The Constable's Wife

Upright, earnest, hardworking young constable x gentle, scheming, affectionate, laid-back young lord

Year 15 of Yongxing.

The people of Qingshan County welcomed a new magistrate. Little did they know that this county magistrate came from an extraordinary family: he was the son of the renowned Marquis Wenbei!

A mighty figure had moved into their little county office. Zhao Yuan and the others began a cautious (and lively), peaceful (and happy) life, all of them anxious and on edge.

When Wen Sijin first arrived in Qingshan County, his plans were simple: eat, drink, and have fun.

He'd coast for two or three years, then head back to the capital and inherit the marquisate, which the emperor had stripped of its real power. He could lie flat happily for the rest of his life.

He never expected to meet such a capable subordinate, who would propel him all the way from a tiny county town into the limelight before the emperor, making him an important court official.

Everyone said Wen Sijin was loyal to the emperor, devoted to his country, caring toward the people, and wholly committed to public service. He was a second Marquis Wenbei.

But Wen Sijin knew that deep down, he was still the same lazy fish who only wanted to lie flat. He just happened to have a foolish young subordinate behind him, determined to serve the country and work hard, always keeping him on his toes.

One day, inside a carriage.

County Magistrate Wen lowered his head slightly, his face hard to make out. "Miss Zhao, could I trouble you to help me down from the horse later? I... am not good at martial arts."

As he spoke, his head drooped even lower, as though he were terribly ashamed.

Zhao Yuan thumped her chest with confidence. "Not only can I help you down, I'll protect you every day!"

"Really?"

"O-of course... really!" Zhao Yuan's heart raced as she looked into his narrow, foxlike eyes.

Much, much later, one day...

While investigating a case, the group was trapped and surrounded by numerous bandits. They were outnumbered.

Zhao Yuan glanced at the magistrate, who couldn't even fight a chicken, then gripped her blade and charged toward the bandits. Before she could take two steps, someone grabbed the back of her collar and hauled her into the middle of the group.

The delicate magistrate, who had always claimed he couldn't fight, picked up a thirty-pound saber from the ground and swung it around with ease. "It's been a long time since I handled a blade. This one's a little light."

In less than a quarter of an hour, the bandits were sprawled all over the ground.

Zhao Yuan: "My lord, didn't you say you weren't good at martial arts?"

The man lowered his head and obediently admitted his mistake.

Zhao Yuan: "My lord, didn't you say you could barely get out of a carriage?"

The man secretly reached out and tugged at her sleeve.

Reading Guide:

1. No historical research needed; this is a fictional setting.

2. One-on-one romance, happy ending.

Theme: Seek justice for the people and the truth for the dead.