After Marrying into the Marquis's Family to Bring the Heir Good Fortune

On the eve of her wedding, Meng Junzhang, heir to the Duke's household, was gravely wounded and near death. The Jiang family could not bear to part with their legitimate eldest daughter, so their third daughter, Jiang Nian, was married into the Duke's household instead. As she was leaving, her stepmother instructed her, "Even if you're widowed on your wedding day, don't you dare come back." Jiang Nian gripped the list of her dowry and obediently nodded. She had no intention of returning. Marriage would open up a whole new world for her. Besides, Meng Junzhang had gone to war at twelve and spent half his life fighting to defend their country. She was willing to keep vigil before his memorial tablet and adopt a child to raise in the future, shutting the door and enjoying a peaceful, leisurely life of her own. After marrying into the Duke's household, Jiang Nian kept to herself and stayed out of trouble. Every day, she prayed for Meng Junzhang's recovery and searched far and wide for delicious food, wholeheartedly waiting to become a widow. But Meng Junzhang, who was rumored to have only days to live, suddenly woke up. A month later, he was out of bed. Three months later, he was back in the marital bed. A year later, she had become the new Duchess. Jiang Nian: ... Well, that was unexpected. ◆ When Meng Junzhang was unconscious from his severe injuries, he often heard a soft voice praying for his recovery. Later, he learned that it belonged to his bride, who had married him to bring him good fortune. Later still, he heard her standing up for him, refusing to let anyone lay a finger on him. She had been forced on him by his stepmother, yet she cared for him so deeply. He ought to secure a future for her, too. Meng Junzhang dragged himself out of bed, made plans for her, and gave her unparalleled honor. Until one day, after an early dismissal from court, he heard his wife laughing with someone through the window: "If I hadn't heard I could become a widow as soon as I married him, who would marry that blockhead?" Meng Junzhang narrowed his eyes. Very good. Very good indeed. Content warning: 1. Marriage before love, everyday life, and a slow-burn romance. Theme: Home is where the heart finds peace