The Ning family and the Duke of Yan’s household had arranged a marriage between their children many years ago. The elders originally intended for the marriage to be given to Ning Yan’s elder sister.

However, after her elder sister came of age, she caught the attention of the Emperor’s third prince. The Emperor issued an imperial decree, marrying her to the Third Prince as his princess consort.

And so, the marriage originally intended for the Ning family’s eldest daughter ultimately fell to Ning Yan.

Ning Yan had grown up under the dazzling shadow of her elder sister. Everyone in the capital knew that the Third Miss of the Ning family was a quiet, unremarkable girl. Aside from her exceptionally beautiful appearance, she had little else that stood out.

After marriage, Ning Yan and Yan Ling were merely a couple in name.

Ning Yan knew that Yan Ling was still thinking about her elder sister. But it didn’t matter—she didn’t like Yan Ling either.

However, because the Duke of Yan’s household held considerable power, Ning Yan behaved properly in her husband’s household. She carefully served her husband, managed the household finances, respected her elders…

And, incidentally, she traveled far and wide collecting the best cooks she could find.

In Yan Ling’s eyes, the little wife he had been unwillingly forced to marry was gentle-tempered, extraordinarily beautiful, and took care of every little detail for him. She never dared to disobey him.

He naturally assumed that she must have feelings for him.

Until one day, during a banquet outside the imperial residence, he personally overheard her laughing and drinking happily with someone else.

> “What are you talking about? How could I possibly like that block of ice? The person I like is… a handsome young gentleman as graceful as jade…”

Yan Ling’s face turned livid.

From that moment on, he secretly began observing his little wife.

He discovered that…

She actually loved delicious food. She was a complete foodie.

She wasn’t quiet at all. Whenever she met someone she liked, she could talk endlessly.

She wasn’t gentle and submissive either. If she could solve something with her fists, she absolutely wouldn’t bother arguing with words.

…

And finally, he realized—

She had never liked him.

Tags / Themes

Historical / Ancient China

Imperial court & aristocratic families

Arranged marriage

Marriage first, love later

Pursuing his wife / husband chasing after wife

Slice-of-life household and family drama

Sweet romance

Feel-good / satisfying romance

1V1

Both leads are sexually inexperienced / faithful to each other

Stubborn but sincere male lead

Mutual love and pursuit

One-line description

[Completed] A cold, aloof heir who ends up chasing his wife after marriage.