Everyone Says She’s Unworthy, But the Aloof and Powerful Minister Adores Her

Jiang Zhaoyue, a modern woman with no knowledge of ancient customs, suddenly transmigrates into the body of a cannon fodder ex-wife in a web novel she had just finished reading. In the story, this original Jiang Zhaoyue was the selfish, greedy, and malicious eldest legitimate daughter of the Chengnin Marquis Mansion. Despite being arranged to marry Pei Jingzhou, the second son of the prestigious Zhenguo Duke Mansion, she spent her marriage abusing servants, bullying her husband’s younger siblings, and driving her in-laws to illness. Her story ended in tragedy when she eloped with a poor scholar, was sold into a brothel, and died of disease in agony. Upon waking on her wedding night, Jiang Zhaoyue realizes she has the chance to rewrite her fate. She immediately apologizes to her horrified husband, Pei Jingzhou, who is initially shocked by her sudden change in demeanor but remains cold and distant.

Pei Jingzhou, a handsome and disciplined official at the Ministry of Personnel, had been forced into this marriage by his late grandfather’s wishes. He expected his new wife to continue her vicious ways, but Jiang Zhaoyue proves to be unexpectedly reasonable. She treats her traumatized maid, Xiang Qiao, with kindness, breaking the cycle of abuse that defined the original host’s behavior. When the spoiled Fifth Master, Pei Heng, throws a rattan ball at her, Jiang Zhaoyue does not resort to violence or tears. Instead, she throws the ball back, establishing a boundary that surprisingly earns the child’s respect. She handles the unruly boy with a mix of firmness and humor, eventually bonding with him over games and snacks, which confuses and intrigues the entire household.

The core conflict arises from the deep-seated prejudice against Jiang Zhaoyue within the Zhenguo Duke Mansion. Madam Wang, the Duchess, despises her new daughter-in-law and constantly seeks to humiliate her. During the tea ceremony, Madam Wang accuses Jiang Zhaoyue of beating Pei Heng, but the child himself defends her, declaring they are now friends. This incident marks a turning point, as Jiang Zhaoyue’s unconventional methods begin to chip away at the family’s negative perceptions, even if Madam Wang remains hostile. Jiang Zhaoyue also navigates the treacherous dynamics of her natal home, where her stepmother, Wu Shi, and half-sister, Jiang Wanxue, plot to ruin her marriage. Jiang Wanxue, who harbors secret feelings for Pei Jingzhou, attempts to frame Jiang Zhaoyue by feigning illness and falling to the ground. Jiang Zhaoyue counters the scheme with blunt logic and physical force, exposing the manipulation and leaving Jiang Wanxue humiliated.

Throughout these early chapters, Pei Jingzhou’s attitude toward Jiang Zhaoyue shifts from disdain to bewildered curiosity. He witnesses her intelligence, her ability to manage household affairs efficiently, and her protective nature toward her family. Their interactions are marked by comedic misunderstandings, particularly regarding marital intimacy, as Jiang Zhaoyue’s modern directness clashes with Pei Jingzhou’s rigid sense of propriety. Despite his initial frustration, he finds himself defending her against external attacks, such as when he steps in to protect her from her stepmother’s wrath. The story follows Jiang Zhaoyue as she systematically dismantles the reputation of the original host, winning over servants and family members through competence and genuine kindness, while Pei Jingzhou gradually uncovers the truth behind her transformation and the abuse she suffered under her stepmother’s guidance.

As Jiang Zhaoyue settles into her role, she faces the ongoing challenge of reconciling her modern values with the strict social hierarchies of the Great Jin Dynasty. She refuses to be a passive victim of the schemes orchestrated by her stepfamily, choosing instead to confront them head-on. Her relationship with Pei Jingzhou evolves from a cold arrangement into a partnership based on mutual respect and growing affection. The narrative highlights her journey from a feared and despised figure to a respected matriarch, as she navigates political intrigue, family drama, and personal growth. The story sets the stage for further complications, as the original plot’s tragic elements are altered by her presence, and new challenges emerge from both within the noble circles of the capital and the complexities of her evolving marriage.