Meng Wanying was born into humble circumstances. She had a childhood sweetheart, tall and straight-backed, with striking brows and bright eyes.
They were close in age, well matched in looks and character, and knew each other inside out. Their parents intended to unite the families through marriage. Though the two of them stumbled over their words, their feelings had long been mutual.
But just as both families happily prepared for the engagement, the Meng family became embroiled in a fatal lawsuit and faced enormous compensation payments. With no way out, the wealthy Zhan family of Yangzhou offered to pay to settle everything, on one condition: Meng Wanying had to marry into the Zhan family.
For the sake of her family's survival, Meng Wanying agreed.
*
On the day the Meng family ran into trouble, Chen Yu found Meng Wanying. He comforted her and promised that, even if he had to sell everything he owned, he would cover her family's debts. But as he argued with his parents about mortgaging their home and land, the Zhan family's wedding procession arrived at the Meng home in grand style.
Meng Wanying replied, "He's immensely wealthy. Today, he can keep my family safe; tomorrow, he can give me a life of luxury. What can you offer?"
Afraid Chen Yu would keep pursuing her, she even slapped him.
On the day of her lavish wedding, Chen Yu was found by the Duke of Anguo's family in the capital. In an instant, he became a distinguished young lord. Five years later, when the old duke died, Chen Yu inherited his title and rose to the highest ranks of the court.
One day, an old case from Yangzhou was brought before the emperor. In court, he heard a familiar name: Zhan Yunqing. The notorious wastrel of Yangzhou all those years ago was her husband.
He calmly stepped forward and volunteered to investigate the case in the south.
*
In the main hall, the entire Zhan family bowed their heads to welcome the distinguished guest from the capital.
Chen Yu stood proudly and pointed to a corner. Everyone exchanged bewildered, uncertain glances.
"Long time no see, Madam Zhan."
Theme: True love is worth more than gold
My Late Husband's Brother Has His Eye on Me
I Mistook You for Someone Else and Cast You Aside
A Longing for Spring Mountains
The Princess and the Slave
His Runaway Maid
The Regretful Young Master
My Husband Once Threatened to Divorce Me
She Made Him Bow
Madam Has Nowhere to Run
The Great General Had His Eye on Me All Along
After I Was Ordered to Marry the Stern General