may soon be challenged by the unexpected presence of the girl who only wanted a snack.