The Vain Villainess Is Done Playing Along

[Delicate and sickly, with a stubborn streak] x [A stern, old-fashioned patriarch who keeps everyone at arm's length]

Shen Xishu has been frail since childhood, and rarely leaves the house.

The few banquets she attends take place after her coming-of-age ceremony. At one crowded gathering, someone bumps into her and sends her tumbling into a lotus pond.

She is rescued quickly, but the ordeal further weakens her already frail body, and she falls gravely ill.

As the world spins around her, Shen Xishu unexpectedly gets a second chance at life.

It turns out she is merely a character in a storybook, and not even an important one, just a minor supporting character.

She is nothing more than a splash of beauty added to the smooth-sailing life of the male lead.

"His beloved wife Xishu was so young, yet born frail. She died during their lovemaking. Her beauty gone, Xiao Jue was consumed by grief."

"Afterward, Xiao Jue took many wives and concubines, all of them resembling his lost love. Surrounded by beautiful women, he lived a happy life."

...! Once she comes to her senses, Shen Xishu resolves never to have anything to do with Xiao Jue, the man who will cause her to die in bed.

Xiao Jue has always been mature beyond his years and indifferent to love. He prides himself on his clear judgment, rationality, and a natural intelligence beyond that of most people. The only thing he does in his life without weighing the pros and cons is marry the youngest daughter of the Shen family.

He thinks he only brought Shen Xishu home on a whim, captivated by her beauty and demure appearance. Even though she's frail, he's happy to pamper her and keep her where he can admire her.

But even the bird he spoils dares to dream of flying off with another man. After catching the runaway bird, Xiao Jue keeps her imprisoned in his domain day and night, ensuring she never dares, or is able, to defy him again.

But only after losing Xishu does Xiao Jue learn the meaning of heart-piercing pain. From then on, he turns to shamans and worships the Buddha, all in the hope of seeing Shen Xishu again.

A stray arrow sends Xiao Jue back to the time before Xishu's death. Overjoyed, he insists on seeing her despite his injuries. But Shen Xishu suddenly vanishes from the vast Marquis's estate, leaving behind only a letter.

His fury and anguish overwhelm him. Let Shen Xishu and that adulterer go off to the ends of the earth together? Only if he's dead.

The punishment of an arrogant man

1. No cheating

2. The female lead isn't strong

3. Written to suit personal tastes

Theme: Love shouldn't be so twisted