part1
"Little sister, let me have this marriage."
Standing before their grandfather, Shen Mudan spoke casually as if merely commenting on the fine weather. In her hand was the marriage contract between me and Young Lord Zhao Ming. The ink had barely dried, yet she rolled it up carelessly and tucked it into her sleeve.
Seated in the grand armchair, Grandfather paused slightly with his teacup in hand. His dim old eyes swept over me then settled on Shen Mudan, softening into the indulgent smile I had seen countless times. "Does Mudan fancy the young lord?"
"Grandfather." Shen Mudan stamped her foot coquettishly, casting me a sidelong glance filled with haughty disdain. "Tanxiang is but a concubine’s daughter. How could she ever be worthy of him? Though his household is humble, he bears royal blood, a matter concerning imperial dignity. If our Shen family weds a concubine-born girl to him, we shall become a laughingstock to all."
She spoke slowly and steadily, sounding utterly righteous as if safeguarding the family honor, not stealing another’s betrothal.
I stood silently with my head lowered.
Fine silver charcoal burned warmly in the hall, yet my fingertips turned icy cold. This marriage contract had been secured by my late mother with her last shreds of dignity. She had told me: "Tanxiang, though born of a concubine, your father is Grandfather’s own son—you are no inferior. The young lord’s home may lack wealth, but he is upright and noble. Marry him and live peacefully, and I shall rest easy in the afterlife."
She had been bedridden with illness when she said this, worn down completely. In a household like the Shen clan, wives of secondary branches could not even seek medical treatment without pleasing the main wife.
I took a deep breath and slowly lifted my head.
"If elder sister wants it, take it."
My tone was unnervingly calm. Shen Mudan had not expected me to yield so readily and froze for a moment before breaking into a triumphant smile.
"You are indeed sensible, little sister." She turned sweetly to Grandfather. "See, Grandfather, Tanxiang agrees willingly."
Grandfather set down his teacup and glanced at me. For a fleeting moment his gaze held tangled emotions, which soon faded into relief—relief at Shen Mudan’s propriety and my obedience.
"So be it. We shall follow Mudan’s wish." He waved his hand. "Tanxiang, your elder sister was once betrothed to the General’s Manor, to Gu Lin… You shall take her place."
Shen Mudan nearly burst out laughing. Her maid Chunxing covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with undisguised mockery.
I knew exactly what they were laughing at.
Gu Lin, the mighty Northern Border General, commanded thirty thousand frontier troops at a young age with extraordinary military feats. Yet the entire capital knew his notorious flaw—he was said to bring misfortune upon his wives.