A Captivating Face

After her husband passed the imperial examinations and became the top scholar, he brought a woman home.

He took her side and protected her, claiming it was all to repay a debt of gratitude.

At first, Qiao Qianyun thought that as his wife, she and the woman ought to get along.

But later, he made her suffer one grievance after another.

He said, "Qianqian has suffered so much over the years. You should be more understanding of her."

Qiao Qianyun gazed at him, finding him a stranger.

Fine. If he wanted her to give way, she would.

She would give him up, too.

Later, rain fell along the long street.

On her wedding day to the Grand Chancellor, she saw a man ride toward her at full gallop.

He fell to his knees, shattering the doorstep, and regretted everything.

"Qianyun, please come back to me."

Qiao Qianyun leaned gently against the Grand Chancellor. "My lord, what do you think of this..."

The man at her side drew her into his arms and moved her out of the way, the sharpness in his eyes softening into tenderness.

"You're carrying a child now. Take it slowly."