*Dependent cousin × universally admired top scholar*
Su Ying arrives in the capital alone, seeking refuge with her aunt and taking up residence in a secluded wing of the prestigious Du household. She never intended to climb the ranks of the Du family, yet everyone assumes she’s scheming to bind herself to Du Heng—the brilliant scholar and heir apparent—as his future wife.
The matriarch’s face is cold as she declares, “In the Du family, we don’t marry cousins or distant relations!”
No one believes Su Ying’s real reason for coming: to escape her stepmother’s reckless matchmaking. She avoids Du Heng whenever possible, hoping that once he passes the imperial exams, her aunt will help her find a suitable match and send her off quickly.
But in the library, under the scrutiny of many eyes, a bookmark engraved with Du Heng’s name slips from her book.
“Why would the young lady have the gentleman’s personal item?”
Just as tongues begin to wag and Su Ying finds herself unable to explain, Du Heng steps forward, his tone calm: “I’ve been looking for that bookmark. I must have left it here. Thank you.”
Su Ying freezes. Before she can respond, the ever-proper young scholar adds: “I’ve always wanted to ask, Cousin—why do you treat me like a wild beast, avoiding me at every turn?”
