The Charming Young Lady of the Inner Chambers

Qing Niang is a sickly beauty, unloved by both her father and her mother. One day, a refugee from the village actually comes to ask for her hand in marriage. He’s strong and sturdy, with thighs thicker than Qing Niang’s waist. The village aunties all say she won’t survive if she marries him. But Qing Niang never expected that the refugee wouldn’t bully her at all. Instead...

The weather was bitterly cold. While washing dishes, Qing Niang couldn’t help adding some hot water.

“What are you doing?” the man snapped beside her, making Qing Niang jump. “I’m sorry. I won’t add hot water next time.”

That wasn’t what he meant. The man fell silent for a moment, then softened his voice and told her, “I mean, leave them there. I’ll wash them.”