Surprise bride

Qiao Man is a very smart young lady. When talking to her grandfather it was very clear that she understood the politics and strategies of the Wei clan. 14 years ago the two families were allies and that faith was broken when the Qiao family did not come to help the Wei family during a war. Many were slaughtered and the survivor swore he would avenge the deaths of his grandfather, brother and father. The Qiao family wanted to make a truce by allying through marriage. The governor’s daughter was chosen, but she already loved another. Qiao Man was also betrothed, but the family showed contempt for her though the young man I think really did care about her. She was wise to understand the family was part of the deal in marriage and considered her lot would fair better with the Wei clan. She helped her friend run off and took her place with the seal of Panyi as dowery. They were hoping that offering this place would ease the tension between the families. He overheard the women discussing why they wanted the wedding venue there. This would allow for the seal being kept if the groom changed his mind. He wanted to kill her before she ever reached the gate but a wise servant suggested it would be wiser to accept the offer of Panyi with no bloodshed. The reluctant groom agreed only to keep her alive. But once he saw her he was pleasantly surprised. Except for her grandfather, Qiao Man was surrounded by idiots at home, so I don’t blame her for trying her luck elsewhere. But she really threw all caution to the wind having her family’s enemy as a groom.

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