Cherishing the Old Days

[From sharing a home to becoming devoted spouses]

Marriage first, love later | Winning her back after marriage | A slow-burn romance

*

Noblewoman Yin Xi and young powerbroker He Qing were the model couple of Bianjing. They treated each other with courtesy and respect, making everyone around them envious.

But Yin Xi alone knew it was all an act. He Qing felt no more for her than the ordinary affection of a husband.

They were married for decades and had only one child. When she was dying, He Qing never even showed up.

In a daze, Yin Xi returned to her youth. But by then, she and He Qing had already been married for two years.

One sunny afternoon, Yin Xi brought him divorce papers.

The young woman, graceful and lovely, said softly, "Sign the divorce papers and let me go home."

He Qing gripped the papers, then gently set them aside. How had his gentle, obedient wife suddenly changed?

*

He Qing thought heaven had blessed him with a happy wife and child and a promising career. His life was as perfect as it could be.

But after getting another chance, he discovered that Yin Xi was learned and extraordinarily talented, nothing like the reserved, virtuous wife he remembered.

It wasn't until he saw those divorce papers that he realized he had never understood the woman who shared his bed.

"My lady, the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard are in bloom. Let's go have a look."

"?"

Yin Xi was baffled. She just wanted him to sign the papers already so she could go home and cuddle cats, write poetry, drink, and sleep in!

*

This time, He Qing finally saw the woman beside him for who she was. At night, he held her close on the bed, their breaths warm and tender. Looking back at everything they'd been through, they'd taken quite a detour.

"My lady, don't divorce me."

"Then will you give me the rare edition of Records of Metal and Stone that you have?"

He Qing chuckled and kissed Yin Xi. "What about me?"

Yin Xi blushed, flustered, and pushed him away. "Move over. You're too hot."

--

Reader's Guide:

1. SC. Original title: Slowly.

2. Blurb written on October 22, 2024, and a screenshot has been saved.

Theme: A wife who is addicted to books