After Being Reborn, I Married the Cursed Prince

[Author's own review: This is the product of my first attempt at telling a story. It probably isn't poisonous, but it doesn't taste good, so consume with caution!]

[Blurb]

In her previous life, when Xie Linxiang was still the prospective Princess Consort of Prince Xiang, she was the envy of every young woman in the capital.

His Highness Prince Xiang was young, talented, and deeply favored. There was no doubt he would be the Crown Prince!

And she was an orphan with no one to stand up for her. To receive such a marriage was a blessing beyond a hundred lifetimes!

Reborn into a new life, Xie Linxiang looked at the imperial decree arranging her marriage, issued by the late emperor, and rolled her eyes hard. "To hell with that so-called blessing!"

Prince Xiang was not only vicious and cruel, he had also used her in every way imaginable in her previous life before casting her aside like trash! After five years of dutifully serving him, she ended up disgraced, humiliated, and gravely wounded, dying on the road to exile!

She threw up her hands and quit!

Whoever wants this blessing can have it!

She'd rather save up her good fortune and find an honest man!

The Ninth Prince came at the news, putting away his usual aloof indifference and smiling at her. "A Ying, I'm an honest man."

Xie Linxiang caught sight of the wound he had failed to hide and smiled faintly. "Do you expect me to believe that?"

Who didn't know that although the Ninth Prince was highborn and exceptionally talented and handsome, he was cursed with a terrible fate and destined to bring death to his wives? Twice, marriage arrangements had been made for him, and both brides had died unexpectedly before the wedding.

Xie Linxiang: Thanks for the offer, but I value my life.

Later, the Ninth Prince won an unprecedented victory. The emperor, having given his word, asked what reward he wanted.

The Ninth Prince's eyes shifted. His voice turned earnest as he said, "Your son dares to ask for the hand of the Xie family's legitimate daughter, whom he has admired for many years. I only wish to be joined with her as a pair of inseparable birds."

The assembled ministers: "...Have you lost your mind?"

Even if she isn't the Princess Consort of Prince Xiang, would that woman, who values her life and wants to save up good fortune, really agree to marry you?

Later still, as times changed, someone passing by the Xie residence saw Miss Xie washing her hands to prepare a meal. She picked up a piece of pastry and placed it in the mouth of the man behind her. They looked like a happy, peaceful couple.

Had she finally saved up enough good fortune to find a good husband?

Wait!

Why did it sound like Miss Xie called that man... His Highness, the Ninth Prince?

That day, red curtains hung in the bridal chamber, the character for double happiness adorned the walls, and the entire residence was decorated with lanterns and colored silk.

In the warm bridal tent, the Ninth Prince blew out the red candle and whispered, "Are you afraid? I'm cursed to kill my wives."

Xie Linxiang's eyes curved, her gaze alluring. "I've saved up enough good fortune, and I'm tough to kill."

[One-on-one + both leads' first time + alternate history + happy ending]

Theme: Don't fear rumors. Stand firm and move forward.