Born into the world of purchased concubines, Wu Niang had spent her life looking up at others.
Xie Tingjin was the most powerful man she had ever met.
At that banquet, she stole Yaofang's chance and rode the momentum all the way to Shengjing with Xie Tingjin.
A bustling city, a glittering world of wealth and fame, crowded with the powerful.
Wu Niang was settled in a separate estate, where summer ice and autumn crabs never ran out.
Blinded by his favor, she let herself grow presumptuous. "Would my lord ever marry me?"
At the time, Xie Tingjin was expressionlessly stuffing grapes into her bulging breast wrap.
The man had black hair and ink-dark eyes. He glanced at her. "Is a three-thousand-acre estate not enough for you?"
A chill spread across her chest. Wu Niang's slender neck was forced back, and she smiled with crescent eyes. The moon shone in them, damp and luminous.
Half a month later...
The estate caught fire. A thousand acres burned to the ground and turned to ash.
The woman kept hidden there was never found, not even a single bone.
It was said that the Northern Pacification Office searched every corner of the capital, all to find the woman Xie kept outside his household.
The chrysanthemums were in bloom, and the Duke of Rong's estate was hosting a banquet.
The young men and women had gathered in the garden, chatting merrily, and inevitably the latest news from the capital came up.
"Affection that comes too late is worth less than grass."
A woman with the dazzling beauty of a peony was painting chrysanthemums. Her tone was calm as she made the remark.
"Brother Xie, you're finally here! Come meet the third young lady of the Rong family!"
A friend beckoned him over.
Wu Niang looked up and saw a tall, quiet figure standing by the moon gate. No one knew how long he'd been there, but his heavy gaze was fixed on her.
The friend turned to Wu Niang and teased, "That's the Northern Pacification Commissioner. The one you were just insulting, hahaha..."
Wu Niang smiled, set down her brush, and gracefully curtseyed in greeting.
"Ming Cheng greets Your Excellency Xie. May you enjoy every blessing."
Xie Tingjin clenched the hand at his side until his bones ached.
Later on,
Wu Niang no longer wanted the place of wife that he hadn't offered her that night.
Theme: Stay true to yourself
Rich Wine, Lush Spring (Reborn)
When Spring Blossoms
A Kiss with You Today
Who Stole My God of Wealth?!
Medium Rare
He's So Fierce
Who Picked My Peach Blossom?!
Wine in Every Home Along the Year-End Streets
Record of Flowing Splendor
When Oranges Turn Gold and Green
After Dad Married Me Into a Wealthy Family
Wealthy Matriarch, Online Tutor