The Top Scholar Is a LiveIn Husband

Help, who could have imagined that the handsome young scholar I faked my death to get rid of three years ago has now become the most popular imperial scholar, Xie Yan from Jinling, and he's come to steal my bride on our wedding day. Lord Xie, it was all a misunderstanding back then. If one is willing, one is devoted. I actually did it for... The fake death back then was a misunderstanding. I've been a government official for over a thousand nights. It was also a misunderstanding. My Shen family has only one son generation after generation; I must take you in as a soninlaw. With such great talent, if I bring you home as a soninlaw, it would ruin your career. Xie Yan. I did it to help you, so you just abandoned me? There's a husband who has been guarding an empty tomb alone. You're helping your family, not me. So what do you want? Don't you guys need a new imperial scholar as a soninlaw? But your money. You are my money. Chen Zhiyi, don't think you can steal again. If you're familiar, let go.

I'm Shen Zhiyi, the only descendant of the wealthiest family in Jiangnan. In the Great Yong Dynasty, it's natural for a woman to follow her husband after marriage, but in the Shen family, it's the opposite. The Shen family has had only daughters for three generations, and the hundredyearold estate relies entirely on the daughter. Marrying a soninlaw is a tradition passed down for a hundred years in the Shen mansion. Zhiyi, all the women in our Shen family must marry a soninlaw. You must find an outstanding one like your mother and grandmother. What if my husband wants to take the imperial exam and become an official? My dear child, once you become a soninlaw of the Shen family, you will have no chance of achieving fame or fortune. His only mission is to guard the divine mansion and protect your safety. Three years ago, I saved a poor scholar who fell off a cliff while I was staying in the countryside. His name was Xie Yan. Although he came from a poor family, he had a handsome appearance. Wake up. I admit, I was attracted by his looks. It's not that I fell in love with him at first sight. I hid my identity and lived with him as a couple for half a year in the mountains. Zhizhi, this silver hairpin is bought with my copying money. Once I pass the imperial exam, I'll definitely buy you the best gold hairpin. Anything you give me, I like. I don't want to be captured by your heart; just stay. I feel lonely in your arms. The warmth of your palm, when you inherit my position. I thought we could grow old together, but the letters from the divine mansion became more urgent with each one, and my parents were constantly urging me to return home to marry a soninlaw. Su Gui, Xie Yan was determined to pursue a career, but he remained in a low status and couldn't enter politics. So I staged a fake death, clearing the debt between us. My dear daughter, you're finally back. You've grown up so fast, it's time to bring in a soninlaw. Don't be sad, my daughter. I've already sorted out the top young talents in Jiangnan. Here's the list of potential soninlaws. Not again, the head of Wuyu Bureau, Shao Dong, whose ancestors were five top scholars. Look at his physique, marrying into our family will surely protect you well. His chest muscles are bigger than mine, and he eats three buckets of rice a day, I can't afford another. The only grandson of Master Wang, a great scholar in Jiangnan, a genuine scholarly family. Miss Shen. He looks like he's going to die before me, bad luck. No, no. The youngest son of the salt merchant Liu family in the capital, rich but poor in everything else. His father said, as long as you agree, he'll give you ten golden mountains as dowry, a strong alliance. Sister, do you want to touch this sixpack? I'm too smooth, my eyes can't even lift up. What a misshapen, lopsided person, not even as good as Xie Yan's hair. My dear daughter, what did you say? I didn't say anything, I'm not satisfied. You're too vulgar.

