After Entering the Wrong Bridal Chamber with Her Sister-in-law, the Cold-Faced Minister Turns into a Loyal Hound

Pei Shuyi is the youngest legitimate daughter of the prestigious Yongning Marquis family in the capital. Raised with immense indulgence, she is known for her willful, spoiled, and unruly temperament, which has severely damaged her reputation among matchmakers. Despite this, she remains carefree and materialistic, dreaming of a husband who is handsome, wealthy, chaste, and utterly devoted to her alone. During a visit to Zhaoming Temple to pray for a good marriage, she unknowingly voices her complaints about Xie Linheng, the cold and stern eldest son of the Yingguo Duke’s mansion, to the very man himself. Xie Linheng, a high-ranking official and Commander of the Surveillance Bureau, overhears her wishes and is amused by her audacity, though he remains indifferent to her romantic notions.

Simultaneously, the Xie family arranges a double marriage alliance with the Pei family. Xie Linheng is to marry the virtuous and elegant second daughter, Pei Muyin, while his dissolute younger brother, Xie Chiyu, is to marry the unruly Pei Shuyi. Both brothers are reluctant to marry and plan to consummate the unions only to satisfy their grandmother before seeking divorces. On the wedding day, a sudden rainstorm forces the two bridal sedan chairs to seek shelter in a dilapidated temple. In the confusion, the sisters accidentally swap their veils. Pei Shuyi, wearing the phoenix-patterned veil meant for her sister, is mistakenly taken to Yunheju, the residence of the eldest young master, while Pei Muyin is taken to Ruyi Pavilion, the home of the second young master.

The mix-up leads to chaotic wedding nights. Xie Linheng, having been drugged with aphrodisiac wine by his grandmother, shares an intimate night with Pei Shuyi, believing her to be his intended bride. Meanwhile, Pei Muyin, also drugged, takes the initiative with Xie Chiyu, binding him and forcing him to consummate the marriage. The next morning, the error is discovered. The elders of both families are horrified by the scandal, but since both couples have already consummated their marriages, a simple switch is impossible without causing further disgrace. Xie Linheng proposes an unconventional solution: the two couples will exchange marriages. Pei Shuyi will remain the wife of Xie Linheng, and Pei Muyin will become the wife of Xie Chiyu.

The decision shocks everyone. The capital views the pairing of the cold, powerful Xie Linheng and the frivolous Pei Shuyi as a mismatch, while the gentle Pei Muyin and the playboy Xie Chiyu seem like a more natural fit. However, the families agree to the exchange to preserve their reputations. Pei Shuyi, initially terrified of her new husband, discovers that Xie Linheng is not the monster she imagined. He is strict and reserved but honorable, refusing to let her leave the Xie family despite his initial coldness. He drafts a marriage pact with strict terms, including a prohibition on her falling in love with him and a regulated schedule for intimacy to ensure the continuation of the family line.

As the story progresses, the dynamics between the couples begin to shift. Pei Shuyi, realizing Xie Linheng meets all her ideal criteria, begins to develop genuine affection for him, though she hides it behind a facade of materialism. Xie Linheng, initially viewing her as a burden, finds himself increasingly intrigued by her boldness and sincerity. Meanwhile, Pei Muyin takes control of her marriage with Xie Chiyu, using her hidden strength and martial skills to tame the unruly second young master. The narrative explores the complexities of arranged marriages, the subversion of gender roles, and the gradual development of genuine affection between two pairs of mismatched spouses, set against the backdrop of high society politics and family intrigue.