Su Wanqing's father was an imperial physician at court. He died in the imperial gardens. She was originally betrothed to Prince Qin, Xie Jing'an, by the late emperor. When the emperor fell gravely ill, Xie Jing'an returned to the capital from the border, where he had been stationed.
The Empress Dowager intended to make Xie Jing'an the next emperor. Using Su Wanqing's father's death as an excuse, she issued an edict canceling the engagement while Xie Jing'an was away from the capital.
The Su family fell into ruin. Seizing the chance to take power, the second branch drove Su Wanqing and her younger brother out of the capital and hired assassins to kill them. The siblings barely escaped with their lives.
They sought refuge with their maternal uncle's family. To secure a place for herself, she agreed to marry her cousin.
But when Xie Jing'an learned she was still alive, he pursued her to Shucheng, arriving just as she was about to be married. He seized her bridal sedan, and in his fury, he took her.
“When we return to the capital, what status will you give me? Your concubine, or your secret mistress?”
“Are you planning to defy the imperial edict and take me as your principal wife? Xie Jing'an, come to your senses. My father is dead, and I am now a helpless orphan. I am not worthy of a prince as exalted as you.”
“Even if I have to spend my life alone, I will never be anyone's concubine!”
“Who said I wanted you as my concubine? Su Wanqing, is that really what you think of me?”
“Then are you going to defy the imperial edict and marry me as your wife?”
Very well written and worth reading!