Hey, Aunt Zhiyi, you're back. Aunt Zhiyi, you haven't chosen a soninlaw in two years. Your standards are too high. When did the matters of the main house become your concern? You're just a branch family, what do you know? Although my father was adopted by Grandfather, I have a son. My son is the only male heir of the Shen family. The late grandmother's will clearly statedif the main house doesn't find a soninlaw within three years, the position of the family matriarch would go to the second house. Aunt, why don't you hand over the key to the Shen family vault today? Shen Jiao, don't dream. Even if I picked up a beggar from the street tomorrow and made him my soninlaw, it wouldn't be you who gets to touch the Shen family. You'd better make good on your words. Tomorrow, let's see where you can find a soninlaw. It means that your parents were useless and couldn't find a soninlaw worthy of you. I know you've been suffering, and you don't want to settle for anything less. Mother. Your father and I have already discussed it. If they want the family leadership, let them have it. Mother, this is the hundredyearold estate of the Shen family. Even if the estate is important, it's not more important than my daughter. This is the promissory note, private house, and land deeds we saved for you. Even without being the head of the Shen family, you'll have enough wealth and freedom for the rest of your life. Mother married your father because she loved him. If I had to let my beloved daughter marry a man she doesn't love, I'd rather see the Shen family destroyed by my own hands. If I just take the money and leave, would the second uncle give your father and me any chance to live? I once gave up the person I loved most, so how could I not give up my freedom now? Mother, Father, we cannot let go of the family leadership. But Zhiyi, isn't tomorrow a lucky day? Father, let's set up a platform and throw a silk ball for marriage. Whoever is hit by it will be my soninlaw, Shen Zhiyi. Okay, Father. Let's go do it right away. Father promises you, the people coming tomorrow will all be personally checked by me and Mother, the best young men in the city. The best ones are still not him. Madam, I told you that using a strategy of retreating would work. Stop talking, go arrange the people under the platform. They must have clean family backgrounds, good looks, and gentle personalities that are easy to control. Especially Li's younger son, he's fairskinned and knows medicine. Let him stand in the front row tomorrow. Don't worry, Madam. Tomorrow, we'll definitely bring back a perfect soninlaw for our daughter. Announce the new top scholar, Xie Yanjin. This young man is no ordinary person. If he could be my soninlaw, forget it. Haven't you heard? This new top scholar is a government official. It's said he's very devoted to his wife and even carries her portrait with him while traveling for exams. Minister Xie Yan greets the Emperor. Good! Our country has finally produced a top scholar who won all three exams. I'm delighted to have such a talented man, and I should reward him greatly. I heard you don't have a formal wife yet. The Princess Anping is very fond of you. I plan to marry her to you. What do you think, Your Majesty? I sincerely thank Your Majesty's kindness, but I cannot marry the princess.

Why is a mere official only thinking of Wang Xi? Moreover, the law states that the imperial soninlaw cannot enter the cabinet. I have studied for ten years, hoping to become a sharp sword in your majesty's hand. Please grant my wish. Ha ha, what a sharp sword! I approve. Your majesty is wise. A good man should serve the country. People, present the gold horse and white saddle to the top scholar, and let him ride through the street immediately. I receive your decree. Miss, today is really a good day. Not only is the Shen family going to throw the bouquet, but the new top scholar will also ride through the street today. I heard that this top scholar is very handsome, and his name is also nice. It seems like... What's the name of Xie Yan? Xie Yan. Although Xie Yan comes from a poor family and has full of knowledge, he can't even afford to eat. He couldn't afford the travel expenses and bribes, how could he possibly become a top scholar? Never mind, there are so many people with the same name and surname in the world. After three years, I should let go of him. Miss, are you still wearing your most treasured silver hairpin today? Oh, my dear sister, on this happy day, why are you still wearing this old silver hairpin bought from the countryside? This broken copper and iron, taking it out? It's really embarrassing the priest's face. Give it back! Just a common thief, I don't know why you cherish it so much. Wait, I'll let you marry a beggar soon. Shen Zhiyi. You dare to hit me? Remember your position. Even if I am not married yet, I am still the legitimate eldest daughter of the Shen family. Shen Zhiyi, wait for me! Cui Zhu, teach the craftsmen to repair the hairpin with the best materials. Miss, today you won't wear it? Change to another one? A broken hairpin can be repaired, but that dream from long ago has already shattered. Zhizhi, this silver hairpin was bought with the money I earned by copying books. Once I pass the exam, I will definitely give you the best gold hairpin. As long as it's given by you, I like it. Today is my daughter's day to throw the bouquet and find a husband. No matter what your background or wealth, whoever catches the bouquet will be my daughter's husband. Gentlemen, please watch carefully. Miss Shen, look at me. I don't need any dowry, I bring 10,000 taels of gold to marry into your family. Miss Shen, choose me. I have strong martial arts skills, and I promise not to fight back or speak back. Looking for a suitable husband to protect the family property. Dreaming is fine, I've arranged a beggar to wait for you to fall into disgrace. The Shen family will be mine. Anyway, whoever gets hit is just fate. Ah! The Holy Woman's Seal.

