On the very day she married into the Ma family, her mother-in-law forbade her from sharing a room with her husband, her brother-in-law sent someone to deliver abortion pills, and seven of the ten branches of the Ma clan opposed her.
Her husband doted on her. "If you're unhappy, I can turn against them!"
She smiled faintly. "Brother Junxi, are you willing to give up the Ma family's four-hundred-year legacy? We're both gifted in letters and arms. How can we be so childish?"
Urgent knocks sounded at the door. "My lord, you must flee! Eunuchs from the palace are leading the Embroidered Uniform Guard here to arrest you!"
Her husband looked at her. "Why don't we leave together? We can find a beautiful, peaceful place and live out our lives in safety."
She furrowed her brows slightly, turned, and put on her armor. Then she bound her husband's hands with rope and drew her sword. "No! Husband, you'd better go to prison first!"
Superbly good, impossible to put down, fast-paced, and with a smooth writing style. The perspective is fresh and unique. After reading so many stories of broken engagements, equal wives, revenge, palace intrigue, and ruthless treatment of villains, this book was a breath of fresh air.
A superb book. The female protagonist is the last glimmer of light in the Ming Dynasty and even in China, a final display of stubbornness and resilience. Fast-paced and enjoyable to read. Solid writing, without forced affectation. Qin Liangyu is a true female protagonist in the Twenty-Five Histories, and the author has fleshed out her character. No time travel, no system, comfortable reading experience. Steady progression. A rare gem.