Ji Dongyu was pretty and well-behaved, but his stepmother treated him cruelly, and his father paid him no mind. At long last, he endured it until his wedding day, thinking he could finally escape his misery.
But his younger stepbrother, Ji Xisi, fell ill just before the wedding and suddenly cried and fussed, demanding to switch spouses with Dongyu.
His stepmother tugged on his ear and said harshly, "Master Xie is still young and already passed the provincial examination. He's ruthless, so watch yourself, or one day he'll skin you alive!"
His friends also told Dongyu that Lord Xie was a talented young man with a bright future. He spoke coldly to everyone, so it was only natural for him to be a little haughty.
The thing was, Lord Xie loved peace and quiet, while Dongyu was a chatterbox who muttered to himself as he worked.
Dongyu fretted beneath his wedding veil as the bridal sedan carried him all the way to the Xie residence. All he could think about was how he would manage to get by under Lord Xie's roof.
*
Ji Xisi had been spoiled by his parents since childhood and had never had to put up with anything. The person he looked down on most was his brother, who always acted pitiful.
Before the wedding, he fell ill and dreamed he married Xie Xiu. Xie Xiu spoke coldly to him and picked on him every day.
Not three years into the marriage, before he could enjoy the life of a magistrate's wife, Xie Xiu caught an epidemic and was left half-dead. The Xie family spent all their money treating him, and Ji Xisi nearly ended up begging on the streets.
Meanwhile, Dongyu and that poor hunter were deeply in love and opened a restaurant together. Before long, they made a fortune, and Dongyu wore gold and jewels every day.
After waking up, Ji Xisi argued with his mother and insisted on switching marriages. He was determined to marry that rough man who roamed the mountains.
But he waited three years, then another three...
He spent years in the mountains eating husks and swallowing scraps, growing gaunt with hunger, while Dongyu feasted in the city and blossomed into a radiant beauty.
He spent his days washing clothes, cooking, and tending the stove until his delicate hands were covered in calluses. Dongyu had already become a magistrate's wife, with people waiting on him wherever he went.
Ji Xisi couldn't believe that Xie Xiu, who had been cold to him for years in his previous life, could fall for someone like Dongyu. He sneaked into the Xie residence.
There, he saw Dongyu setting off a few fireworks. They annoyed Xie Xiu, who looked displeased but patiently coaxed him to wait until tomorrow, afraid the noise would frighten the child in Dongyu's belly.
Dongyu's belly was just beginning to show. With his gentle features and fine clothes, he looked every bit like someone cherished and pampered.
Ji Xisi gritted his teeth in fury, regretting his choice with all his heart.
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