The Marquis's Widowed Sister-in-Law

[Family drama + a survival guide to women in ancient times + anti-domestication + girls helping girls. Proceed with caution if these aren't for you.]

The third daughter of the Shang family was a concubine-born child. Her childhood name was Zhaozhao, with the same "zhao" as in "Zhaodi," meaning "summon a younger brother." Her father didn't love her, her mother didn't care for her, and even the servants could walk all over her.

Shang Qingyu, who had just transmigrated into her body, stared up at the sky. What kind of nightmare difficulty was this?

She was married off to the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis of Xuanping's household as a good-luck bride. Everyone was waiting to laugh at her.

Her vicious stepmother smiled without warmth. "Zhaozhao, your husband may be a sickly man, but you're only a concubine's daughter. Being able to marry him is already a great blessing. You should learn to be content."

Shang Qingyu replied sincerely, "Mother is right. I can't compare to Elder Sister. She's so young, yet already enjoys His Majesty's favor. In a few years, she'll surely be elevated to the rank of Imperial Dowager Consort. Your good fortune is still to come."

.

The marquis's household was a nest of intrigue: a haughty mother-in-law, a difficult sister-in-law, and concubines who made snide remarks.

Shang Qingyu sighed. All she could do was meet force with force and water with earth, and rise from a concubine-born daughter to the mistress of the marquis's household.

Later, she remarried Lu Jichuan, the marquis's second son, who had since become a powerful minister. All of Jinling was in an uproar, and scorn and criticism poured in from every side.

The haughty mother-in-law said, "My son left these words behind: Qingyu is virtuous and wise. She devoted herself to her husband and was generous and frugal in managing the household. She was a matchless wife. I only hope she finds a good match someday and enjoys a long, happy life."

The difficult sister-in-law said, "An elder sister-in-law is like a mother. I, Lu Yuan, will send her off to her new marriage in my brother's name!"

When she first entered the marquis's household, her frail husband shakily handed her a handwritten letter. "I know my life will be short, so I give you this letter of divorce. One day, I hope you'll find a good man."

Shang Qingyu was stunned. She put the letter away, her heart filled with complicated feelings. Three years later, his words came true, and she really did become a widow.

The man who had coveted her for years cornered her against the wall, closing in step by step.

Shang Qingyu's face burned. "Lu Jichuan, have you gone mad?"

The man's rough thumb brushed her rosy lips as he leaned close to her ear. "I've gone mad, so what?"

With nowhere left to run, Shang Qingyu steeled herself. If she was going to fall, then so be it.

Lu Jichuan: Bright moon, Zhaozhao; my heart yearns for you. That is what Zhaozhao truly means.

Blurb posted on 2023/6/20 and screenshotted.

Reading guide:

1. One-on-one romance; both leads are sexually inexperienced. The male lead is the younger brother of her first husband. There is some angst, so proceed with caution if that's not for you.

2. While the female lead is married to the second male lead, she always treats the male lead with propriety. Her feelings for her husband are familial affection, respect, and gratitude, and she remains faithful to her duties as a wife.

3. Set in an imaginary ancient era, with plenty of creative liberties. Please don't nitpick the history.

Theme: Persevere and learn to trust