Chapter 1: Enemies at the Altar

The wedding contract had been signed by their fathers over a game of chess and several bottles of huangjiu, which Shen Liying felt was an irresponsible way to arrange anyone's future. She had said so, formally, in writing, to her father, who had responded by pointing out that the Chu family controlled three of the six northern trade routes and that Liying's feelings on the matter were noted. Chu Hao, for his part, had apparently also protested, which was the first time in sixteen years of mutual hatred that they had agreed on anything, and the irony was not lost on either of them as they bowed to each other across the wedding hall.