A Marriage of Power

Completed At her family’s arrangement, An Mingzhu became engaged to Chu Yan, the top scholar of this year’s imperial examinations. The Chancellor’s daughter marrying into a poor family was an obvious attempt to win and cultivate an ally. Each side would get what they wanted. But An Mingzhu was happy. A chance encounter long ago had left the image of that graceful, extraordinary young man lodged in her heart. Her wish came true, and she became a member of the Chu family. Her initial happiness slowly faded under Chu Yan’s distant words and cold expressions. Only belatedly did An Mingzhu realize that he had married her because he had no choice. Who could refuse the Chancellor’s power? A marriage without hope of happiness had become nothing but a bitter fruit binding them together. . The newly appointed Hanlin scholar Chu Yan was a pillar of talent. His abilities won him the emperor’s favor, and he never relied on his wife’s family. As his rank and influence grew, he began to look capable of standing against Chancellor An’s faction... That left An Mingzhu in an awkward position. On New Year’s Eve, the couple sat at the same table for once. An Mingzhu pushed an envelope toward Chu Yan. She had drunk a little, and her cheeks were flushed. A soft smile curved her lips. “I have been married to you for years, my lord, yet I still have no children. I feel deeply ashamed. Today, I ask to be released from this marriage.” Chu Yan’s expression did not change. Lowering his eyes, he saw a letter of separation lying on the table, written in graceful handwriting. “Madam is drunk.” He left after saying only that. She was a pawn planted by the Chancellor’s residence; he did not believe she would actually leave. One day, after court, Chu Yan returned home and found his wife gone. A servant told him she had left, leaving only a letter of separation behind. He chased her to the back alley, but it was empty, with no one in sight. He finally understood that she had truly gone. Chu Yan clenched his back teeth and tore the letter of separation to shreds, bit by bit. So what if they had no children? He would give her one! Theme: As long as there is light in your heart, there will be a road beneath your feet.