My Former Fiancé Came to Propose

Dou Linghe's father holds the post of Right Vice Director of the Secretariat, and her mother is a daughter of a military family. She has a wealthy home and doting elders. Her life is practically perfect, except for a fiancé she's never met.

She wasn't originally from this era. Even after living another life, the prospect of marriage being arranged for her felt like a bolt from the blue. A blind marriage, with no say in the matter? Absolutely not.

She heard that her fiancé was the legitimate son of the Lanling Xiao clan, outstanding in both learning and appearance. He had entered the Dao at a young age and kept his distance from women. Though still young, he had earned the emperor's favor. Everyone said he was destined to soar to great heights, with a limitless future.

All the young ladies of Chang'an envied her, but Xiao Jing had been engaged to her for years without sending Dou Linghe so much as a single word. They had never even met.

When Xiao Jing finally came to visit of his own accord, it was to break off the engagement.

"Your daughter is in the bloom of youth and beauty, and of noble birth. I am but a humble Daoist with no official standing, truly unworthy of entrusting my life to her."

The husband she was about to get had slipped through her fingers. Outsiders either pitied her or laughed at her, but Dou Linghe was utterly relieved. At last, she could live freely and continue the lifestyle she'd had in her previous life: that of a single woman.

However, when her former fiancé came again, it was to ask for her hand in marriage.

Dou Linghe listened to his request from behind a gauze curtain, then smiled faintly. "Our families are not well matched. Your family is too distinguished, Daoist. I am but a poor girl, and could never aspire to marry into it."

Then she added, "The other day, at your monastery, I saw a young gentleman talking with you. I felt an immediate connection with him. Would you be willing to introduce us?"

Set in an alternate Tang dynasty.

You could call it a chase-your-wife-to-the-crematorium story (???).

Theme: Repay kindness and improve your moral character.