A Trial Marriage in Ancient Times

Reborn as a country girl in ancient times, I find myself in a rundown home, dirt-poor. My greedy, heartless sister-in-law and my honest but spineless brother insist I become a concubine. No arguments allowed. So I find a scholar to take my place. If he's got potential, we can work together to build a better life. But if he's useless, I'll make sure to protect myself with a contract.

Would you rather be a rich man's concubine or a poor man's wife?

My sister-in-law says, “That scholar Li is so poor he can barely scrape by. Not only will you suffer with him, but if times get tough, he'll pawn you off.”

My brother says, “Your sister-in-law is right!”

My sister-in-law says, “Marry into the Zhang family, and you'll never have to worry about food or clothes. You'll live in comfort.”

My brother says, “Your sister-in-law is right!”

Lin Lan: “Scholar Li, let's make a deal. If you pass the highest imperial exam within three years, I'll deign to be your wife. If you don't, we'll go our separate ways.”

Li Mingyun: “Miss, are you trying to use me?”

Lin Lan: “So, are you willing?”

Li Mingyun: “I hope you won't go back on your word.”

Go back on my word? Like hell. With nowhere else to turn, whether it's a luxury cruise or a rickety pirate ship, I'll climb aboard first and ask questions later. Besides, I have a contract. Uh... this really is a pirate ship! Scholar, I want to cancel our deal...