Joy Brings a Smile

In Jiangzhou, everyone envied Jiang Lingyi, the young daughter of the provincial governor. She was breathtakingly beautiful, adored by her elders, and engaged to the second son of the Duke of Dingguo's household in the capital.

In the third year of Changning, the governor's wife and her brother took Jiang Lingyi to the capital, where they temporarily stayed at the Duke of Dingguo's residence, intending for the young couple to marry.

Only then did Jiang Lingyi discover that her second cousin was handsome on the outside but, in reality, a debauched wastrel. He not only kept women at his side every day, but even brought his favorite mistress before her.

The young woman was so infuriated by his shamelessness that she laughed. Yet everyone around her urged her to endure it and show the magnanimity of a proper wife.

With no other choice, Jiang Lingyi turned her attention to her eldest cousin, Xie Huaizhi, who had entered government service at a young age and was as pure and graceful as the moon. She could only hope that, for the sake of their familial bond, he would help her break off the engagement.

To that end, Jiang Lingyi diligently brought him tea and pastries every day.

At first, Xie Huaizhi paid her no mind. Gradually, his expression began to turn peculiar.

At last, one day, Xie Huaizhi took her by the wrist, his gaze full of scrutiny. "Cousin, do you know what you're doing?"

Later, Jiang Lingyi succeeded in breaking off her engagement. She packed her things that very night and went to thank her eldest cousin.

In the study, the slender young woman gracefully curtsied before him.

"Thank you, eldest cousin, for helping me. There's one more thing I'd like to ask of you. I hope you'll agree."

Xie Huaizhi chuckled. "I'll give you the position of my principal wife."

The young woman grew even more demure, her voice soft and gentle. "I know my station is lowly and that I'm not worthy of you, eldest cousin. I hope you'll let me leave and allow me to marry whomever I wish back in Jiangzhou."

Xie Huaizhi, usually so composed and unruffled, changed expression and sneered. "You led me on, and now you want to seduce me and abandon me?"

Later still, Jiang Lingyi touched her slightly rounded belly. Where was the upright gentleman he'd promised to be?

[Blurb written on 2024.10.30]

Note: A sweet romance in a fictional setting.

The leads are cousins by marriage, not blood.

Both leads are sexually inexperienced. Weibo: @Jinjiang Qiao Yan

Theme: Love may be separated by mountains and seas, but mountains and seas can be overcome