· Contract marriage | Marriage first, love later
· Free-spirited young lady × proper gentleman
[Blurb]
Lin Xi's mother died when she was young. She grew up at her maternal grandmother's estate and developed a carefree, undisciplined nature.
Lu Bai was born into a once-prominent family of scholars, and was taught from childhood to uphold traditional propriety and be a gentleman of impeccable character.
Lin Xi's family had been merchants for generations. They were wealthy, but had no political power.
Lu Bai had only recently entered government after passing the imperial examinations. He had a reputation, but little money.
Their parents made the decision and arranged a marriage for them.
Lin Xi sneaked out of the residence and laid down three rules for her future husband.
First, no concubines.
The Lu family rules allowed a man to take a concubine only if he had no heir after turning thirty.
Second, no visiting courtesans.
I never visit such places, nor do I have any interest in them.
Third, if either of us wishes to end the contract, the other must agree unconditionally.
I honor contracts and won't end one lightly.
With that, the contract took effect, and the marriage was settled.
After they married, he was just as she had expected: so proper and disciplined he was almost dull.
When she got absorbed in reading popular fiction, he said, “Frivolous books lead people astray.”
When she slept until late morning, he said, “One should be up by the hour of the Dragon.”
When she praised the food, he said, “Do not speak while eating or sleeping.”
Life in the inner household was dull, and Lin Xi found herself wanting to tease him.
She wanted to find out if he could keep his composure and propriety in bed, too.
She draped herself against his shoulder in a sheer gown to tempt him. He said, “One must practice restraint in the bedchamber.”
She deliberately teased him in his study. He said, “That would be improper.”
She flirted with him during the day, tugging at his sash. He said, “That would be indecent.”
She had meant to make all the moves and turn the world upside down, but somehow found herself caught in the game.
Before she knew it, she had fallen deeply for him.
But he thought it was nothing more than an exchange of benefits.
She began to grow afraid: afraid she would never be able to leave him, and even more afraid of repeating her mother's fate.
She asked for a divorce, and Lu Bai calmly agreed.
She thought it was all over between them, but late one night,
he burst into her room, reeking of alcohol and eyes bloodshot, and demanded:
“How can you be the one to start things, then end them whenever you want? I won't allow it!”
Lin Xi asked, “What happened to your rules? What about honoring the contract?”
But he replied, “There are exceptions to everything!”
Theme: Sincerity is the ultimate weapon in love.
