The Yu family falls on hard times, and only one daughter remains.
To protect herself, Yu Zhu has no choice but to take up the marriage arrangement that had never been finalized and head to the capital, where she knocks on the gates of the Marquis's residence.
The Xie and Yu families used to be neighbors and had a good relationship. They had planned to arrange a marriage between their children.
But before anything was settled, the Xie family joined the Emperor's successful campaign, earning titles and noble rank, and moved far away to the capital.
Now that the two families are so far apart in status, she wouldn't presume to hope for anything. All she asks for is a place where she can live in peace.
But the Xie elders take the marriage arrangement very seriously, and Yu Zhu doesn't know what to do.
Until Xie's legitimate son, Xie Yu, finds her and says in a cool voice, "You're timid and cry easily. You can't be my wife. I'll find you another good match."
Yu Zhu's nose stings. She lowers her head and obediently nods.
*
Xie Yu is used to practicing with weapons and has no fondness for a soft, delicate temperament like Yu Zhu's.
He thinks that as long as she behaves herself, he'll still be there to support her after she marries, making sure she lives out the rest of her life without worry.
Then, at a game of polo, she twists her ankle. Though she's the sort to cry easily, her little face turns pale and her lips tremble, yet she doesn't utter a single word of pain to him.
When the newly appointed top scholar, who is discussing marriage with her, comes to check on her, each tear rolling down her cheeks feels like a grain of sand in Xie Yu's eye.
[Reading notes]
1. Face-slapping and chasing after his wife, then going mad when he can't have her
2. A sweet, delicate heroine
3. The heroine suffers a little in the first few chapters
Theme: Join hands to weather life's challenges and build a better future together
