A Lord Worth a Thousand Years

[Childhood sweethearts, married young]

Xie Ruowan was the daughter of a merchant family, looked down on by everyone in the capital since childhood. Only after the Wen Yuan Marquis household fell into decline did she get the chance to marry into a high-ranking family, and everyone secretly laughed at her.

The heir, Ji Huaiche, was as elegant as an orchid and a jade tree, noble and refined. He was the ideal husband in every noblewoman's heart, yet aloof and self-possessed, never treating anyone as special.

What was more, the Grand Madam came from a distinguished family and had exacting standards. How could she accept someone of Xie Ruowan's background? Surely she had only chosen her for her generous dowry, to help the family through its difficulties.

Several years into their marriage, Ji Huaiche rose to become the Grand Secretary, the highest official in the land. The Ji family was cleared of its wrongful accusations, restored its reputation, and once again became the capital's most prominent clan.

Everyone thought the Ji family would no longer want Xie Ruowan. How could a merchant's daughter be the mistress of a marquis's household? They waited for a divorce letter, hoping to marry their own daughters into the Ji family.

But after waiting a long time, all they saw beneath the bright spring sunshine was Ji Huaiche bending down to help his wife out of the carriage. His smile was gentler and warmer than anyone had ever seen, and the adoration in his eyes was like a March breeze.

Even the Grand Madam smiled as she took Xie Ruowan's arm, treating her like her own daughter.

*

Ever since he was young, Ji Huaiche had kept someone in his heart. When the time came for her to marry, he schemed to ruin her engagement. But just as he was about to propose, his family fell into crisis, and everyone was afraid to get near them.

Afraid of dragging Xie Ruowan down with him, he never brought it up again. But she married him without hesitation.

Later, even when he was in dire straits, every night he could still see Xie Ruowan standing with a lamp at the crossroads. Their fingers intertwined, they shared the little warmth left in their palms. Her smile was radiant and gentle, and her voice firm as she said:

"Husband, let's go home."

So even if he had to be broken to pieces and endure every hardship, Ji Huaiche would hold their family together and shield Xie Ruowan from harm.

When he had gained power over the realm, one of his students asked him how he had turned his fortunes around and come so far.

Ji Huaiche sipped his tea, the corners of his mouth lifting as he gently stroked the sachet Xie Ruowan had embroidered. He thought: Who could blame him, when he had married the best wife in the world?

1. Both are each other's first and only. HE.

2. The blurb has been screenshotted and saved.

Theme: Husband and wife are one. May the family be harmonious, happy, and blessed.