[Historical romance, reborn + age gap + older husband and younger wife + status difference + elder brother steals younger brother's wife + second male lead pursues his wife to the crematorium]
Pei Wanyin was the least noteworthy of the Pei family's illegitimate daughters. Her mother died early, and she was sent to live on a country estate for fourteen years.
Only when her grandmother fell gravely ill was she brought back to the capital.
In her previous life, when she first arrived in the capital and was feeling anxious and lost, she met Lu Huai, the young master of Duke Lu's household.
She thought he was her salvation.
During her ten years as a member of the Lu family, she miscarried twice, and her health grew worse by the day.
Then one day, she opened a door and saw her legitimate elder sister, Pei Wanrou, nestled in Lu Huai's arms.
Only then did she learn that Lu Huai had married her solely because of her grandmother's dying request.
His heart had belonged to Pei Wanrou from beginning to end.
After she was forced to drink the final bowl of medicine, Pei Wanyin never woke again.
Reborn on the day she was brought back to the capital from the country estate, she found the carriage stopped in front of the Pei residence.
Pei Wanyin made up her mind: she would never marry Lu Huai again.
And she would never die a second time.
But unexpectedly, some things had changed in this new life.
Her stepmother resorted to the same old trick, bringing up a marriage alliance with the Lu family in front of Grandmother.
Just as Pei Wanyin was about to refuse, a herald's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "His Highness, Prince Yi, has arrived!"
The entire room was stunned.
The man who wielded power over the court and was decisive and ruthless strode inside.
He did not even glance at the Pei family members kneeling on the ground. His gaze passed over them all and landed straight on Pei Wanyin.
"I hear the Pei residence plans to betroth a daughter to the Lu family?"
Her stepmother pressed her forehead to the floor, her voice trembling. "Your Highness, that is indeed our intention."
Lu Lingwen lowered his eyes, his voice cold and sharp. "My wife has been dead for three years, and I am in need of a princess consort."
