The Delicate Concubine Wants to Run Away, but the Aloof Heir Is Losing It

A gentle, soft-spoken mistress with a strong will vs. a cold, unhinged, aloof young nobleman

[Extreme romantic tension + both leads are each other's first and only + coercive love + groveling pursuit]

After her father dies, Shen Qingtang, an illegitimate daughter, is sold by her stepmother to a county magistrate over sixty years old to be his concubine. With nowhere else to turn, she meets Xie Jinzhi, heir to the Duke's household, and uses every means to seduce him, becoming his mistress.

A year later, Xie Jinzhi begins discussing marriage, intending to take her in as a concubine.

But she sees her fate in the sky screen.

“So this is the male lead's delicate concubine. She is pretty, but what a disposable side character.”

“The male lead only keeps her as a pet for now. Once he meets the clever, powerful female lead who transmigrated here, he'll forget her completely. She'll make a scene at every turn, but not only will she fail to win the man back, she'll end up getting herself killed.”

“It's terrifying to be so lovesick. A career-minded female lead is much more appealing.”

But that wasn't how things were. Becoming a mistress was a choice forced on her by circumstances. Shen Qingtang had never wanted to be Xie Jinzhi's concubine.

So she packs her bags and plans to run away.

*

The peerlessly aloof heir to the Duke's household, Xie Jinzhi, has never been interested in women. Yet a year ago, the merchant's daughter Shen Qingtang, who had run away from her wedding, stirred his heart and made him lose control. In a moment of madness, he took her in as his mistress.

To bring her into his household, he signs a marriage contract with Su Wanqing, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue.

But before his wedding sedan can arrive at her door, the beloved woman in his heart dies in a sea of flames, faking her death.

That day, Xie Jinzhi's whole world comes crashing down.