Go. Xie Yan. It's really Xie Yan who is going to kill me. I'm definitely dead, I can't appear in front of him. Congratulations, Brother Xie, on your happy marriage. That's the embroidered ball from the Sheng family, the richest in Jiangnan. I heard that Miss Sheng not only has beauty that makes fish sink and geese fall, but also has dozens of bank houses under her control. Congratulations, Brother Xie, you've gained both wealth and beauty. I already have a wife, I only recognize her in this life. Ah, Brother Xie, where are you going? To break off the engagement. Ah. Where is Zhiyi? Hey, my dear daughter, why are you lying on the ground? Get up quickly! Who did you hit? Father, just now Miss Sheng tripped me, and I broke my leg. Oh no. It hurts so much! You did a good job! This Sheng Jiao girl finally did something reasonable. Dear daughter, you, a blind cat, bumped into a dead mouse, and actually hit the new top scholar. Our Sheng family ancestors' tomb is smoking with luck! No, father, anyone else is okay, but not him. Why? I am Xie Yan, respectfully greeting Mr. Sheng. Mrs. Sheng.

Why won't Miss Shen see people? No way, you can even tell that? Never mind, life is like a play, everything depends on acting. If I just deny it, can he really bite me in the street? Grand Secretary Xie, please forgive me, I have a slight cold, I'm afraid to disturb you. Eat eat. Thank goodness I'm smart, I used a fake name when dating. Has the Grand Secretary made a mistake? My name is Zhiyi, not Zhizhi. It's impossible, how could there be someone so similar in the world, even the voice and appearance are exactly the same. Zhizhi, how long will you keep lying to me? Grand Secretary, I've lived in the south since childhood, never stepping outside the front gate. Have you been missing your late wife too much, making you see things wrong? Yes, Grand Secretary, there are so many people who look alike in the world. My daughter has been spoiled all her life, don't scare her. Miss Shen. I want your explanation.

Sir Xie, there is no need to bow. It's truly a divine match that the scholar has caught my daughter's bouquet. Master Shen, I'm honored by your kind words, but I cannot accept this bouquet. Oh, that's not acceptable. What my fatherinlaw says doesn't count here. My wife makes the decision. Madam Shen. The rules of the Shen family state that women are in charge. Adopting a husband, I am new here and have offended Madam Shen and Master Shen. I apologize to both of you. Madam Shen runs the Shen family with great ability, managing dozens of banks and shops in Jiangnan smoothly, and she also gives out rice every year to help the poor and maintains strict discipline at home. Madam's talent and courage are greatly admired by me. But why? Are you ashamed of my background as a merchant or of my status as a soninlaw? I already have a wife who is dear to me, and we are very happy together. However, since she passed away, I vowed that I would never marry again. Xie Yan, you fool! Kind, gentle, respectful, and loyal, he is an excellent man you can't find even with a lantern. Madam, what you said is true. When I pursued my wife, I was also very devoted. In my opinion, this young man is only about equal to me. Shut up, I'll punish you later. Sir Xie, feelings can be developed over time. Why don't you meet my daughter first before making a decision? My daughter is the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan, don't come near me. Miss Shen, greetings. Miss Shen. Zhiyi, Sir Xie is speaking to you. Sir Xie, my daughter is shy. Zhiyi, greet Sir Xie and Miss Shen. There's no need to force yourself. My decision is firm, I must take my leave. Speak, please. Madam, I congratulate you on becoming the top scholar. Sir, walk slowly, no need to see me off. That voice. You. Say it again.

