To avoid marrying an emperor over fifty, Xi Jun married a stranger.
At first, the man refused with all his might. Xi Jun used his debt of gratitude against him. "My fiance saved your life, but he's injured and can't come. What's wrong with you standing in for him and marrying me? Besides, it'll only be a fake marriage. Once he's recovered and comes back, I'll be a top scholar's wife, you'll marry your childhood sweetheart, and we'll pretend we've never met."
The man lowered his eyes, looking hesitant.
Xi Jun quickly tried to intimidate him. "You're an outsider without travel papers, and you look just like a wanted criminal. Who knows, you might be a notorious bandit. If you won't help me, I'll shout..."
The man clapped a hand over her mouth just in time, gritting his teeth. "I'll help you, but you can't bother me again afterward, and I won't be responsible for you."
Overjoyed, Xi Jun swore to heaven: a fake marriage, no strings attached.
They even drew up the contract. But later, the man tore it up and swallowed it right in front of her. "I was the one who bowed with you at the wedding. I was the one who tied our hair together. You are now my wife, Zhao Xu's wife, and mistress of the Eastern Palace. Whose wife are you planning to be instead?"
[Fictional Song dynasty setting, 1v1, both leads are each other's first and only partner]
Theme: Recognize your true heart and walk the road ahead together
