The Color of a Wife

Top-Tier Clan, a Warlord in a Chaotic Age + A Delicate, Dazzling Beauty

One day, two years after their wedding, Lu Zhan finally remembered that he had a little wife living at a separate estate.

His family had chosen her for him.

Years ago, their families had been well matched and close friends, so they had arranged the marriage.

Later, certain events drove a wedge between them.

Her family had steadily declined. Her father and brothers had lost power, their home had grown quiet, and their former splendor was gone.

He had never liked her to begin with. If his family hadn't insisted on honoring the arrangement, Lu Zhan would never have married her.

After the wedding, Lu Zhan had no choice but to bring her to his territory, yet he wouldn't even let her enter his residence. He settled her at a separate estate and ignored her from then on.

Only two years later, when his grandmother wrote to say she was coming to visit, did he remember that he had a wife.

To keep up appearances in front of his elders, Lu Zhan had no choice but to bring her home first.

The first time he saw her after her return, Lu Zhan's gaze was icy and his manner distant. He said coldly, "Behave yourself and mind your manners in front of Grandmother. Don't say or do anything unnecessary. Once she leaves, I'll give you some money and divorce you."

Jiang Shanshan meekly agreed.

Lu Zhan felt at ease with a wife who was gentle, docile, and well behaved.

After a few months, he was fairly satisfied with her.

Lu Zhan thought that, since things had come to this, perhaps he could keep living with her after all.

Once his grandmother left, he would choose the right time to discuss it with her again.

But when the day came, he was out drinking leisurely with his subordinates that afternoon when, to his surprise, he saw that she had arranged to meet someone too. And it was a man!

By sheer coincidence, they were at the same restaurant.

Lu Zhan immediately went after her.

At the private room door, he could see everything clearly through the beaded curtain.

His usually gentle and timid wife was blushing as she said sweetly to the man across from her, "...Once I've divorced him, I'll marry you."

A burst of fury blazed in Lu Zhan's eyes. His hand clenched tight.

(February 8, 2026. Blurb under revision and still being polished.)

1. Both leads have only ever been with each other; happy ending.

2. Strong male lead, weaker female lead. Don't read if you dislike this.

3. Marriage first, love later. Physical attraction comes before emotional attachment.

4. There is rivalry among both men and women. Don't read if that's a dealbreaker.

5. Entirely fictional setting. Some place names were chosen because they sound nice, so please don't scrutinize them.

Coming soon: The Yan Household's Noble Wife

The eldest Gu family's daughter was betrothed to Yan Tingyuan, a battle-hardened general with command of the army.

It should have been a match made in heaven, but she had a physical defect that made it difficult for her to bear children.

The Gu family was steadily declining, and only this betrothal could restore their family's fortunes.

If they wanted to firmly attach themselves to the Yan family, a towering tree that reached the heavens, producing heirs was the only way.

In desperation, someone came up with a plan: have Shengsheng, who bore some resemblance to the eldest Gu daughter, pretend to be her and enter the General's residence as a substitute bride.

Once she gave birth to an heir, they would find a suitable time to switch the two women back...

Shengsheng was the youngest daughter of the Gu family patriarch.

Her mother was lowborn and died young, leaving Shengsheng the most insignificant person in the household. She suffered endless abuse and barely managed to survive until she was sixteen.

The mistress of the household came to her and forced her to play a part in a deception for the eldest daughter. Shengsheng knew exactly why: she had no one to rely on, so she was easy to control.

In exchange, the mistress promised to give her money and let her leave the capital after she bore an heir.

Shengsheng agreed without hesitation.

She thought, she'd get money, leave the Gu family, and enjoy a few days of living in splendor as a general's wife. It didn't sound like a bad deal.

As it turned out, life in the General's residence was indeed quite pleasant. Fine clothes, delicious food, no one beating or scolding her. She couldn't ask for more.

The only problem was Yan Tingyuan. He was a military man, tall and powerful, broad-shouldered and vigorous, with an insatiable appetite. He was simply too much for her to handle!

Fortunately, she became pregnant soon after.

After giving birth, Shengsheng finally won her freedom and fled to Jiangnan.

But she had barely enjoyed a year of peaceful living.

One afternoon, as she strolled along the street, she unexpectedly ran right into Yan Tingyuan!

The man's features were stern, and his deep gaze was fixed on her...

(Revised July 3, 2026.)

Theme: Rebuild after ruin