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Happier After the Marriage Swap
墨書 Inktalez
The sunlight poured down, draping a thin veil over the tranquil courtyard. Inside Liu Ruyi's chamber, her maid, Zhang Yue, softly called out, "Miss, the Master and Madam request your presence in the main hall. They say they have someone to betroth you to."
Though her voice was gentle, it struck like thunder on a clear day, jolting Liu Ruyi from her half-dreaming state back to reality.
Liu Ruyi's sleepy eyes widened in shock, like a startled deer. Memories surged forth like a tidal wave. She clearly recalled that in her previous life, a decree had fallen from the heavens, elevating her to the status of First-Rank Noble Consort, bringing her glory. Yet in an instant, her sister Liu Rumeng had charged at her like a specter, plunging a sharp dagger into her heart. In her final moments, she had fought back with all her strength, stabbing Liu Rumeng in return and watching as she fell into a pool of blood, disbelief etched on her face, a cold smile forever frozen there.
"Miss, hurry! The Master and Madam are waiting for you to receive your marriage contract!" Zhang Yue looked at her dazed mistress with urgency in her eyes, as if she could sense the weight of their expectations—a pressure from the elders.
Taking a deep breath, Liu Ruyi's gaze sharpened as clarity washed over her like sunlight breaking through clouds. In an instant, she understood: she had been reborn! She had returned to ten years ago, to that pivotal moment in fate—the day she was about to receive the marriage contract.
She sprang up with newfound energy, shaking off sleepiness. The afternoon sun streamed through the gauzy window, illuminating her plain yet radiant face. After a brief moment of preparation, she followed Zhang Yue with quick yet composed steps toward the main hall.
In the hall sat her father Liu Jianmin and mother Yao Xueying, both wearing smiles that radiated warmth and joy—their demeanor reflecting the authority and happiness of family elders. Her sister Liu Rumeng stood before them, graceful and beautiful; however, deep within her eyes lay a complex shadow.
The expressions of Liu Jianmin and his wife mirrored those from Liu Ruyi's past life. In that life, Liu Rumeng had been betrothed to Yuan Yingwu, the second son of Duke Ning—a match of unparalleled honor. Meanwhile, Liu Ruyi, though the eldest daughter, had been casually promised to a poor scholar due to her illegitimate status—discarded like an old shoe. Today, these parents were simultaneously arranging marriages for their two daughters; yet the disparity between the two unions highlighted the stark divide between legitimate and illegitimate offspring.
In her previous life, Liu Rumeng had beamed with delight at this advantageous match and looked down upon Liu Ruyi with arrogance and pride. However, this time around, Liu Rumeng's face was clouded with gloom—a stark contrast that stirred unease within Liu Ruyi.
Yao Xueying held out the marriage contract with an expression of feigned gentleness as she addressed Liu Ruyi. "Liu Ruyi, here is your marriage contract; come and take it." Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority.
"Wait!" Liu Rumeng suddenly interjected, shattering the seemingly warm atmosphere. She turned to their mother with determination in her tone. "Mother, I want to exchange marriages with my sister."
The room fell silent in shock. Yao Xueying sprang up in disbelief and anger; strands of hair flew up as if startled by lightning. "Rumeng! You must be out of your mind! You are the legitimate daughter destined to marry into Duke's Residence—bringing honor to our family! Your sister is an illegitimate child; how can you even think of switching?"
Liu Jianmin and the maids stood dumbfounded as they stared at Liu Rumeng as if they did not recognize her at all. Only Liu Ruyi felt tumultuous emotions rise within her as realization dawned: Liu Rumeng was also a reborn soul!
In her past life, after marrying into Duke's Residence with dreams of wealth and status, Liu Rumeng found herself coldly treated by Yuan Yingwu who spent his days reveling in brothels. A year later, when disaster struck and both Yuan father and son perished in battle, Duke's Residence crumbled—she fell from grace into poverty and despair. Meanwhile, the poor scholar Li Ming rose through the ranks to become Chancellor; marrying him elevated Liu Ruyi to First-Rank Noble Consort status. It was this jealousy that had driven Liu Rumeng to stab her sister in their previous life.
Now Liu Rumeng believed that all misfortune stemmed from marrying the wrong man. This time around she wanted to switch fates with Liu Ruyi.
With sincerity in her eyes as if revealing a profound truth, Liu Rumeng addressed their mother: "Mother, Li Ming may be poor but he is talented; he will surely have a bright future."
Yao Xueying trembled with rage as she retorted sharply: "Nonsense! Marriage is no trivial matter! You are a legitimate daughter; how can you marry a poor scholar? Your sister is illegitimate; how could she ever enter Duke's Residence?"
But Liu Rumeng persisted stubbornly: "I refuse to marry into Yuan Family! That Yuan Yingwu is crude and unrefined; marrying him would ruin my life."
Yao Xueying opened her mouth to scold again when Liu Jianmin raised his hand to stop her. He frowned slightly and spoke with a hint of sorrow: "Enough for now. Liu Ruyi, you should accept your marriage contract first; do not pay attention to your sister's foolishness."
Liu Ruyi secretly chuckled at this; marrying into Duke's Residence was far superior to being tied down to a poor scholar as in her past life—how could she refuse such an "unfortunate" exchange? So she nodded eagerly and replied gratefully: "Father, I agree to switch marriages with my sister."
Upon hearing this, Yao Xueying immediately turned her ire toward Liu Ruyi; anger blazed in her eyes as if ready to consume her whole: "Liu Ruyi! What right do you have to agree? How could Duke's Residence want an illegitimate daughter?"
"Mother, come here! I have something important to discuss!" Without waiting for Liu Ruyi’s response, Liu Rumeng rushed forward and pulled their mother aside into a corner where she lowered her voice conspiratorially: "Mother, I've learned that Yuan Yingwu is nothing but a wastrel who spends all his time in brothels. Marrying such a man would ruin my life! But Li Ming is exceptionally talented; he will surely achieve great things in the future. Though I may suffer initially by marrying him now, I will eventually enjoy endless wealth and honor."
Naturally, Liu Rumeng could not reveal that she too had been reborn—who would believe such absurdity?
Yao Xueying looked at her daughter with a gaze full of suspicion. After a moment, she finally gritted her teeth and nodded in agreement.
Returning to her seat, Yao Xueying turned to Liu Ruyi, her expression complicated. "Liu Ruyi, since Rumeng is so determined to switch, then let it be."
Upon hearing his wife's words, Liu Jianmin no longer opposed the decision. After all, although Liu Ruyi was a concubine's daughter, she was still his own flesh and blood.
The two sisters took the marriage certificate from their father's hands. That thin piece of paper felt as heavy as a thousand pounds at that moment. Liu Ruyi smiled faintly at Liu Rumeng, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. "Sister Rumeng, thank you for your generosity. I am truly grateful."
Liu Rumeng merely snorted in disdain, her eyes filled with contempt. "Don't get too proud; you'll have your share of suffering."
Liu Ruyi sneered inwardly but maintained a calm exterior. She understood that Liu Rumeng thought she had gained an advantage, yet what she didn't realize was that in her past life, Li Ming's success was built upon countless sacrifices and efforts from her. Without her, Li Ming would have merely been an obscure and impoverished scholar.
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