I’d Rather Marry a Memorial Tablet Than Serve as a Concubine

Gu Qingning, an orphaned daughter of the Gu family, grew up in the home of the Marquis of Guangping. She was engaged alongside her cousin, Shen Ruoying, who was set to marry Lu Jingyu, the heir of the Duke’s manor, while Gu Qingning was betrothed to Lu Jingyu’s younger brother, Lu Hangzhi. However, after news broke of Lu Jingyu’s death in battle, Shen Ruoying, eager to escape the stigma of being labeled a ‘husband-killer,’ seduced Lu Hangzhi. To Gu Qingning’s astonishment, Lu Hangzhi then insisted that she accept a lesser position as his concubine. Refusing to compromise her dignity, Gu Qingning made a bold decision to marry the late Lu Jingyu, asserting her rightful status as the Young Duke’s wife in both name and honor.