Lu Shiji, the Duke of Ning, returns to the capital after quelling a rebellion, only to be assassinated by his wife, Shen Lichu, who stabs him with a dagger he once gave her. She reveals that he destroyed her family and killed her relatives, and she dies by poison alongside him. Upon waking, Lu Shiji discovers he has been reborn three years into the past, just before the events that led to his death. He realizes he is back in the Duke’s mansion, where Shen Lichu has just arrived to stay with her aunt, Madam Shen, who is also Lu Shiji’s stepmother.
In his previous life, Lu Shiji harbored deep hatred for the Shen family, believing they rose to power by stepping over his mother’s grave. He married Shen Lichu out of obligation but treated her with cold indifference. Shen Lichu, unaware of his inner turmoil, had tried to win his affection through clumsy but earnest attempts. However, her efforts were misinterpreted as scheming, and her genuine fear and eventual betrayal in his past life left him with only rage. Now, with foreknowledge of the future, Lu Shiji is determined to avoid the same tragic outcome. He knows that Shen Lichu will eventually kill him, and he resolves to keep his distance while navigating the dangerous political landscape.
Meanwhile, Shen Lichu remains oblivious to the rebirth. She is a sheltered, spoiled young woman who has developed a crush on Lu Shiji after seeing him return from the battlefield. She believes he is a noble and kind figure and is determined to win his heart. Her attempts to seduce him are clumsy and often comical, such as hiding in flower bushes or deliberately tripping into his arms. These actions irritate Lu Shiji, who sees them as manipulative tactics, yet he cannot help but notice the contrast between this innocent, lively Shen Lichu and the cold, vengeful woman he knew in his past life.
The political situation is tense, with rebel factions still active within the court. Lu Shiji uses his knowledge of the future to dismantle these factions more efficiently than before. He also faces pressure from Madam Shen, who wants to marry Lu Shiji to Shen Lichu to strengthen family ties and secure her own position. Lu Shiji initially refuses, citing the ongoing investigation into the rebels as a reason to delay marriage. However, he is aware that the marriage is inevitable and must be handled carefully to protect himself and those around him.
Song Qinghe, a girl raised in the Duke’s mansion and Lu Shiji’s childhood friend, is another key figure. In his past life, Lu Shiji protected her from an abusive marriage, but her fate was still tragic. Now, he is wary of her closeness to him and the potential complications she brings. Song Qinghe is aware of the marriage arrangements and feels threatened by Shen Lichu’s presence. She tries to maintain her position by staying close to Lu Shiji, but he remains distant and focused on his duties.
As Shen Lichu continues her efforts to get closer to Lu Shiji, she faces rejection and coldness. However, she does not give up, believing that her persistence will eventually win him over. Lu Shiji, on the other hand, is conflicted. He remembers the pain and betrayal of his past life, but he also sees the genuine innocence and affection in Shen Lichu’s current behavior. This creates a complex dynamic where he must balance his desire for revenge and self-preservation with the growing, albeit reluctant, attention he pays to her.
The story explores themes of rebirth, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships. Lu Shiji’s journey is one of overcoming past trauma and learning to trust again, while Shen Lichu’s is one of innocence and determination in the face of adversity. The political intrigue and family dynamics add layers of tension, as both characters navigate a world where alliances are fragile and betrayal is common. The narrative sets the stage for a potential shift in their relationship, as Lu Shiji begins to see Shen Lichu not just as an enemy’s daughter, but as a person capable of change and genuine emotion.
