The Treacherous Minister is Easily Seduced

Liu Suisui is the daughter of a deceased minor official from Jiangnan. After her father’s death and her mother’s hasty remarriage, she is left without support in her family. With dwindling resources, she travels to the capital to seek refuge with her aunt, Lady Liu, who is married into the prestigious Zhenguo Duke Mansion. Her journey is interrupted in a small town when Shen Gongshen, the feared Imperial Guard Commander, bursts into her inn room while being hunted by soldiers. He forces her to feign intimacy with him to deceive the pursuers. After the soldiers leave, Shen Gongshen threatens her silence, offering silver but implying lethal consequences if she reveals his identity. Liu Suisui, terrified, agrees to keep his secret.

Shen Gongshen returns to the capital and immediately begins a brutal investigation into a corruption scandal involving the bribery of official positions. He interrogates Vice Minister Li Kuan, threatening the minister’s hidden family estate to force a confession. The resulting scandal shakes the court, and the Emperor orders a thorough purge. Meanwhile, Liu Suisui arrives at the Duke Mansion. She is received by her aunt, Lady Liu, who is initially warm but harbors resentment toward Liu Suisui’s mother, who remarried quickly after her husband’s death. Liu Suisui is assigned to live in the Ziwei Yuan courtyard.

Upon entering the household, Liu Suisui encounters the complex dynamics of the Shen family. She meets her cousin Shen Yuling, who is jealous and hostile, and Shen Yurong, the beautiful and aloof second miss. During a family gathering, Liu Suisui comes face-to-face with Shen Gongshen. She recognizes him as the man from the inn, but he pretends not to know her, treating her as a stranger. This allows Liu Suisui to avoid the danger of their past encounter, as she fears that any connection to the ruthless Commander would ruin her reputation and marriage prospects.

Liu Suisui’s primary goal is to secure a wealthy husband to ensure her survival. She is pragmatic and has abandoned romantic ideals after years of hardship. However, her presence in the mansion draws attention. Shen Shuxi, the third son, becomes infatuated with her after the family banquet. Shen Gongshen observes this interaction and confronts Liu Suisui privately. He accuses her of scheming to seduce his cousin and warns her to stay away from the young masters, particularly noting that Shen Shuxi is already engaged. His cold demeanor and accusations deeply offend and frighten her.

The confrontation leaves Liu Suisui distressed. She catches a severe cold from the emotional turmoil and weather, falling into a high fever. Lady Liu tends to her with guilt and care, strengthening their bond. Shen Gongshen learns of her illness but remains indifferent, viewing her as too delicate. As Liu Suisui recovers, she plans to visit Xiangguo Temple to light eternal lamps for her father’s soul. The family prepares for the trip, but tensions rise among the cousins. Shen Yuling refuses to share a carriage with Liu Suisui, leading to awkward arrangements. The story highlights the precarious position of Liu Suisui as an outsider in a powerful household, navigating the dangers posed by Shen Gongshen’s suspicion and the petty rivalries of her female cousins.

Shen Gongshen’s interest in Liu Suisui is not born of affection but of suspicion. He suspects she may be connected to the fugitive he encountered or that she poses a threat to his family’s honor. His methods are ruthless, and he views her as a potential manipulator. Liu Suisui, aware of his power and cruelty, tries to remain invisible. Yet, her beauty and status as a relative keep her in the spotlight. The narrative establishes a tense dynamic where Liu Suisui must balance her desire for safety with the unavoidable attention of the Imperial Guard Commander. The corruption case continues to loom over the capital, adding a layer of political danger to the domestic intrigues of the Duke Mansion.

As the temple visit approaches, the relationships between the cousins shift. Shen Yutang, the gentle fourth miss, befriends Liu Suisui, offering a rare ally in the hostile environment. Shen Yuling’s jealousy intensifies, creating ongoing conflict. Liu Suisui’s pragmatism is tested as she realizes that simply staying out of trouble may not be enough. She must actively navigate the social landscape to protect herself. The story sets the stage for further entanglement between Liu Suisui and Shen Gongshen, as his investigation and her presence in his household continue to intersect in unpredictable ways.