Choose a Branch to Nest In

[Marriage Before Love] [Winning Her Back] [Possessive Love]

When an imperial decree of marriage arrived, Bie Jingque, the second daughter of an eighth-rank court official in charge of the water clock, became the wife of the heir to the marquis's estate.

Everyone knew this ill-matched marriage decree was merely the emperor's way of putting the marquis's household in its place. She was just a casualty of the power struggle.

But it didn't matter.

As long as she could escape her birth family, she was willing to be that casualty.

Bie Jingque sat on the edge of the wedding bed beneath her red veil.

Her new husband lifted the veil, looking at her as coldly as if she were a worthless object.

The hopeful words "my husband" caught in Bie Jingque's throat. With a gentle smile, she changed how she addressed him: "Young Lord."

When he was cold, she was warm, while carefully respecting his boundaries so she wouldn't annoy him.

When he let rumors slander her, she didn't resent him. She handled things herself.

She heard that he had someone precious to him, a beloved first love. She never showed her displeasure. Instead, she smiled and made room for them to speak in private, while shutting away the heart that sometimes beat too fast.

She kept the marquis's household in perfect order, earning praise from everyone under its roof.

Cen Yu knew, however, that his wife wasn't as gentle and devoted to him as she seemed. Even knowing this, he still couldn't stop himself from being drawn to her and losing himself in the tenderness she offered.

One day after court, Cen Yu took a detour to Mingyue Tower to buy her favorite pastries. There, beneath a pear tree, he saw the newly appointed top scholar gently brush a fallen petal from his wife's hair and say:

"The marquis's household is on the verge of collapse. He isn't your place to belong."

His wife smiled. "A fine bird chooses a fine tree to perch in."

Cen Yu watched for a long while, then stepped out from the side. "My wife."

His wife turned around in alarm, her expression panicked.

So pitiful, so lovable. Just like always.

Cen Yu's gaze was as dark as an abyss. He raised the pastries in his hand and smiled faintly. "Let's go home."

A fine bird chooses a tree, but she clearly didn't care which one she chose.

Then why not lock this little bird in a gilded cage?

Even if she bled in his palm, that was better than watching her sing on someone else's shoulder.

[Reading Guide]

1. Marriage before love, followed by a redemption arc [highlighted]. The male lead is awful early on [highlighted], then turns possessive and takes her by force.

2. This isn't a strong female-lead story. The heroine has no grand ambitions; she just wants a peaceful life.

3. Domestic scheming and plot are both very mild.

4. The author loves melodrama. If you don't like it, please leave using the upper-left corner. Please don't insult the leads. If you really can't help yourself, then if you insult the leads, you aren't allowed to insult the author too, okay? ovo

Theme: Bravely struggle against fate