1. Chapter 1

Without a doubt, Meng Zhi knows this is a terrible, terrible idea. It is, alas, not his idea, so he actually doesn’t get much say in it.

At least the manor is something he can choose for himself. For them.

“It does seem rather grand,” his long time aid, Lieutenant Chao, says politely, looking around and probably thinking of Meng Zhi’s very modest household located close to the palace.

“It is befitting of Mei Changsu,” he says, ignoring the jibe. He has many years of experience ignoring jibes, especially from his own staff.

“He’s jianghu, though.” Chao purses his lips, trying not to be visibly disapproving.

“He’s the chief of the Jiangzuo Alliance, and wealthier than most of our neighbors. His dowry will pay for this manor and leave enough left over for his wedding robes and a year’s worth of servant salaries.” Meng tries to sound proud and not terrified. Wedding robes. The last time he wore wedding robes, he was nineteen, inexperienced, and in love. Of course, he was also terrified back then too. For vastly different reasons.

He is proud to be marrying Mei Changsu, whatever disbelief and uncertainty his friends and colleagues and servants throw his way. He is proud that Mei Changsu (Lin Shu!) trusts him with this. He is proud that he found such a fine manor that backs right up to Prince Jing’s own complex, which will be a wonderful surprise (wedding gift!) for the Young Marshal. He is proud to be of service to the righting of crimes done to the Chiyan Army.

Underneath all of that, though, he is terrified of doing something wrong and accidentally revealing that his marriage to Mei Changsu is a sham. He told Mei Changsu that this whole charade is a terrible idea. He told Mei Changsu that Xiao Jingrui would be a much better match for him.

Yet, unsurprisingly, here he is, buying a very expensive new home for his very expensive new bride.

If he is lucky, this will only end in tears and not in his execution.

If he is very lucky, Mei Changsu will never discover just how much Meng Zhi already loves him.

Meng Zhi rather believes that execution would be kinder.

---

Prince Jing blinks at him. “Married?”

“We are contracted, yes. I thought you knew.”

“To the leader of the Jiangzou Alliance?” He wrinkles his forehead.

“Ah. Yes, Your Highness. Mei Changsu, Chief of the Jiangzou Alliance.”

“A strategist. A jianghu strategist. Married you?”

Meng Zhi suspects he should be insulted by that tone of voice, but in truth, he agrees with the assessment. It wasn’t his idea, after all. “We met during my travels, when I was out competing with other martial artists.”

“But he’s not a martial artist.” Prince Jing is squinting, now, and that is never a good sign.

“Not even a little bit. He’s...he’s very, ah, delicate.”

“Delicate.”

Meng Zhi coughs. “I love him deeply, Your Highness. It would not matter to me what his abilities are.” That much, at least, is true.

More squinting. “Father approved of this?”

“He did! The Emperor was gracious with his blessing.” Meng Zhi is still not sure why , but he genuinely suspects that Eunuch Gao had some input there, as he’s always been a bit soft on Meng Zhi for reasons he’d rather not think about. “I am very honored that he did. To have my beloved live so far away...it was difficult.” He sighs, perhaps a bit too dramatically.

Prince Jing still looks like he doesn’t believe a word of it. “I’m sure.”

“I look forward to you meeting him. He has a keen mind.”

“I do not generally approve of strategists, as you know. But in the spirit of wishing your marriage many blessings, I will of course greet your husband when he arrives in the city.”

Meng nods gratefully. One more task knocked off the list Mei Changsu gave him.

It’s just like being married again, after all.