Perched on the Osmanthus Branch

Her father doesn't care for her, and her stepmother runs the household. What are the odds that Dong Xiangjun can find herself a good marriage?

So when her stepmother begged her, threatening to die if she refused, to marry her stepsister's intended in her place, a crippled top scholar, Dong Xiangjun sold herself to secure her younger brother a noble title.

To her surprise, the top scholar came knocking.

"My family has run into trouble, and we're about to fall. I'm planning to refuse the marriage. Prepare yourself for damage to your reputation. I'm doing this for your own good."

Dong Xiangjun: "???"

I sold myself for a reward, and now you're ruining my plans?

"I'm sorry. I've loved you deeply for ages, and admired you for a long time. If you won't marry me, I'll kill myself right in front of you."

The newly crippled top scholar: "???"