Peace Under Heaven

The day I returned to the capital, I ran into an old friend from my girlhood.

She tugged at my sleeve and asked in a probing whisper, “It’s been five years. Isn’t it time you made up with the marquis?”

Xie Heng and I were betrothed by imperial decree when we were children. Our families were well matched, we loved each other, and we seemed destined for a happy marriage.

But five years ago, Xie Heng would rather defy the emperor and go to prison than exchange wedding vows with me.

He said a forced match would never work, and set me free so he could be with the woman he truly loved.

Then he dragged the young maid at his side into a forced wedding ceremony.

I couldn’t defend myself. Since when had I gained another sweetheart?

But after he abandoned me like that, I had no place left in the capital, so I had no choice but to leave.

“Actually, the marquis has always thought of you. He even said that if you hadn’t betrayed him back then, you’d already have children gathered around your knees.”

“He said that as long as you’re willing to humble yourself, he’ll divorce his wife at once and welcome you into the marquis’s estate in grand style as his lady.”

I let out a soft laugh.

“If he wants to marry me, he’ll have to ask whether my husband and children agree first.”