Inheriting the Marquis's Household, Then Marrying My 'Late Husband's' Own Brother

Xie Yunrong transmigrated into a book as the doomed second young madam. Just six months after her wedding, her husband, Pei Heng, was reported killed in battle. She was about to begin her period of mourning. In the original story, Pei Heng would return three years later with the country doctor who had saved his life. He would divorce Xie Yunrong, leaving her to die in a ruined temple.

With no way out, she took a desperate gamble and begged her husband's elder brother, Pei Qian, to take on both branches of the family, so she could continue the family line and protect herself.

The two began with a secret alliance to survive together. As they spent day after day together in the inner residence, deep feelings took root. She gave birth to two sons. One was registered under her late husband's name, preserving her reputation for chastity and loyalty; the other was registered under Pei Qian's name, strengthening the Marquis's household. With every calculated move, she established her place in the estate.

Three years later, Pei Heng really did return. Turmoil followed, but after several rounds of maneuvering and contest, her former husband left for Jiangnan with his wife and children.

Having overcome the censure of social conventions and the shackles of fate, she finally escaped her tragic destiny. She and Pei Qian spent the rest of their lives together, managing the Marquis's household, with their children gathered around them, and found a peaceful, fulfilling life.

Premise: Read the situation and refuse to lie flat, even in dire straits.