"A subversion of the usual tropes"
In my previous life, my older sister married a hunter. They were incompatible and had a marriage in name only.
I married a scholar, but spent ten years depressed until I wasted away.
When we got a second chance at life, we switched husbands.
My sister wanted a bright future, so she married the scholar, expecting to become an official’s wife.
I wanted a peaceful life, so I married the hunter, hoping for nothing more than a comfortable existence.
The scholar really did become a court official in the capital, but made enemies everywhere,
and my sister spent her days cleaning up his messes.
By a twist of fate, the hunter became a wealthy merchant and traveled far and wide for business,
leaving me to raise a whole brood of children on my own.
Neither of us got the life we’d once wanted.
My sister smiled bitterly. “At least your in-laws truly help you.”
I sighed. “At least you were granted the title of Lady.”
At last, after many long years, we finally understood:
To live without regrets is the greatest happiness of all.
