The Rise of a Powerful Minister

Before Imperial Censor Tang was sentenced to have his entire family executed, he used the last of his strength to entrust his five-year-old daughter to the Chu family of the Marquis's estate.

Back then, Chu Yannu was only eight. He thumped his chest and promised his uncle that he would take good care of his cousin and be responsible for her for the rest of her life.

More than ten years later, the little girl whose parents had both died had blossomed into a beauty, with skin like snow and a delicate, ethereal grace, so lovely she seemed almost otherworldly.

Chu Yannu doted on her: he gave her the finest clothes, bought her the most expensive jewelry, and supplied her with more makeup than she could use. He had never even spoken a harsh word to her.

Everyone assumed they would marry once they came of age, and Tang Xinuannuan thought so too.

Recently, the household began making arrangements for Chu Yannu's marriage.

The whole estate was decked out with lanterns and decorations, brimming with festive cheer. Tang Xinuannuan even took out her wedding dress to try it on. She would soon become her cousin's bride, and she was sure she was the happiest woman in the world.

But when she brought him some pastries, she accidentally overheard him telling his family, "The Wei family's daughter is dignified and well-mannered. She is just right to be the mistress of this marquis's estate."

"What about Cousin Tang?"

"As the daughter of a convicted official, she should be grateful to become a concubine!"

Tang Xinuannuan accidentally dropped the pastries in her hands. In tears, she picked them up one by one.

Tang Xinuannuan neither cried nor made a fuss. She ate her meals on time, took her walks on time, and spent her free time shut away in the study, drawing and painting.

And so it continued until Chu Yannu's wedding day.

She smiled gently as she congratulated her cousin on gaining a wife, wishing them a lifetime together and a harmonious marriage.

The day after the wedding, Chu Yannu did not see his cousin. He assumed she was still sulking.

He thought, The girl has been spoiled too much. It might do her good to learn a lesson.

On the third day after the wedding, Chu Yan still had not seen his cousin. He was sure the girl would not be able to hold out until evening before coming to him to act sweet and seek comfort.

He had spent two nights with his new wife, so he had indeed neglected his cousin a little.

But that night, he still did not see the soft and sweet little girl.

On the fourth day, his mother suddenly told him, "Nuannuan is gone. She won't be coming back. Forget her!"

Fire flashed in Chu Yannu's eyes. He held it in, then suddenly burst out laughing. How dare she!

"Guards! Search the whole city. Tear up every inch of ground if you have to, but find her!"

The young cousin who had been pampered by the marquis's household for more than ten years had run away on Chu Yannu's wedding night.

He had thought she could not live without him: he could gain the support of the Duke of Wei's family and still keep his gentle, beautiful cousin by his side.

But she seemed to have sprouted wings and flown away. No matter how thoroughly he turned the capital upside down, he could not find her.

The current Regent, Zhou Chuanxing, was decisive and ruthless, a cruel and vicious monster who knew nothing of tenderness.

Everyone thought he would live and die alone.

Chu Yannu thought so too.

Until one day, while on an errand at the Hall of Diligent Governance, he saw Zhou Chuanxing carrying a woman in his arms. The woman was clearly dissatisfied. "Second Brother, that's not how you hold me!" Zhou Chuanxing not only set her down with gentle affection, he even changed the way he carried her.

Chu Yannu's eyes immediately reddened. That was the cousin he had nearly turned the capital upside down trying to find!

Reader's Note: The female lead is a virgin; the male lead is not.

Coming soon: After Taking on Two Branches of the Family, My Husband Came Home. Please add it to your reading list.

The day after Xinyuan married into the Duke's estate, her husband left for war under orders.

Three years later, news came that he had defected.

The Duke's estate was stripped of its title.

They became traitors, cursed by everyone.

The second son of the Duke's family was forced to break off his engagement. Fearing the family would have no heir, her mother-in-law pressured Xinyuan to bear heirs for both branches of the family.

After she successfully gave birth to a baby boy, her husband, the one who had defected...

Came back.

Theme: Keep striving, and you will see the rainbow.