CompletedSynopsis: Soft and Cunning VS High and Mighty.
Xue Zhiying did not want to be sent to Prince Lin'an, who was past his prime, as a concubine. Alone in the Xiao residence, she had no family or support.
Thus, she set her sights on the Xiao family's eldest son, Xiao Yunqi. If she could form a connection with him, with his protection, she would no longer suffer this plight. After enticing him and gaining some benefits, she would then have the means to leave the Xiao family entirely.
However, this was no easy task. Xiao Yunqi was cold and ascetic, aloof from women; no matter how she tried to provoke him, he remained unmoved.
At her wit's end, she threw caution to the wind and decided to forcefully take him. Unexpectedly, the most unlikely method surprisingly succeeded with ease.
***
Xiao Yunqi came from a prominent family, unparalleled in the capital, with exceptional talent in all six arts. His contributions to the nation were lauded; the court and commoners alike praised him as a peerless national scholar.
His graceful demeanor captivated the noble ladies of the capital. He had no interest in romance, finding it rather boring.
This was until the quietly unremarkable young lady from his residence suddenly became exceptionally charming and entangled herself with him.
In his view, her tricks were quite clumsy. She was also incredibly bold, unresponsive to reason, and always took an inch when given a foot. Perhaps the only genuine thing was her deep and persistent love for him, so full that it seemed to overflow.
Who knew that when he went out for official business, she would pack her bags and run away? Only the servants, completely unaware of their secret relationship during that time, told him with blank faces, "The young lady left the residence a month ago, saying she was returning to her hometown for an arranged marriage. She shouldn't be coming back."
Xiao Yunqi's expression froze, then turned gloomy, a chilling aura enveloping him. She was... going to have an arranged marriage with someone else? Very good.
Sweet-talking and coaxing him, obediently and gently catering to him. In the end, she deceived his body and heart, and even dared to marry someone else. When he caught her, he would settle this score with her properly.
***
Later, Xiao Yunqi repeatedly heard reports from his attendants. "Master, bad news, the young lady ran away again." "Master, the young lady ran away again, again." "The young lady..."
The man, vexed and heartbroken, lifted his eyes sharply. "...Master, your wife ran away again, again, again."