[Currently drafting, expected to launch in November]
Pretend marriage turns real / married first, love later
After her parents died young, Ye Qingzhi took her younger siblings to seek refuge with their maternal relatives, the Pingwei Marquis's household in the distant capital. Knowing how little power she had, all she wanted was to raise her brother and sister in peace.
Who would have thought her maternal grandmother would plan to marry her off as a concubine to one of her cousins in the household? Looking at all the cousins in the marquis's residence, who did nothing but revel in pleasure and shun ambition, she turned her attention to Meng Zhiyuan, the tutor at the estate.
Though Meng Zhiyuan came from humble origins, he was upright, proper, and self-disciplined. Ye Qingzhi made a gentleman's agreement with him: they would marry in name only, then part ways once they had each achieved their goals.
Two years later, Meng Zhiyuan passed the highest imperial exam and became a rising star at court. Ye Qingzhi had also established herself in the capital. As the day of their agreement drew near, she sat in her study writing a divorce agreement.
Suddenly, a man's strong body pressed against her back. Meng Zhiyuan wrapped his arms around her. The dignified and steady top scholar, who was always so composed in public, now leaned against her neck, his breath scorching, just as it had been the night before.
"Qingqing, we're not getting divorced."
*
Hoping to live in peace and focus on the imperial examinations, Meng Zhiyuan entered into a marriage contract with the Pingwei Marquis's lovely, graceful, and tender young cousin.
After they married, Ye Qingzhi kept her promise. In public, she was gentle and considerate, playing the part of a loving wife with him. In private, she kept a clear line between them and never crossed it.
But as the contract's end drew near, Meng Zhiyuan, who had always kept his word, found himself contemplating breaking a promise for the first time in his life.
Note: One-on-one romance, happy ending; alternate setting, with a mountain of original worldbuilding.
Theme: Stay optimistic about life