"Lord Xie, you must have had a tiring journey. The Guanlan Pavilion has been cleaned up and is quiet and undisturbed, making it the perfect place for you to investigate the case." "Yes, arrange him as far away as possible." "Wang Qi seems to have many secrets." "To help gather clues, I hope..." "...to live near Miss Zhiyi." "Lord Xie, my daughter hasn't married yet. You are a man from outside the family. It's not appropriate." "Oh, Lord Xie, such a rare talent coming to investigate at the Shen family, it's truly a blessing in three lifetimes." "Senior Sister Zhiyi, how could the main branch still hesitate like this?" "If Lord Xie comes to the Peony Pavilion, we will surely take good care of you." "Who are you?" "You are the master of the second branch of the Shen family. Please don't be deceived by the main branch." "I've lived in the Shen family for many years, and I've never heard of a second daughter named Shen Zhizhi in the main branch." "Shen Jiao, what are you anyway?" "I've never heard of the main branch having a second daughter named Shen Zhizhi." "I spit on you!" "I think that Shen Zhizhi is just a fraud. She's full of lies to deceive Lord Xie's sincere feelings." "Lord Xie, I'm here to speak up for you." "That Shen Zhiyi must be a lowly woman." "Silence!" "This woman publicly insulted an official of the court. Wang Qi, bring in the attendants and give her twenty slaps." "Let me go, you're hurting me." "Miss Zhiyi, I'll arrange my quarters in Tingzhu Pavilion, which is closest to you." "Dear daughter, tell your mother the truth." "Who is Shen Zhizhi really?" "Dad and Mom, I admit that three years ago I went to the countryside for summer vacation, and I used the name Shen Zhizhi and had a relationship with him... Oh my goodness." "My ancestors!" "He's the new top scholar!" "A favorite of the emperor." "Daughter, if she marries into the Shen family, who in Jiangnan would dare to look down on us?" "Dear daughter, the two of you are perfectly matched." "Mother, father, please wake up. He has just become a top scholar and holds great power. How could he ruin his bright future to come to our Shen family as a soninlaw?" Now that he has power, if he finds out that I not only deceived his feelings but also faked the name and background of Shen Zhizhi, he would skin me alive, and even involve the entire Shen family." "Dear daughter, you can play around with poor scholars, but why did you mess with a top scholar?" "The top scholar, father really can't protect you this time." "Why are you so nervous?" "As long as nothing is found out, that's fine." "Zhiyi, honestly tell your mother, do you still have feelings for him?" "Mother, don't worry. I know that love shouldn't endanger the Shen family for personal feelings." "Let him believe that Shen Zhizhi is really dead."

Is the Zhi Zhi that the master mentioned, perhaps not entirely truthful? I have a younger sister, whose nickname is Zhi Zhi. Three years ago, she accidentally fell off a cliff in the countryside. When did our family have a second daughter who fell off a cliff? You ask me, who should I ask? It's a disgrace of the Shen family. They only knew the child was weak and had been raised in the countryside all along. Who could have imagined that she would be separated from us forever? Zhi Yi, don't blame the master for being too sentimental, which has brought up sad memories because of your face. Three years ago, she fell off a cliff. Zhi Zhi. He said his name is Shen Zhi Zhi, he comes from a poor family, his parents died early, and there is only a paralyzed older brother at home. Xie Yan, do you really believe such an absurd story? My sister made up these lies to avoid bringing disgrace to the Shen family. Madam Xie, the person has passed away, please accept my condolences. Since the master has deep feelings for Wang Qi, this marriage is naturally not considered. Father and mother, quickly send off Madam Xie. Once Xie Yan steps out of this door, I will leave tomorrow. I'm not going to be the richest woman in Jiangnan anymore. Wait. Madam, what do you mean? Wang Qi died three years ago, and there are many doubts about this incident. I have an unusual request, I would like to stay at your house for a few days. I have been by her side day and night, and never noticed she was weak. She climbs trees and walls as if they were flat ground, and went back to the village to buy meat, and was chased two miles by the big black dog from the butcher's house. Snow Swallow, did you get chased by a dog? Do I not care about my reputation? This might not be proper, right? My daughter hasn't married yet, and there is a man staying in the house. Regarding her reputation... Madam Shen is overthinking. The emperor himself spoke. He ordered me to investigate official affairs in Jiangnan with my special status. Now I suspect there is more to Wang Qi's death, it is reasonable to use the temple to investigate the case. Who dares to criticize me would be against the court. What a disaster, it's over, a wolf has entered the house.

Miss, your silver hairpin has been repaired. Father, I already told you I'm not hungry. Mr. Shen, I heard you were unwell. I came to visit. Why is Xie Yan here? This is not good. Third son, Miss Shen. Life is like... At the banquet, you didn't eat anything. I had the kitchen make you some porridge. A fox paying a visit to a chicken. Where did that thought come from? Thank you, Mr. Xie. My daughter is feeling much better now. There's no need for Miss Shen to be so formal. Old Lin, I just want to ask a few more questions about your sister. Does she have any personal items or special habits? I don't know. I haven't seen him for many years. Is that so? But I still feel like there's something familiar about Miss Shen. What are you doing? Don't move. There's a leaf in your hair. It's over. It's over. Miss Shen, this silver hairpin of yours. Why is it exactly the same as the token I gave to Wang Qi?