After Breaking Off the Engagement, I Married a Rugged Mountain Man and Was Pampered into a Treasure in Three Days

Taohua is a young woman trapped in a miserable existence under the abuse of her stepfather, Chen Dashan. Her biological father had arranged a marriage for her with the Li family, a prominent grain and oil merchant. However, on the wedding day, the Li family refused to honor the agreement after the old master passed away, publicly humiliating Taohua and her family. The Li family son, Li Gui, attempted to force her into becoming his concubine, ruining her reputation in the village. Following this public disgrace, Taohua faced further cruelty from her stepfather, who blamed her for the failed marriage and physically abused her. Her mother remained passive and unable to protect her. Overwhelmed by shame and despair, Taohua attempted to drown herself in the river, only saving her life by removing her only warm jacket to preserve it for her younger sisters.

Just as Taohua submerged herself in the icy water, a stranger pulled her from the river. This man, Qin Feng, was a hunter who had recently settled in the village. He rescued her not out of romantic interest initially, but out of a sense of moral duty, telling her to cherish her life. The incident, however, was witnessed by gossiping villagers, including Granny Wang, who spread rumors that Taohua had been intimate with a man, further damaging her already fragile social standing. Qin Feng, aware that his rescue had compromised her reputation, decided to take responsibility. The following day, he arrived at Taohua's home with substantial gifts, including wild game and traditional betrothal items, to propose marriage formally.

Chen Dashan, seeing an opportunity for profit, attempted to extort a high bride price from Qin Feng, demanding ten taels of silver. He threatened to sell Taohua to a brothel if his demands were not met. Taohua, having experienced a rebirth of sorts after her suicide attempt, found her courage. She publicly confronted her stepfather, refusing to be treated as a commodity. Qin Feng, recognizing the toxicity of the Chen household, agreed to pay the demanded amount but insisted on a legal contract that severed all ties between Taohua and the Chen family. With the help of the Village Chief and Taohua's friend Sun Xiao Lan, the contract was drawn up. Taohua left her abusive home, carrying only a small bundle, and married Qin Feng.

Life with Qin Feng was initially modest and challenging. He lived in a small, renovated thatched house at the foot of the mountain, lacking land or wealth. Despite his rough exterior and quiet demeanor, Qin Feng proved to be a caring and respectful husband. He noticed Taohua's discomfort with their sparse living conditions and her dietary preferences, such as avoiding spicy food, and adjusted his behavior accordingly. He prepared meals for her and ensured she did not have to perform strenuous labor during her menstruation. Taohua, in turn, dedicated herself to managing the household and supporting her husband.

As the days passed, the relationship between Taohua and Qin Feng deepened. Taohua faced occasional harassment from villagers like Granny Wang, who continued to spread malicious rumors about her past. Taohua learned to stand up for herself, using logic and evidence to silence her detractors, a stark contrast to her previous submissive nature. Qin Feng supported her by building a bamboo fence around their home, providing privacy and a sense of security. The couple grew closer, with Taohua developing deep affection for her husband. The story culminates in the consummation of their marriage, marking the beginning of a new chapter where Taohua finds love, respect, and a true home with Qin Feng, leaving her traumatic past behind.