[Flirtatious beauty × cold-faced powerful official]
[Fleeing while pregnant + blackening aloof beauty + coercive romance + rivals-in-love showdown]
Zhu Huo was born to a poor family, but he was proper, courteous, and exceptionally talented.
The only time he ever strayed from the straight and narrow was during the autumn examinations, when he became infatuated with a young lady from an official family.
The delicate beauty tugged at his sleeve and said, “If you place first in the imperial examinations, I’ll ask Father to choose you as my husband right after the results are posted. I’ll give you a chance. How does that sound?”
Though usually proud and self-possessed, he didn’t take offense at the condescension in her words. He simply lowered his head and agreed.
When he became the new top scholar, envied by all, he went to find her, full of joy. Instead, she greeted him with cold humiliation. “I intend to marry a man of equal standing, a husband who suits me perfectly. You’re nothing but a penniless scholar. I doubt you’ll ever have the chance to set foot in Pingjing again. How could you possibly be worthy of me?”
The lady was beautiful and venomous. While he was traveling to take up his post, she tried to have him killed.
-
Three years later, Zhu Huo was recognized by the Duke’s household and became its unmatched heir. He rose rapidly through the ranks, eventually becoming chief councilor.
Meanwhile, the powerful family the lady had married into was convicted of a crime, and all the women of the household were confiscated as property.
Zhu Huo ransomed her and confined her in his estate.
Everyone lamented that in the hands of this cold-faced official, she would surely suffer endless misery and never know peace again.
Before long, the beauty was indeed weeping every night. She often retched, and her belly began to swell.
Everyone sighed all the more: Chief Councilor Zhu must hate her to the utmost. He must have given the lovely beauty some cruel, vicious drug.
