Wild Geese Depart

【Chasing His Wife / Hidden Identity / Marriage First, Love Later】

| Clear-minded, charming, and sunny heroine vs. cold, self-possessed, stubborn, and cunning male lead |

Lu Tingwan lived with her mother in Jiangling for seventeen years, where she mastered bookkeeping, makeup, gardening, and business skills.

When her mother passed away, her father brought her to the capital and tricked her into a substitute marriage, sending her to the estate of Cheng Xianz hi, a powerful official of the Great Lan dynasty.

Cheng Xianzhi was a favored minister personally promoted by the Great Lan Emperor to counterbalance the power of the imperial family's relatives. In less than five years, he had risen to the rank of Right Servant-in-Chief of the second grade, holding absolute power. It was rumored that Minister Cheng was aloof, indifferent, and decisive, yet this formidable minister also had a childhood sweetheart and "white moonlight" with whom he shared his wedding day, as both entered his manor on the same day.

Lu Tingwan was shrewd; to escape the inescapable situation in the capital, she willingly stepped into the scheme. On her wedding night, under the red candle light, she casually used her red veil as a cushion while meticulously counting her dowry, planning how to start a business outside, earn money, and then divorce him and run away.

***

Three months into the marriage, she had not once seen her husband. At the same time, a merchant named Jiang Yanli became famous in the capital for her exceptional business acumen.

During an assignment, Cheng Xianzhi unexpectedly encountered Lu Tingwan, who was disguised as a man and using a pseudonym. Facing the handsome and upright official, she introduced herself: "My name is Jiang Yanli." Later, Cheng Xianzhi was implicated in an investigation and found himself in trouble. Unaware that this person was her nominal husband, Lu Tingwan helped him provide evidence.

After that night, Cheng Xianzhi arrived at Yansheng Hall, where he confronted the happily counting money individual behind a screen, demanding, "Jiang Yanli? When did you become my manor's second madame?" Lu Tingwan's back stiffened as her identity was exposed. She decided to reach an agreement with him: once his objectives were met, he would give her a divorce letter and set her free. Cheng Xianzhi readily agreed: "Deal."

After helping Cheng Xianzhi secure his promotion, Lu Tingwan asked him to honor his promise of divorce. However, Cheng Xianzhi had already fallen deeply in love. Lu Tingwan then unexpectedly uncovered a shocking secret: Cheng Xianzhi’s "white moonlight" was a sham?

***

Later, Cheng Xianzhi saw her forgo sleep and meals to practice archery for someone else, observing silently and regretting his promise of divorce. When news of Lu Tingwan's impending divorce spread, countless men came to propose, nearly breaking down the Cheng family's threshold. Seeing the courtyard filled with betrothal gifts, Cheng Xianzhi gritted his teeth, "I'm not dead yet, and you're already arranging for the next one?"

Lu Tingwan ignored him. When his affection was disregarded, the uncontrollable emotions pushed him into darkness. Under the lonely moonlight, he could no longer hide his usual composure and climbed through Lu Tingwan's window onto her bed. He abruptly pulled her close, releasing his long-suppressed feelings, and forcefully kissed her. Lu Tingwan struggled against his grip and gave him a harsh slap.

Cheng Xianzhi flinched in pain, her scent lingering on his cheek, and pleaded bitterly, "A'wan? I am your rightful husband. If he can kiss you, why can't I?" He begged, "Stay. Please, stay for me?" Lu Tingwan closed her eyes and wept in his forceful embrace. Cheng Xianzhi tasted her salty tears and sobered up, enduring the stinging pain as he gently wiped away her tears. She absolutely refused!

—Wild geese flying south means return.

—Wild geese flying north means departure.

Reading Guide: 1. 1v1, SC. 2. Early on, the female lead's business ventures are central. She is clear-headed, dares to love and hate, with the romance developing mostly in the middle to late stages; there will be intense competition among suitors. 3. Fictional setting, government ranks draw inspiration from the Tang Dynasty, with many private settings.