[A story about studying for the imperial exams and farming, with a soft-rice-eating, tough-talking scholar gong and a wealthy shou who learns to love him and gets face-slapped]
"Damn this book! Whoever wants to read it can read it. I'm going back to my hometown to farm!"
After grumbling, Jing You wakes up one day in the body of a farmer's son: a family so poor they're on the brink of ruin, and a body too weak to lift a load or do hard labor. He owns nothing but a dilapidated house at the foot of a mountain and two mu of paddy fields.
Jing You: ?
He's guilty. Studying really is a happy thing.
Jing You works hard to earn money, but he still can't make ends meet. Raising a scholar costs way too much!
A matchmaker comes calling. "Young Master Jing really is one of a kind in all the villages around here. I've got a wonderful match for you, and you were the first person I thought of."
Jing You: !
When he meets the Xu family's supposedly very rich young master, Jing You feels as if they've met before.
The young master is aloof. "The Xu family can give you ten taels of silver a month. You and I will register our marriage at the yamen. After two years, we'll go our separate ways and marry whoever we please. Don't get any ideas."
Jing You nods repeatedly. "All right, boss. I mean, Young Master Xu."
A wealthy god of fortune! Thank you, Young Master!
As for getting ideas? Jing You's heart belongs only to cold, hard cash.
After placing on the imperial exam's honor roll, Jing You is riding high, galloping through Chang'an to see all its flowers in a single day. Handsome and talented, he wins the hearts of countless young men from noble families.
Just as their two-year agreement expires, Jing You dutifully takes the divorce papers to the Xu residence.
"Young Master Xu, these are the divorce papers we agreed on back then. From now on, we'll go our separate ways and marry whoever we please. I wish you a fortune flowing in from every direction and hope you find your true love soon."
Jing You looks sincere. No matter what, without the Xu family's support, he wouldn't be today's top scholar.
Xu Zhou tosses and turns all night. He goes to find Jing You early the next morning, wanting to say that he's changed his mind. His youthful arrogance and conceit have come back to haunt him.
He was the one who let a pretense become real. He was the one who trapped himself. He can't bear to be apart from him.
Jing You's home is bustling with activity.
The matchmaker enthusiastically promotes her candidates, a stack of portrait papers in hand.
"The young master from the general's residence: sturdy, skilled in both letters and arms, and handsome."
Jing You: "He looks too fierce. I want someone gentle and tender."
"Then how about this one? The only son of the Deputy Minister of Justice, the top scholar in Chang'an. He's gentle-tempered."
Jing You: "He's a little lacking in looks."
"This one, then. The second son of Prince Rong: beautiful and delicate, with a slim figure and a nice personality."
Jing You: "Not bad. Then... mmmph!"
"Husband's tired. I'll take him to rest. Xu Yi, see our guest out."
Xu Zhou covers Jing You's mouth and hustles him toward the bedroom, his face dark as water.
"Whatever kind of man you want, I can be him: looks, personality, figure. This is the perfect chance to make up for the wedding night you owe me."
Jing You blinks. Something's not right here, is it?...
Determined not to let Jing You find another young man, Xu Zhou gives it his all.
Message: May you reach out and pluck the stars
