While searching for her family, Wen Xi unexpectedly lost her memory. A woman traveling with her by boat had once quarreled with her and had been looking for a chance to get revenge. Seeing that Wen Xi had amnesia, she made up a story that Wen Xi was going to the capital to find her husband. She even secretly slipped a portrait of the capital's most fearsome official into Wen Xi's luggage, waiting to laugh at her once they returned to the city.
As soon as Wen Xi stepped ashore, she caught sight of the man in the portrait. She really did have a husband, otherwise why would he be waiting for her here?
Her husband had brows like inked paintings and sideburns sharp as blades. He was gentle and considerate toward her, and honest and upright in character. What more could she ask for than such a good husband?
While investigating a case at the docks, Xie Jin met a young woman holding a portrait. Beaming, she asked him, "Are you my husband?"
The young woman was soft and sweet, even her every strand of hair was just the way he liked it. For the first time in his life, he lied to a woman. "I am!"
After spending days inseparable from Xie Jin, Wen Xi suddenly remembered everything. Everyone in the household had been deceiving her all this time, and the chief culprit still wanted to carry on this ill-fated relationship built on a lie.
Since they had never been formally betrothed, she had no desire to stay by Xie Jin's side, living in this vague and uncertain arrangement. She left him a letter and walked out of the residence without a second thought.
That night, Xie Jin turned the capital upside down, but still couldn't find her.
Meanwhile, Wen Xi found her uncle, and settled into a quiet, leisurely life.
Then one day, her uncle nervously ushered someone through the door. Only then did Wen Xi realize that she had provoked someone she should never have crossed. Their relationship couldn't be ended with a farewell letter. The Xie Jin she had thought gentle and considerate was, in truth, the capital's most ruthless official, infamous for his cruel methods of punishment.
She was prepared for Xie Jin to take revenge. No matter what, she would never give in.
When they met again, Xie Jin spoke softly by her ear, just as he had before. "As long as you're willing to come back with me and obediently be my wife, I'll do anything you ask."
"Impossible."
"Then I'll stay here and marry into the Wen family."
"Not even as a watchdog."
He stormed out in a rage, but Wen Xi didn't know that outside, the man's eyes were red. Even with fury filling his heart, he couldn't bring himself to be harsh with her.
Xie Jin had never expected one lie to leave him bowing to her for the rest of his life. At first, he had simply been smitten by her looks. How had he ended up giving her his heart, too?
Theme: When things don't go as hoped, Heaven must have another plan.
