Marrying the Marquis of Xiang

Also known as Sasa Blue ----Blurb---- Rong Sa, affectionately called Sushu. In her previous life, Rong Sa was an innocent little flower. As the legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke of Qi’s household, she had a beautiful face but was far too naive. Her stepmother framed her, and an imperial decree married her off to the decrepit old Marquis of Xiang, who had one foot in the grave, to bring him good fortune. Rong Sa defied the decree and fled, but failed and ended up as a concubine. The old marquis languished in bed before departing this world, and she was forced to hang herself in sacrifice at his funeral. When Sushu opened her eyes again, she found herself reborn. If she remembered correctly, this was after she had defied the decree. The marriage had been annulled, and she was confined to her home. In a few days, her stepmother would have her carried into the marquis’s residence in a small sedan chair. The day was drawing near. That night, she made an exceedingly bold decision. In the middle of the night, she carried a Qiong Kiln splash-blue cup and poured a glass of wine. With delicate steps, she approached the man. He narrowed his phoenix eyes. She had already learned all about him: this man, drinking alone in the garden, was renowned for his youthful brilliance and deep cunning. He was none other than the heir to the Marquis of Xiang, Qi Lan, courtesy name Qi Yunqing. Since he would be the one in charge of the marquis’s household, Sushu reasoned, she had to ask him to keep her from becoming a concubine to his old father. She imagined it all going perfectly. Once she had enticed Qi Lan and secured his promise to help, she would escape far from the capital and seek refuge with her childhood sweetheart, her maternal uncle’s son. Wine splashed across the corner of his blue robe, spreading like ripples on water. She clutched his robe and stammered, “Your robe is wet, wet, wet. I’ll get you a change of clothes, Your Lordship.” The man chuckled softly. The moon shone brightly on his lashes as he slowly lifted a hand to her chin. She heard him murmur, sounding half-drunk, “Your name is...?” She immediately clasped his hand in both of hers, delighted that her plan seemed to be working. “Banana leaves rustle in the midnight rain. Rong Sushu.” A mysterious glint flashed through his eyes. “So it’s...” Sushu fled, only to be caught along the way and sent to the bridal chamber. Sitting on the new bed, she squeezed her eyes shut and wept uncontrollably, trembling like a leaf. She had never imagined fate would be inescapable. Someone lifted her veil. Before she could open her eyes, she heard a low chuckle. “Sushu, you weren’t trembling this badly when you were trying to tempt me into doing something wrong.” In his previous life, whether it was high rank or power over the court, it all passed like clouds before Qi Lan’s eyes. When news arrived that the old Marquis of Xiang had died, Qi Lan was in Jiangdong, brewing tea and playing chess with someone. He showed no grief. But when he later heard a servant praise the chaste concubine surnamed Rong who had sacrificed herself for the old marquis, his expression froze. His hand loosened, and the famed splash-blue cup, a priceless heirloom, fell and shattered. The former state of Wei’s Qiong Kiln was famous for its splash-blue glaze. After Wei was overthrown, only five splash-blue cups remained in the world. Four were in the possession of Qi Lan, the heir to the Marquis of Xiang, who adored the color splash blue. The last one, Qi Lan searched the vast world for in vain, never learning where it had gone. Reader's Guide: 1. One-on-one romance, both leads have only been with each other, happy ending. 2. A slow and steady romance. 3. Hope you all enjoy reading! 4. Cover art thanks to: Yiye Shu, Pingzi Huamo Theme: Help one another and share both hardships and joys.