After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Only Want to Be a Pampered Wife

Mi Yao, a modern screenwriter who died from overwork, transmigrates into the body of the heroine in the novel "Overlord." The original story is a male-oriented power fantasy where the female lead, also named Mi Yao, is known as the "First Beauty of Jiangnan." She is forced into a marriage with Xiao Xu, a ruthless warlord and foster son of the Huainan governor, after her true love, the poor scholar Huan Guanbin, is revealed to be unworthy. In the original plot, the heroine torments Xiao Xu's three children, leading to their deaths, and is eventually flayed and dismembered by him in revenge. Mi Yao, having read the novel, resolves to avoid this tragic fate entirely. She decides to embrace her role as a decorative, pampered wife, focusing solely on her beauty and comfort while staying out of the political and emotional conflicts that define the original story.

Half a year after her transmigration, Mi Yao has transformed herself into a breathtaking beauty, devoting her days to skincare and rest. Her half-sister, Yu Xiu, who serves as her attendant, harbors secret ambitions. Yu Xiu fears losing Mi Yao's protection once she marries into the Xiao family and conspires with Huan Guanbin to abduct Mi Yao. Huan Guanbin, still deluded by the heroine's past affection, believes Mi Yao is suffering in her arranged marriage and plans to "rescue" her. However, Mi Yao sees through their schemes. During the abduction, she is cold and dismissive toward Huan Guanbin, rejecting his pathetic attempts to justify his actions. She realizes that his love is self-indulgent and that he is incapable of providing for her.

The abduction ends when Xiao Xu's soldiers intercept them. Xiao Xu, a formidable and intimidating figure, confronts Huan Guanbin. Mi Yao, seeing an opportunity to return to her comfortable life, immediately sides with Xiao Xu. She praises his strength and beauty, contrasting him favorably with the penniless scholar. Xiao Xu, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanor and her genuine beauty, spares Huan Guanbin's life but scars his face. He takes Mi Yao back to his residence in Yizhou. Upon arrival, Mi Yao is introduced to Xiao Xu's three young children: Xiao Yi, Xiao Liang, and the mute toddler Xiao Shan. Unlike the original heroine, Mi Yao treats the children with kindness and patience, particularly bonding with Xiao Shan, who clings to her affectionately.

Mi Yao's behavior confuses those around her. Her attendants and the household staff are unaccustomed to her lack of malice toward the children. Meanwhile, Xiao Xu remains suspicious. He had expected the real Mi Yao to be proud and disdainful of his humble origins, but the woman before him is soft, compliant, and focused only on her own comfort. He suspects she might be an impostor or is playing a long game, but her actions consistently align with her desire for a peaceful, luxurious life. He decides to keep her close, testing her loyalty while enjoying her beauty.

Back in the Yu household, Mi Yao's absence causes tension. Yu Xiu, left behind, fears being discarded and tries to maintain her position by serving Mi Yao diligently. However, Mi Yao warns her sister that betrayal will not be tolerated. In the Xiao household, Mi Yao establishes her routine, demanding the best food, servants, and comforts. She dismisses the meddling nanny sent by her stepmother, asserting her authority without cruelty. Her primary goal is to survive and enjoy her new life, avoiding the fate of the original heroine at all costs. She carefully navigates the complex dynamics of the Xiao family, maintaining a delicate balance between submission and self-preservation.

As Mi Yao settles into her role, Xiao Xu's feelings toward her begin to shift. He is drawn to her beauty and her apparent lack of agenda. Unlike other women who sought power or revenge, Mi Yao seems content with mere comfort. This simplicity intrigues him, and he finds himself wanting to protect her from the harsh realities of their world. However, political enemies and internal family struggles loom on the horizon. Mi Yao's stepmother, Madam Pan, who has visions of the future, sees Mi Yao as a threat and plots against her. The story moves toward a confrontation between Mi Yao's desire for a quiet life and the inevitable conflicts that arise from her marriage to a powerful warlord.