After Exile, I Carried the Heir Apparent to Success with a Vault

Shen Wan, a skilled military doctor from the modern era, awakens on her wedding day in the body of a vicious, ugly illegitimate daughter named Shen Wan. She has transmigrated into a novel where this original owner is destined for a tragic end. The Xie family, the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion, has been framed for treason after the Duke and his hundred thousand soldiers died at Yumenguan Pass. The Third Prince uses this opportunity to impeach the family, leading to the seizure of assets and exile to the barren northwest. The original owner, upon hearing the news, attempted to flee but slipped and hit her head, only to later be sold into trafficking and die in misery. Shen Wan, however, possesses a personal spatial dimension stocked with medical supplies and spiritual spring water, giving her a significant advantage.

With officials imminent, Shen Wan quickly mobilizes. She strips the dowry from her room and the Duke’s storehouse, hiding valuables in her Space while leaving enough to appear poor to the seizing officers. She also raids the Third Prince’s residence, discovering he had secretly hoarded vast wealth, and burns his estate to the ground to leave nothing behind. When the asset seizure begins, she encounters Huang Gonggong, the emperor’s corrupt eunuch who holds a grudge against the Duke. Using her medical knowledge, Shen Wan secretly poisons him with a needle, ensuring he suffers a painful death without killing him outright, which would draw unwanted attention. She then forces the family to accept coarse exile clothing and departs the capital with her new husband, Xie Mubai, who lies injured on a stretcher.

The journey to the northwest is brutal. The exiles face abuse from guards, starvation, and hostility from other prisoners. Shen Wan’s relationship with Xie Mubai is initially hostile; he despises her for marrying him while loving another woman, Shen Yan. However, Shen Wan’s competence and medical skills begin to shift his perception. She treats his severe leg wounds using her Space’s resources, secretly nursing him back to health. In return, she extracts a promise from him: if she cures his legs, he must protect her for life. This is a strategic move, as she knows that in the original story, Xie Mubai eventually rises to power and would likely kill his wife to marry his true love.

As they travel, the family dynamics fracture. Sun Shi, the Third Sister-in-law, and the rest of the Xie family, including Zhou Yiniang and Xie Murong, reveal their true colors. They are selfish, greedy, and willing to sacrifice others for survival. Sun Shi hides wealth by swallowing pearls and later buys food while others starve. When Xie Mubai’s condition worsens due to the harsh conditions, the family refuses to spend their limited funds on a doctor, prompting Shen Wan to fake a medical emergency. This forces the family to sign a division agreement, separating Shen Wan and Xie Mubai from the rest. The split allows Shen Wan to care for Xie Mubai without interference, while the others are left to fend for themselves.

Shen Wan continues to use her Space to provide food and medicine, cooking meals that contrast sharply with the meager rations provided by the guards. She also demonstrates her combat and survival skills, protecting Xie Mubai from assassination attempts by other exiles. One such incident involves a woman who tries to trip the cart on a steep slope; Shen Wan anticipates the move and breaks the woman’s foot, exposing the plot and averting disaster. Throughout the journey, Xie Mubai’s view of Shen Wan evolves from disdain to curiosity and eventually to a grudging respect. He notices her kindness, her strength, and her hidden capabilities, realizing she is nothing like the woman he thought he married.

The story follows their arduous trek toward the northwest, where they must survive not only the elements and hostile prisoners but also the political machinations waiting for them. Shen Wan’s ultimate goal is to survive the exile, reclaim her freedom, and perhaps seek revenge against those who wronged her new husband’s family. As they approach their destination, the alliance between Shen Wan and Xie Mubai strengthens, setting the stage for their future rise and the downfall of their enemies.