Everyone in Jiling City says Shen Qingyun, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Liyang's household, was born under an ill-starred fate.
It would be bad enough that she was frail, but soon after her birth, she supposedly brought about her mother's death. Her grandfather also died of sorrow, and just when things finally settled down after a few years, she supposedly caused her stepmother's death as well. The once-great Marquis of Liyang's household was soon left with few descendants and fading fortunes, propped up by Shen Li, the son-in-law who had married into the family years ago.
When these words reach Shen Qingyun, she can only scoff.
Wife-murderer, family-destroyer, and a man who sells his daughter for glory: Shen Li is nothing but a heartless wretch.
The world is harsh, and even harsher to women. Shen Qingyun had planned to take her time, but an ill-considered decision led her to make a pact with a tiger. She won, but was devoured all the same.
“I only agreed to help you rebel!”
“So you get half the empire.”
As he speaks, he presses the imperial seal into her hand.
“From now on, we will grow old together, and remain together until death.”
