Marrying into Nobility

After backing the wrong political faction, the Duke of Dingguo's household fell out of favor with the Emperor. In a desperate bid to secure his family's survival, the Duke attempted to arrange a marriage between his daughter and Chu Hengjin, a rising star at court, but was firmly refused.

Not long after, the two were discovered together in a private chamber, having already crossed the line into physical intimacy. When the scandal reached the Emperor, Chu Hengjin was compelled to take responsibility and marry Jiang Jinyan of the Dingguo Duke's family.

Countless onlookers sneered at Jiang Jinyan and the ducal house. Given the long-standing grievances between Chu Hengjin and the Duke's family, did the Jiangs truly believe that resorting to underhanded tactics would win his allegiance?

Forced into the union by a calculated scheme, Chu Hengjin naturally felt no affection for his new wife. He viewed her as cut from the same cloth as her father: calculating, ruthless, and willing to stop at nothing to achieve her goals. He expected no emotional bond between them. As long as she caused no trouble, he would treat her as little more than a decorative fixture in his household.

Fortunately, his wife proved self-aware. She shed her former disagreeable temperament, meeting even deliberate provocation with composure rather than tears or scenes. At first, he defended her only out of duty to her status, but gradually, without realizing it, his heart softened. Pity gave way to genuine tenderness. With a wife so devoted to him, he began to believe they might one day achieve a harmonious marriage.

Later, after Jiang Jinyan met a close friend to discuss her plans to leave the Chu residence, she returned to find Chu Hengjin waiting. A dark, dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. A shattered teacup lay at his feet as he spoke in a calm voice, "Where exactly do you think you are going, Madam?"

She was his wife now. In life and in death, she belonged to the Chu family.