The Substitute Bride: The Grand Tutor Can't Keep His Cool

Xie Heng is handsome and cold-hearted, ruthless in his methods. He became chancellor as a young man and wields immense power at court, yet is burdened with the fearsome reputation of being cursed to bring death to his wives: his first three wives all died mysteriously. Now, by imperial decree, he is to marry Ruan Shuyun, the legitimate daughter of a prominent Jiangnan family known for its control of the grain transport trade. But when news of the wedding arrives, Ruan Shuyun gathers her valuables and elopes with her lover in the middle of the night! The entire Ruan family falls into a panic, terrified that offending the powerful chancellor will bring disaster upon them. At this critical moment, Ruan Shuyue, the family’s illegitimate daughter, speaks up coolly and volunteers to take her sister’s place. On their wedding night, Xie Heng gives her a dark look and says only, “Stay in line, be a proper mistress of the Xie household, and don’t cause trouble for me.” Ruan Shuyue lowers her eyes and agrees. “I understand.” But months later, the powerful chancellor who once thought nothing of her clutches her wrist with red-rimmed eyes, his voice humble and earnest. “Shuyue, I love you. All I ask in this life is to grow old by your side.” Ruan Shuyue raises an eyebrow, utterly baffled. Where did the Xie Heng who once treated me like dirt go?