Gathering Fragrance

Xiao Subai was the second son of Marquis Xiao. Gloomy, cruel, overbearing, and volatile, he was a rabid dog whom everyone hated.

In the first month of the year, he returned to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. A local wealthy merchant invited him to a banquet, where he happened to catch sight of the merchant's wife, a pretty little thing who was simple and honest. What a pity she was mute, unable to speak, her head bowed like a timid victim.

Xiao Subai fell for her at first sight. After using every means at his disposal, he finally abducted her by force. The beauty was slow-witted, and after his interest wore off, he found her boring. His family also refused to let him bring her into the residence, so he casually settled her somewhere outside, treating her as a mere amusement.

Later, the Xiao family was convicted of a crime. He alone among the dissolute young masters was allowed to live, sentenced to exile a thousand miles away.

When Xiao Subai lay filthy on a cart with a burning fever, about to be thrown to the dogs, his old friends avoided him. But the beauty he had never taken seriously sold all her possessions, bribed the guards to get him treated, and tucked a stack of hot, fresh flatbreads into his arms.

Xiao Subai had been so arrogant and contemptuous that he had never wanted to understand her. Naturally, he could not understand her hand signs either. He thought himself vile and low, and did not dare ask her to stay. With red-rimmed eyes, he watched her walk away and secretly vowed that one day he would return.

Five years later, rebel forces trampled Luojing. The exiled son of Marquis Xiao ascended the throne as emperor. But no one knew that the new emperor spent his nights alone in his palace, kneeling beside a young woman in an ordinary home, wrapping his arms around her slender waist as he pleaded tenderly, "I'll be careful. Your fiance won't find out. Don't send me away."

He was willing to be her secret lover, kept out of sight.

A dark, obsessive stalker type x an honest heroine

Content warning: The male lead forcibly takes a married woman early on, then becomes a homewrecker out of love later.

Theme: Love and peace