The Sword and the Brocade

Original Title: 庶女攻略

Author: Zhi Zhi

Raw Link: Shu Nu Gong Lue

Male Lead: Zhong Han Liang

Female Lead: Tan Song Yun

Synopsis:

Luo Shiyiniang, a concubine-born daughter, comes from an official family in Yuhang. Her legal mother is shrewd, while her biological mother is weak. Shiyiniang carefully protects those around her and struggles to survive amid adversity.

Her eldest sister, Luo Yuanniang, is married to Xu Lingyi, the Marquis of Yongping in Yanjing, and is gravely ill. At this time, her husband has risen from an ordinary marquis to a world-renowned general. Fearing that after her death he might remarry into a powerful family and threaten her son’s position, Luo Yuanniang uses her concubine-born younger sister’s marriage as leverage. She secures for her son a marriage with the Ninth Miss of the Jiang family of Anle—a prestigious family that has produced two imperial tutors.

Shiyiniang does not wish to be involved, yet through a twist of fate, she becomes Xu Lingyi’s second wife. Newly entering the household, she treads on thin ice. Through the ordinary routines of daily life, this marriage—originally arranged by matchmakers—gradually deepens into mutual understanding and affection.

The birth of their young son, Xu Sijin, strengthens their bond and brings much joy to the family. However, as Xu Sijin grows older, his intelligence and lively charm win the affection of nearly everyone in the Xu family. This causes unease for Xu Sizhun, the heir, and forces Xu Lingyi to confront the conflicts arising among his children…