Doting on His Wife, the Empress

The merchant Qu family once saved the emperor, who arranged a betrothal between their children. The legitimate daughter, Qu Xiangwan, grew up known as the Crown Princess.

On the eve of her wedding, however, rumors spread that she had beaten her stepmother and was morally unfit. The Crown Prince broke off their engagement and married her younger stepsister instead.

The Qu family thought Qu Xiangwan had disgraced them, so they sent her off in a small bridal sedan to marry the fifth prince, who was stationed far away at the border and was not favored by the emperor.

Rumor had it that the fifth prince rose to fame at a young age and was a brave warrior, but he looked like a demon and was bloodthirsty and cruel.

Everyone in the capital waited to see how many days the arrogant, domineering Qu Xiangwan would survive in the hands of the fifth prince, Wei Heng.

Having heard the rumors about each other, the two had the same first impression when they met: bad temper, good looks.

After their marriage, Qu Xiangwan carefully manages every household affair, serving her mother-in-law above and treating the maids with courtesy below. Everyone in the household grows to love her.

So everyone feels sorry for her, believing she is neglected because the fifth prince doesn't love her.

Until someone catches the fifth prince, who has always kept his distance from women, stopping Qu Xiangwan and asking her, "Aren't you my wife? Why don't you smile at me?"

Wei Heng thought he'd married a spoiled, domineering woman. Who knew she'd be a gentle, beautiful woman who smiles at everyone except him?

And why does everyone say he neglects her? Isn't she the one who runs far away as soon as she sees him?

Little scene:

After the emperor dies, the Crown Prince takes the throne. His younger stepsister, now the empress, makes a special journey of a thousand miles to mock Qu Xiangwan for her miserable life on the border, battered by the wind and sun and covered in yellow sand.

Instead, she stumbles upon a rebellion in progress.

"Keeping watch over the desert with me must be a hardship for you, my wife. Do you like the imperial palace? I'll conquer it and give it to you."

At first, Qu Xiangwan thinks she's going to suffer after marrying at the border. Only later does she realize she's there to enjoy the good life.

Reading guide:

One-on-one, single-couple romance

Marriage first, love later

Gentle, timid beauty vs. cruel, fierce wolf-dog

Theme: Don't fear hardship. Bloom in adversity