Marrying the Scheming Third Prince

Ruan Li, the legitimate daughter of the prominent Ruan family in the capital, had cherry-red lips, a jade-like face, and beauty beyond compare.

Yet she had the temperament of a little dough ball, and was often bullied by her stepmother and half-sister, but never fought back.

Her father indulged her out of guilt, often sending servants to deliver money to her courtyard.

So when "Ruan Li" woke up one day, she found herself living the life of a rich woman with plenty to eat and drink.

Who could have guessed that after only a few days of comfort, she would accidentally shove the current emperor's Third Prince into the sea at a boat banquet, then make off with the jade pendant he always wore?

Fortunately, the Third Prince was born to wealth and nobility, and was kind to others. He didn't make a scene on the spot.

That night, Ruan Li dreamed of Fu Lanheng staring at her with eyes full of accusation.

"..."

It was an accident. Please let me off the hook.

-

After having bad luck every time they met, Ruan Li resolved to stay far away from Fu Lanheng.

But before she could, she accidentally flung the qilin jade pendant out of her sleeve pouch at a banquet.

Everyone knew the Third Prince always wore that pendant at his waist.

People said Ruan Li had ulterior motives: a merchant's daughter was actually trying to marry the Third Prince and climb the social ladder.

Fu Lanheng's brow twitched with a faint ache. This woman really was a jinx for him.

Still, he could only say, "I gave it to her."

-

On their wedding day, Ruan Li's face burned like fire. Stammering, she asked, "Y-Your Highness, are we really going to turn this fake act into reality?"

"What about you and me is fake?" Fu Lanheng paused, then smiled at her, amused by her. His fingertips brushed the side of her ear as he drew closer. "We should make it real."

Ruan Li was stunned. "M-Make what real?"

Fu Lanheng couldn't be bothered to explain. Without another word, he scooped her up and carried her behind the gauze curtains.

Theme: Bloom passionately and love life.