The Xiang family fell from grace, turning the once respected patriarch, Xiang Zhiyuan, from a noble official into a corrupt official everyone despised. Xiang Yi found herself responsible for her younger siblings and struggling to survive amidst the difficulties. ... more>>

In search of a way out, she sought out the old engagement with Tan Ting, the son of the prestigious Tan family, reviving the engagement and entering the Tan household herself.

This news spread, with everyone mocking the Xiang family's daughter for scheming and clinging onto the Tan family, disregarding her own dignity.

...

Tan Ting had never seen his engaged fiancée, who hailed from a corrupt official's family, until the day she came to his door with the marriage contract in hand.

Although Tan Ting didn't particularly like her, he promptly acknowledged the engagement.

Yet, they had nothing to say to each other.

He could only watch her as she followed the Tan family's strict rules for women, managing daily affairs, taking care of the family, and continuing their bloodline...

She never revealed her emotions, and he had no intention of probing.

He thought, as long as she wasn't as greedy and corrupt as her father, maybe they could continue this arrangement..

Until one day, he saw Xiang Yi laughing and chatting with others.

She was dressed plainly, without much jewelry, but her bright eyes shone with a gentle and soft light. She stood quietly among the crowd, clean and dazzling.

Tan Ting was momentarily stunned.

However, the gentle smile on her face disappeared abruptly when she caught sight of him... <<less

Deng Ruyun, a poor village girl, marries the youngest general of Xi’an Prefecture. Everyone says she must’ve struck gold—how else could someone like her land such a man?... more>>

She never explains. She just smiles.

Her husband is indeed outstanding—young, powerful, and dashing. She once admired him from afar, once blushed watching him return victorious on horseback. Yes, she once harbored a girl’s innocent affection for him.

Now, she is his wife. Envy surrounds her.

But when he returns from war, spotting her at first glance and striding toward her with shining eyes—She quietly steps back into the crowd.

Because this marriage is only a contract. He doesn’t know it, but when the deal ends, so will their bond. She’ll leave the divorce letter behind and disappear from his world without a trace.

Back then, she had nothing. Her grandmother was old, her aunt injured, and she was being hunted by a local bully. When the general’s mother came offering a three-year marriage contract in exchange for protection and a large sum of money—It was salvation.

And Deng Ruyun accepted without hesitation. <<less