Gu Yu'er transmigrated into a book and became the wife abandoned by the villainous male supporting character.
Cui Huaijin was born into a prominent branch of an aristocratic family. But his grandfather's branch had fallen into decline, and their ancestral home had gone to a collateral branch. When he came of age to marry, his clan arranged for him to wed a butcher's daughter. He secretly swore that one day he would make something of himself and take revenge on them. Later, Cui Huaijin passed the imperial examinations, divorced his wife, and married the daughter of a treacherous minister to reclaim the ancestral home. In the end, the emperor sentenced him to death.
Unfortunately, Gu Yu'er was that butcher's daughter.
Looking at the rice jar that was nearly empty, Gu Yu'er decided to keep out of Cui Huaijin's way, and let him study while she earned money.
She set up a stall by the river and started making a living. Spicy diced chicken, garlic fish, steamed pork with rice flour... Everyone who passed by was captivated by the aroma.
Gu Yu'er's purse grew heavier, and every day she enjoyed delicious food and drink, while Cui Huaijin subsisted on plain porridge and pickled vegetables.
Gu Yu'er decided to get ahead of things and dump Cui Huaijin first. But when she saw his refined, graceful looks, she changed her mind. Cui Huaijin was handsome, so perhaps she should have a child with him before dumping him.
Later, Gu Yu'er's belly grew bigger by the day, and Cui Huaijin passed the imperial examinations with the highest honors.
When the emperor arranged a marriage for him, Cui Huaijin firmly refused. After that, he told everyone that he had only been able to take the examinations thanks to his wife, and that he would never let her down in this life. His reputation as an official grew better and better, and he rose higher and higher in rank.
Everyone in the capital knew that Chancellor Cui was afraid of his wife. Though people feared his power, they also mocked him behind his back for marrying a butcher's daughter and being unable to hold his head high at home despite being a grown man.
Whenever Cui Huaijin heard such rumors, he only smiled. These people didn't understand how wonderful his wife was.
By the time the rumors reached Gu Yu'er, it was too late. She shut the door and cursed Cui Huaijin for being crafty, deliberately using her as a shield to make himself look good.
Theme: Hard work brings rewards.
