My Late Husband Helped Me Rise to the Clouds

[The story starts by explaining why the female lead closed her shop. The male lead appears in Chapter 2.]

After closing her shop, Su Heling only wanted to live a quiet, steady life. So she compromised and found herself a handsome, eight-foot-tall young man who was articulate, hardworking, talented, and devoted, then married him.

During their marriage, her husband had ample resources. They didn't live in luxury, but they were never short of money.

He was mild-mannered. He wasn't particularly passionate, but he was always considerate.

Their relationship was just right. They weren't overly passionate, but they were loving and intimate day and night.

Su Heling planned to reveal her wealthy identity to him after a little while.

Unfortunately, her husband didn't have long to live. Not long after they married, he fell ill and died.

Su Heling lit three incense sticks for him, then got up and began sorting through his belongings and taking stock of his estate.

"What a hard life you had, dear husband... You never got to enjoy the good life I could have given you."

She brushed the dust from the gravestone and counted her banknotes with a sigh. Su Heling, formerly a wealthy merchant of Yangzhou, felt a pang of regret.

A small booklet fell out of her late husband's old clothes.

The elegant, upright handwriting was unmistakably his.

Even while ill, he had filled it with the preferences and weaknesses of important figures from the capital and every corner of the realm.

Especially the princes.

Their portraits, backgrounds, personalities, weaknesses, interests, shortcomings, where they would appear: every detail was recorded.

The gossip and secrets in it could bring down the entire Ning Dynasty.

Su Heling: eyes wide with shock.

After a long pause, she slipped the booklet into her lapel without changing her expression.

Husband, you really kept your cards close to your chest.

Whatever you did, now that you're dead, this good stuff belongs to me, right?

Be good.

I'll burn you extra spirit money. Then we'll both live well, in the underworld and the world of the living.

No, no, I'm not laughing. Really.

I love you very much.

-

In the capital, a beautiful young widow from Yangzhou appeared.

Though she came from humble beginnings, she had read widely, mastered the four arts, and spoke with such insight that she was a match for royalty.

The Second Prince said she was all alone, making a living in business, and yet she handled me with such ease. She's no ordinary woman.

The Third Prince thought of the beauty's fragrance day and night, and left her with a smile as they passed one another.

The Fourth Prince was astonished that anyone could understand him so well. Finding a kindred spirit like this was a blessing he could never have hoped for.

The Duke's heir, a young prince, court scholars... Every one of them thought she was extraordinary, took her for a confidante, and fought to become her lover! None of them cared that she was a widow!

The whole capital was abuzz, wondering who this widow could be.

Only the Crown Prince, Pei Huaiqian, was indifferent.

-

After encountering a military mutiny during a tour of inspection, Pei Huaiqian had concealed his identity and lived among the common people, seeking to uncover the truth. He investigated every important figure and compiled their details into a booklet, ready to seize the real culprit by the throat.

In the meantime, he got married. He and his wife were deeply in love, unable to bear a night apart.

The night before he had to fake his death and return to court, he stroked her hair and kissed her softly, murmuring that she shouldn't wait too long or grieve too much.

He resolved that he would ascend the throne soon and come back for her.

He left in too much of a hurry and forgot something. Pei Huaiqian didn't have time to retrieve it.

After returning to court, he heard about the matter amid his many duties. On his father's orders, he was to resolve the ridiculous dispute between his brothers over a widow.

Pei Huaiqian: What a bunch of bored idiots.

How could they do something so unfilial and unrighteous? Didn't they fear their father would look down on them? Only common fools would fight among themselves like this.

When he sat down to talk with his second brother, he kept an impassive expression.

Suddenly, a young woman wearing a veiled hat emerged from behind the curtain.

Her fragrance drifted over.

His second brother's eyes went wide.

Covering her mouth with a smile, the young woman said, "My husband died young, so I shouldn't stay here long. Farewell, Second Prince."

The aloof Crown Prince, as cold as an immortal, froze.

He stared blankly as she walked away.

The cup in his hand was almost crushed.

Your husband who died young is right here.

After learning the truth, Pei Huaiqian's face stayed livid all night: You took the booklet I left behind and used it for this!

The next night, he opened his eyes: So what if brothers fight? Let the most capable prevail. The one who isn't loved is the third party!

Su Heling smiled brightly: What's wrong with working toward my own future? Thanks for the guide my late husband left me. Ah, it's a shame you died so young. I still miss that face... that warm body...

[Little Bonus Scene]

Pei Huaiqian went to great lengths to show his face in front of Madam Su a few times.

At last, Madam Su spotted him among the crowd. Shock appeared on her face.

She parted the crowd and came over.

Pei Huaiqian turned his face away, jaw tense, heart racing, ready for their reunion.

Madam Su stammered, her eyes shining: "Young master, you look just like my late husband. Are you married? Shall we get to know each other?"

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I have plenty of money."

Pei Huaiqian: "..."

Could it be that his wife just liked men of his type?

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#After I "died," how many aloof young men did my wealthy wife actually make a move on?

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Theme: Work toward your own future