Come on, Let’s Make Dumplings Together!

Nie Long, a modern kindergarten teacher, awakens in the body of the second daughter of Duke Nie in the fictional Kingdom of Xuan. The original host is about to marry the Qi Yuan Emperor, Chu Ji, as Empress. Nie Long quickly realizes she has transmigrated into a novel she read in high school, titled Path to the Throne. In the story, Chu Ji is the tyrannical villain emperor who is eventually overthrown and killed, while the original Empress dies early and is never mentioned. Nie Long, now a background character with no plot significance, decides her primary goal is survival. She must navigate the dangerous imperial court while hiding her true identity and avoiding the fate of the original character.

The story begins with the death of the previous emperor, Chu Ji's father, after a prolonged illness. Chu Ji ascends the throne and immediately arranges his marriage to Nie Long to secure political stability and the support of the powerful Nie family. Nie Long is married into the palace, where she meets Chu Ji for the first time on their wedding night. Chu Ji, who had previously experienced a near-death episode and a spiritual journey, is deeply affected by Nie Long's presence. He recognizes her face from his memories and feels an inexplicable connection. Unlike the original plot, where he was indifferent to the Empress, Chu Ji is protective and affectionate toward Nie Long from the start.

During the wedding festivities, Nie Long encounters Consort An, a key antagonist from the novel. Consort An attempts to manipulate Nie Long into abandoning her sick stepson, the heir to Prince An, hoping the child will die and Consort An will avoid blame. Nie Long, refusing to be manipulated, takes charge of the situation. She orders the child to be moved to a palace villa for treatment and confines Consort An to her residence for a year. Chu Ji supports her decision, further strengthening their alliance and punishing Consort An's family. This incident marks the first deviation from the novel's plot, as Nie Long actively intervenes in events that were originally minor background details.

As Nie Long settles into her role as Empress, she struggles with the constant surveillance of the palace and the looming threat of the novel's future events. She observes Chu Ji's behavior, noting his intense protectiveness and the way he anticipates her needs. Chu Ji, meanwhile, is determined to change the tragic fate that awaits him and his loved ones. He has returned from his near-death experience with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep desire to protect Nie Long. Their relationship evolves from a political marriage into a genuine partnership, with Chu Ji relying on Nie Long's modern perspective and Nie Long relying on Chu Ji's power and protection.

The narrative explores the dynamics of the imperial court, where factions vie for power and influence. Nie Long must navigate these political waters carefully, using her knowledge of the novel's plot to anticipate threats and make strategic decisions. She forms alliances with key figures, such as her brother Nie Jue, who is a trusted advisor to the emperor, and other members of the imperial family. The story highlights the challenges of living in a rigid hierarchical society while maintaining one's integrity and humanity.

Key turning points include Nie Long's successful handling of the Consort An incident, which establishes her authority and earns the respect of the court. Additionally, Chu Ji's growing affection for Nie Long leads him to make decisions that diverge from the novel's original trajectory, potentially altering the fate of the empire. The story sets the stage for a struggle against the predetermined plot, as Nie Long and Chu Ji work together to forge a new future. Their journey is marked by political intrigue, personal growth, and the development of a deep emotional bond that transcends their initial roles as ruler and subject.

The novel continues to develop the relationship between Nie Long and Chu Ji, showing how their interactions change the course of history. Nie Long's modern sensibilities and Chu Ji's imperial authority combine to create a unique dynamic that challenges the traditional power structures of the kingdom. As they face external threats and internal conspiracies, their partnership becomes the foundation for a new era of governance. The story promises a reimagining of the original plot, where the villain and the background character rewrite their destinies through cooperation and mutual support.