The new emperor had just ascended the throne. To strengthen the court, he planned to unite two ministers, one from the old guard and one from the new, through marriage. That night, he summoned General Huo, his trusted aide who had helped him claim the throne, and the two talked by candlelight.
The following month, General Huo's younger sister, Huo Chan, rode in a bridal sedan chair into the Fu family, a household renowned for its century-old aristocratic lineage.
But she was marrying as a second wife.
She would have a difficult mother-in-law, a mischievous young child, and a husband seven years older than her.
General Huo felt deeply guilty about it, but Huo Chan just smiled. "This marriage was a transaction from the start, so why fuss over the little details? Those aristocratic families always looked down on us for our rough origins, raising their chins higher than their noses whenever they saw us. But once I'm married into their family, won't every last one of them have to bow their heads and respectfully call me Madam Chancellor?"
She made a sound argument. "Besides, I've always been afraid of pain. Since Fu Shen already has an heir, won't that spare your little sister the pain of childbirth?"
She'd also heard that Fu Shen was devoted to power and often slept at his government office because he was so busy with work. It was perfectly normal for him to stay away from home for seven or eight days at a time.
That meant she wouldn't have to bear children or wait on her husband, and could easily sit back as Madam Chancellor. What could be better?
A good deal, indeed!
Huo Chan smiled faintly, sure that everything was under her control.
Until one morning after they were married, after several days of being worn out, she finally couldn't take it anymore and threw him out of the side room. Blushing, she spat, "Carousing in broad daylight? Are you even going to court today?!"
Fu Shen grasped the hem of her skirt and chuckled softly. "All the day's affairs can wait. Chan comes first, court second."
1. Both are sexually inexperienced, one-on-one, happy ending. Yes, both are sexually inexperienced.
2. Synopsis written on September 24, 2025.
Theme: Love isn't a transaction. Sincerity in exchange for a true heart
