My Cousin Led Me Astray

The day Zhong Yue's aunt brought her to live at the Marquis of Jingyuan's residence, one of the most prestigious estates in the capital, she quietly gave her some advice. “If you'd stayed in that village, once you came of age, your muddleheaded father and cruel stepmother would have casually given you to some decrepit local gentleman as a concubine...” Her aunt's fingertip, painted with vivid red nail polish, gently stroked Zhong Yue's pale cheek. Her tone was inscrutable. “Better to find a young man from a powerful family and become a proper wife, enjoying a life of wealth and privilege.” Her aunt was saying this partly because she wanted someone from her own family to support her, but her advice made sense. So Zhong Yue set her sights on the young heir of the Earl's residence, a man renowned for his refined elegance and cold, detached nature. At last, she managed to get close to him. Crouched in the corner of a cabinet, she saw the young man lean down with an impassive gaze. His fingers tightened around her chin, and his voice was icy. “Why don't you... tell me exactly what you like about me, Cousin?” Love grows with time / winning her back is a living hell / happy ending