A proud, fallen noblewoman x a spirited young man
Li Yirou was three years older than Xu Qingyan.
Normally, an age difference like that would not matter much.
But her father had sent her to live under the care of the Duke of Wei’s household.
Everyone knew that her father had once saved the Duke of Wei’s life, and that one day she would marry Xu Qingyan, the duke’s only son.
By chance, Li Yirou once heard him tell someone what kind of wife he wanted.
A year or two younger than him, bright and cheerful, carefree, and preferably able to ride a horse.
Li Yirou was none of those things.
She was older than him and not the laughing sort. Even when she smiled, she was subdued.
Her health was poor, and she could not ride a horse.
Unfortunately, he could only marry her, and was destined never to have his wish fulfilled.
Later, the two married.
Their marriage was barely consummated at first.
Just as Li Yirou had expected, Xu Qingyan had no feelings for her.
Their marriage had been arranged by their parents and matchmakers, with only one thing missing: mutual affection.
Her mother-in-law tried to persuade her. If things were already like this after less than two months, perhaps she should take a concubine into the household to help win her husband over.
Li Yirou quietly nodded and agreed.
Without a sound, she burned a drawing she had made of the young man drawing a bow.
On the night the concubine went to attend to him, Li Yirou retired early, settled herself in bed, and fell asleep.
Late that night, someone suddenly yanked open the curtains.
Before she could open her eyes, she felt someone crash into her.
“Li Yirou, you’re so virtuous! Truly, the very picture of virtue!”
She bit down hard on the back of her hand. Her hair was damp with sweat and stuck to her face, but she muffled herself and did not make a sound.
Wasn’t that the kind of woman he liked?
Then she would give him one.
*We’re both too proud, so neither of us will bow our head to the other.*
Reader's Guide:
1. One-on-one romance, both leads have no prior sexual experience
2. Marriage first, love later
3. The male lead is madly in love, but stubbornly refuses to admit it
Theme: Striving
