The Second Wife

(This book is complete. My new book, After Our Divorce, I Carried the Emperor's Child, is now being serialized. The next book, Locking the Hibiscus, begins with a groveling redemption arc. See the end for the blurb.)

Cui Qin once admired the most distinguished young gentleman in the capital, Mu Yuesheng, now the youngest minister assisting the regent in the cabinet.

He was handsome and aloof, exceptionally talented and politically astute, and deeply respected by officials and commoners alike.

Later, Mu Yuesheng married the capital's most talented woman, Pei Yin, eldest daughter of the Grand Tutor's household.

So Cui Qin quietly buried her feelings.

Until, years later, a matchmaker came to ask her to become Mu Yuesheng's second wife.

Cui Qin went happily, trying to warm his cold, hard heart with her tenderness.

In the end, she still couldn't compete with the woman he cherished in his heart.

Heartbroken, Cui Qin returned to her family with her dowry and opened Yanshan Academy on Yanque Mountain outside the city.

Months later, the female head of Yanshan Academy wrote a booklet of exquisite calligraphy, and students offered fortunes for a single page.

The female head of Yanshan Academy spent half a year creating a masterpiece destined for the ages, and students flocked to copy it.

Cui Qin's reputation grew, and suitors came in droves, nearly breaking down the academy's doors.

One day, the young cabinet minister Mu Yuesheng came to the foot of the mountain. On the gate was a sign that read:

"Dogs and Mu Yuesheng may not enter."

Mu Yuesheng froze. Looking further down, he saw another line:

"No, dogs may enter. Mu Yuesheng may not."

"..."

P.S. A groveling redemption arc. Her previous marriage was in name only. Both are each other's firsts.

Next book: Locking the Hibiscus. Groveling redemption arc from the start, but the heroine won't suffer.

Blurb:

Li Xiangjun was as beautiful as a hibiscus, and renowned throughout the capital. She married Xie Zheng, commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Everyone knew that Xie Zheng killed without blinking and was known as the Jade-Faced Asura. When the imperial power changed hands, the Li family chose the wrong side. To save the family, they sent Li Xiangjun to Xie Zheng.

Li Xiangjun had no one to rely on, but was as soft and delicate as a flower, with a ravishing beauty that made her perfect for Xie Zheng's amusement.

Sure enough, Xie Zheng spoke up for the Li family before the new emperor, saving them. But Li Xiangjun was as good as dead. He imprisoned her in a lightless dungeon, forcing her to read every secret of the officials at court. He toyed with her body, kneading her in his palm and manipulating her at will.

She wasted away and died amid endless torment.

When she opened her eyes again, she had returned to the time when her family was on the brink of ruin and her grandparents were plotting to send her to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Her nightmare returned, and Li Xiangjun broke out in a cold sweat.

In this life, even if she had to break her wings and shatter herself, she would never enter that den of demons again.

After waiting three days and three nights without Li Xiangjun coming, Xie Zheng smashed his desk in the dead of night.

In this life, he would brave fire and water, sacrifice every last shred of his dignity and pride, and kneel at her feet in submission.

Next book 2: After Our Divorce, I Carried the Emperor's Child

When Fu Rao came of age, a Daoist priest said she was destined to bring prosperity to her husband. As it turned out, her husband later passed the imperial examinations and became the top scholar.

After finally becoming the top scholar's wife, Fu Rao hadn't even had a moment to catch her breath when her handsome husband brought home another woman.

No matter. She might not know how to take the imperial examinations, but surely she could deal with other women. Send one packing for every one who shows up.

Then her husband ran off with a princess. Fu Rao was terrified. She was only the daughter of a low-ranking scholar. How could she compete with a princess?

One day, the princess summoned her to the palace. Fu Rao hurriedly brought a divorce agreement and went to beg the princess for mercy. Unfortunately, the princess still wouldn't let her go and intended to ruin her virtue.

Panting, Fu Rao raced through a secluded grove in the palace. When she could go no further, her delicate body stumbled into a side hall. For one moment, with her mind in disarray, she caught sight of a yellow robe fluttering behind a desk.

Note: Neither lead is a first. Includes a dramatic groveling redemption arc. The second male lead, who is the emperor, rises to power. There is an age gap between the heroine and the emperor, and he dotes on her.

Theme: Persevere, and you will eventually reap the rewards.