Time Abounds

[20250125] Not finished, and it went off track. I shouldn't have added this revenge subplot.

[Blurb updated]

*

Luo Yi was born to privilege, but was abducted by human traffickers and spent three years in their hands. She returned to the capital covered in filth, where the emperor took pity on her, made her a commandery princess, and arranged her marriage to Xue Heng, the young heir of the Cheng'en Marquis household.

Everyone knew that Xue Heng had a face like white jade and was upright in all he did. Though still young, he had already secured a place in the highest ranks. He was the ideal husband for many daughters of prominent families. Now, however, a little beggar picked up in the countryside had snatched him away. The capital was stunned.

After hearing so many mocking remarks, Luo Yi began to feel that she had stolen a blessing from everyone in the world, and became ever more convinced that this marriage was a rare gift.

Besides, Xue Heng saved her from danger time and again.

So even though he said he felt only the affection of a brother for her, she was content with that.

After they married, Luo Yi endured the cold stares and ridicule, gradually taking on the responsibilities of the marquis household's principal wife. From major affairs like ancestral rites and court audiences to minor matters like purchasing supplies for the estate, she managed everything with care and order. She had seen what a loving couple looked like. In the past, if her mother so much as furrowed her brow, her father would worry for days. Foolishly, she thought that if she became a good enough wife, her husband would treat her tenderly in return.

Then came the spring polo match. Xue Heng competed against her alongside another woman, won the brocade-cloud, winding-branch bow her late elder brother had forged for her, and turned around to give it to someone else.

Only then did she understand: even the most ardent and passionate feelings would eventually fade, like the spring tide or the stars, gone in an instant.

She had underestimated Xue Heng's indifference and overestimated her own happiness.

With a letter of separation, she granted his wish.

*

Everyone knew that the young Marquis Xue and the cousin Miss Bai were deeply attached to each other. But just as the two families were about to discuss a betrothal, Luo Yi, daughter of a great general, suddenly barged in. An imperial edict of marriage came down, separating the lovers.

Before the palace, Luo Yi passionately declared her love, saying she had admired Xue Heng since childhood and couldn't help herself. Relying on the emperor's favor, she seized the marriage for herself, throwing the Xue family of the Cheng'en Marquis household into turmoil. Then, once she had tired of it, she left a letter of separation and ran away.

Xue Heng gripped the letter, his brows drawn tight.

He knew it. Her declaration before the palace had been a lie, and so was her professed love. Luo Yi had only wanted to toy with him, watch him explode with anger and helplessness, then hide in a corner and laugh hysterically.

Xue Heng gritted his teeth, refusing to let anyone see so much as a crack in his composure.

But after several days, the unease in his heart only grew.

Where was she?

Didn't she want to see him flustered and helpless?

Why hadn't she come out yet?

[Tips]: The heroine has a revenge subplot / no rivalry between women, but plenty of men competing for the heroine / the hero has no lost first love. He liked the heroine from the beginning, but because of their age gap, he fears she's just messing around, so he keeps fooling himself about his own feelings. (Yes, when a clever person gets desperate, he can even fool himself.)

/ Happy ending / one true partner / the romance is mostly sweet, with a little groveling

Theme: May joy arrive with celebration, and may we follow our hearts.