To free the throne from the aristocratic clans' stranglehold, the new emperor established private schools, reduced labor levies, and opened up the civil service examinations, giving even those from humble families the chance to rise to power.
Shen Wujiu was the most useful pawn among them.
To escape the struggle for power, the Xie family planned to marry Xie Huiai's beloved illegitimate elder sister to Shen Wujiu.
But the emperor was ruthless, and the elder sister died young.
Shen Wujiu asked to remain unmarried for three years. It made Xie Huiai think more highly of him: he was a man of deep feeling and loyalty.
Over those three years, the aristocratic clans were purged, and men of humble birth took control of the government.
Shen Wujiu, the emperor's blade, rose rapidly to the pinnacle of power, while Xie Huiai's fiance was wiped out along with his entire family.
With no other choice, Xie Huiai was sent by her family to a collateral branch in Jiangnan to take refuge.
But Shen Wujiu was mad. Even in Jiangnan, he refused to leave her alone. Breaking off one engagement wasn't enough; he had to keep pursuing her.
September 28, 2026
Theme: Face every setback with a positive attitude.
