Marquis's Gate

Pei Yue is the head of the current era's number one prestigious family, the Pei family. A man of exceptional grace and nobility, a gentleman of integrity, he became the top scholar in the imperial examinations at seventeen and serves by the Emperor's side, advising on important and secret matters.

He is the most outstanding among his peers. However, there is one thing for which he is 'criticized' by the world: his early marriage in his prime.

When Pei Yue was seven, his grandfather was traveling through the mountains and rivers and passed by Tanzhou. He had a joyous conversation with a country squire, drinking with him until dawn, and in a moment of carelessness, promised away Pei Yue's marriage. From then on, Pei Yue had a fiancée from the countryside.

The entire Pei family scathingly rebuked the Old Master for this, and the officials of the capital also wrung their hands in regret. However, what was done was done. Pei Yue, valuing his reputation, ultimately welcomed her through the gates.

At first, he truly disliked her. The two came from vastly different backgrounds and did not see eye to eye. He used his official duties as an excuse to return home later and later each day. In front of outsiders, they were like a harmonious couple, but in private, they never overstepped their boundaries by a single step. He thought that spending a lifetime treating each other with the respect due to a guest was the greatest dignity he could give.

But later, he began returning earlier and earlier, and the nights spent together grew more and more frequent. He even went against his usual principles to bring back a pot of the strong liquor she loved to drink.

And then later, she handed him a letter of divorce.....

Pei Yue looked at his wife, whose features were as refined and elegant as ever, free and easy, and calm. This man, who had always been restrained and self-possessed, tore that letter of divorce to smithereens.