After a Tryst with My Fiancé's Older Brother

Commandery Princess Rouyi grew up in the palace, cherished by everyone from an early age. Raised in luxury, she was soft and delicate, as pure as snow. Before she came of age, her uncle the emperor arranged her marriage to the second son of the Pingyang Marquis household.

The second son was young and handsome, and he had once saved her life. He was the hero in Rouyi's heart. She eagerly awaited her wedding day, never expecting an accident to change everything.

She fell from a cliff at the hunting grounds. Though she was lucky enough to escape injury, a strange snake bit her.

Feverish and delirious with desire, Rouyi thought she was about to die and rushed toward a tall figure to beg for help.

The man covered her eyes with a soft silk ribbon. She didn't know who he was. She only heard his hot, hoarse voice, edged with a trace of coolness: "Your Highness, forgive this transgression..."

When Rouyi awoke, she felt as if the sky had fallen. But she couldn't bear to give up her hero, and after much agonizing, she chose to marry as planned.

Married life was nothing like Rouyi had hoped. The hero she had loved did not forgive her infidelity. He despised her and treated her coldly, never once smiling at her again.

When she was in pain, it was her fiance's older brother who helped and comforted her.

He was the youngest scholar-general at court, a favorite of the emperor, and the future head of the marquis household. Tall and handsome, gentle and steady, he was always there when she needed him, offering just the right measure of support and care.

In Rouyi's heart, she respected him as dearly as she would her own older brother.

Then one day, her husband's older brother fell ill, and Rouyi went to visit him.

His jade-like face was flushed with fever, his breath hot and his voice hoarse. Yet he remained gentle and composed. After a fit of unrestrained coughing, he even apologized politely to Rouyi: "Your Highness, forgive this transgression..."

Rouyi was struck as if by lightning.

Note: Both leads are sexually inexperienced. The heroine was bitten in a freak accident. The hero really did save her, though he had his own motives. Years of secret love, a long game, and the most discreet pursuit by force.

Theme: After accidents and setbacks, do your best not to let life get any worse