After the Substitute Marriage, the Regent Actually Meant It

On the day of our substitute marriage, Xiao Jingheng grips my wrist. “Play your part. Don't fall for me.”

I nod and agree. Then

I act the part so well that we become the model couple of the capital, that he leaves the entire harem empty for me, and that everyone in the city knows the Regent fears his wife.

An enemy tries to provoke him. “Your Highness, your wife is a daughter of the Su family.”

He toys with a strand of my hair, unconcerned. “So what? The Su family is the Su family. Wan'er is Wan'er.”

I think he really can tell the difference.

Until the day he personally has my father and brothers thrown in prison. “Wan'er, they owe this to the Xiao family.”

I smile and drink the “fetal-preserving medicine” he gives me. That night, I set the wedding hall ablaze.

After faking my death and vanishing for three years, I sell tofu with my son, while he searches the world for his wife with his cavalry.

When we meet again, his eyes are bloodshot as he pins me against the wall.

“Teach me… How am I supposed to keep acting without you?”