After transmigrating into a book, Ming Zhao discovers that he has become a frail and beautiful child bridegroom. After observing mourning rites for years, he is now over eighteen and still unmarried.
His betrothed is younger than him and has just passed the county-level imperial exam. He is about to die at the hands of the protagonist's awful relatives, becoming a minor cannon-fodder character barely mentioned in the book.
His betrothed's family also has two little children. In the original story, after their betrothed dies, he and the children are bullied by their clansmen and eventually killed through a scheme to wipe out the family, adding three more names to the cannon-fodder ranks.
If Ming Zhao wants to survive, he can't let his cheap husband die too soon.
Even if he isn't the ideal husband his betrothed dreams of, at least the man should wait until Ming Zhao has a safe place to settle before dying.
"You're so cold and heartless toward me. No matter how wholeheartedly I love you, I can't move you. I've thought it through. I'll do as you wish. Once you finish the imperial exams, we'll go our separate ways."
Ming Zhao spits blood and puts on a pitiful act, all while secretly celebrating.
He waits and waits, until his betrothed finally finishes the exams. Ming Zhao can't even wait for the results to be posted. He grabs the little bundle he packed long ago, slings it over his shoulder, opens the door, and leaves
"Congratulations, young master! Your husband has placed third in the palace examination! The reward is on its way. Hurry and prepare to receive the imperial decree and give thanks!"
Ming Zhao: "…"
The newly appointed third-place scholar gazes at him darkly. "Are you really in such a hurry to leave that you won't even stay for a cup of wine to celebrate with me?"
That night, Ming Zhao gets drunk, clings to the third-place scholar, and weeps pitifully. "I don't want this either, but the person you love isn't me. If I stay, I'll only become a bitter husband, sob..."
The third-place scholar's eyes darken. "That must be a misunderstanding. Look, it's getting late. Shouldn't we get some rest?"
Frail and beautiful receiver vs. scheming, calculating giver
Theme: Education is the foundation of a life.
After Successfully Raising an Emperor, I Faked My Death and Disappeared
The Person the Fake Rich Heir's True Son Is in Love With
My Senior Brother Is Just Too Honest
Miss Song's Guide to Scheming
The School Hunk and I Are Kind of Sweet [Book Transmigration]
A Little Streamer's Adorable Baby Life [Entertainment Industry]