The Chief Secretary's Husband-to-Be Insists on Marrying Me

Lu Qixing, the legitimate son of a duke, is the most spoiled young heir in the entire capital. His greatest ambition in life is to find a wife who shares his idea of having fun and spending their days eating, drinking, and waiting for death.

Mei Rangxue, the eldest son of the Chief Grand Secretary, is breathtakingly beautiful, and his talent is famous throughout the capital. Everyone says his future husband will surely be a promising man like his father, destined to rise swiftly through the ranks and soar to greatness.

Yet Mei Rangxue doesn't spare a glance for the scholars he passes on the street. He devotes himself to pursuing Lu Qixing instead.

When Lu Qixing goes to a tavern, Mei Rangxue disguises himself as a waiter to pour his wine.

When Lu Qixing attends a flower banquet, Mei Rangxue hides among the blossoms and suddenly pops out.

When Lu Qixing visits a pleasure house, Mei Rangxue follows him right into a courtesan's room.

Everyone in the capital says Mei Rangxue has lost his mind.

Lu Qixing thinks so too. Exasperated, he demands, "What is it you like about me? I'll change, all right?"

Mei Rangxue blushes. "I'll like you no matter what you're like."

Lu Qixing has always believed Mei Rangxue loves him beyond reason, so when his brother-in-law, the emperor, offers to arrange their marriage, he doesn't refuse.

Then one day, a friend stands him up, and he comes home early. He overhears Mei Rangxue proudly telling a close friend, "Everyone laughs at me for being foolish, for choosing a spoiled young heir instead of one of the talented young men out there. But those men would have to study all their lives and serve as officials all their lives just to reach the threshold of meeting this spoiled heir!"

Lu Qixing sees stars with rage and flies into a fury. "Mei Rangxue, you're dead! I've made up my mind. I'll study, take the imperial examinations, and become an official. I'll make you live a hard life!"

Mei Rangxue turns pale. "Husband, don't do anything rash!!!"

Theme: A life of striving