After Becoming the Princes Little Brother He Turned

Chen Jiao, a modern dance student, transmigrates into the body of the only daughter of the Yong’an Marquis, a prestigious noble family in ancient Chang’an. Upon regaining consciousness, she realizes she has entered the world of a male-protagonist web novel she previously read. In the original story, the male lead is adopted into her family as the heir, eventually rising to power while the real daughter, Chen Jiao, dies as a disposable plot device. Determined to avoid this fate, Chen Jiao makes the radical decision to disguise herself as a boy and claim the position of heir herself, securing her family’s wealth and her own survival.

Her family, though initially concerned, fully supports her choice. Her father, the Yong’an Marquis, is a top scholar who is nonetheless embarrassed by her poor academic performance at the Imperial Academy, where she consistently ranks last among her peers. Her mother, Princess Yihe, fiercely protects her daughter from any criticism. Chen Jiao understands that she cannot succeed through the imperial examinations due to her lack of scholarly talent and the risks associated with her gender disguise. Instead, she devises a strategic plan to align herself with the Crown Prince, Xie Xianqing, who is currently facing political opposition from the Emperor and rival princes but is destined to eventually ascend the throne.

Chen Jiao leverages her friendship with Wang Shijing, the Crown Prince’s cousin and the son of the Right Chancellor, to gain an introduction to the Crown Prince. At a birthday banquet, she boldly inserts herself into the Crown Prince’s inner circle, displaying both charm and political acumen. Despite the skepticism and hostility of the Crown Prince’s seasoned advisors, particularly the sharp-tongued Assistant Minister Zhou, Chen Jiao’s directness and loyalty catch the Crown Prince’s attention. He assigns her a task involving water management texts to test her capabilities, prompting Chen Jiao to study diligently with the help of her father.

As Chen Jiao integrates into the Crown Prince’s faction, she faces increasing threats from the Fifth Prince, who is aggressively maneuvering to undermine the Crown Prince’s position. During a private meeting at a teahouse, the Fifth Prince attempts to intimidate the Crown Prince and his associates. Chen Jiao confronts the Fifth Prince directly, using her status as the sole heir of a powerful military family to deter any physical retaliation. Her bold defense of the Crown Prince earns her the respect of his advisors and solidifies her position within the faction.

The narrative follows Chen Jiao’s navigation of court politics, where she balances her role as a scholarly heir with her true identity. She continues to study and contribute to the Crown Prince’s political strategies, particularly regarding the Bian River floods, demonstrating her value beyond mere favoritism. Her relationship with the Crown Prince evolves from a strategic alliance to one of mutual trust and understanding. Meanwhile, her family dynamics provide a supportive backdrop, with her father grappling with the pressures of raising a daughter who has chosen a path traditionally reserved for sons.

Chen Jiao’s journey is marked by her clever manipulation of social expectations and political intrigue. She maintains a facade of a frivolous noble youth while secretly working to secure the Crown Prince’s future. Her actions prevent the Fifth Prince from gaining leverage over the Crown Prince, thereby stabilizing the succession struggle. As she gains prominence, Chen Jiao must continue to balance her academic responsibilities, her political duties, and the constant risk of exposure, all while building a loyal network within the imperial court.

The story highlights Chen Jiao’s adaptability and strategic mind as she transforms from a passive character in a novel into an active participant shaping her own destiny. Her alliance with the Crown Prince becomes a cornerstone of her survival and success. Through her efforts, she not only protects her family’s legacy but also establishes herself as an indispensable figure in the political landscape of Chang’an. The narrative concludes with Chen Jiao firmly entrenched in the Crown Prince’s faction, ready to face the challenges of court life and the impending rise of her patron to the throne.