Gu Zhenguan, the favored Marquis and nephew of the Empress, dedicates his life to Han Zhen, a neglected and bullied young prince who lost his mother and throne claims early. Over ten years, Gu Zhenguan uses his family's influence and wealth to support Han Zhen's rise, even persuading his father, the Prime Minister, to back the prince's bid for power. However, once Han Zhen ascends the throne, he reveals his true nature: viewing Gu Zhenguan's loyalty as a threat rather than a gift. Accusing Gu Zhenguan of conspiring with the Third Prince to assassinate the Emperor, Han Zhen orders brutal torture in the dungeon. Despite enduring whippings and iron disks, Gu Zhenguan refuses to confess or name accomplices. Official Zheng, carrying out the emperor's orders, strangles Gu Zhenguan with white silk. As Gu Zhenguan dies, he recalls Han Zhen's childhood words of hatred and vows revenge.
Gu Zhenguan reincarnates as Tang Jiwei, a frail scholar whose leg was broken after falling from a mountain. Tang Jiwei retains all memories of his past life, including the betrayal and torture. His new mother, Madam Xiao, is a kind but impoverished widow who washes clothes to support the family. Tang Jiwei quickly adapts, using his exceptional calligraphy skills to create forgeries for an art shop called Xiangfu Zhai, generating income to support his mother and improve their living conditions. He resolves to take the provincial examination to gain official position and power, which he believes is the only way to confront Han Zhen and clear his family's name.
While navigating his new life, Tang Jiwei encounters Zhang Ling, a talented but humble scholar who wins respect through a poetry competition. Their friendship forms on mutual appreciation of talent rather than status. Tang Jiwei also deals with family drama when his corrupt uncle, Jingzhao Yin, faces investigation after Tang Jiwei anonymously sends letters accusing him of embezzlement. The plan succeeds through Tang Jiwei's strategic understanding of court politics—he knows that once an accusation reaches Chief Eunuch Li Sheng, Han Zhen's closest advisor, the emperor will act decisively. Jingzhao Yin is executed, and his family is dispersed.
Tang Jiwei takes the provincial examination with confidence, having never faced such trials in his past life due to his noble birth. He excels and emerges from the three-day exam unscakled. Meanwhile, Han Zhen reviews examination results in the palace, haunted by nightmares and clutching a mysterious black box that brings him comfort. The emperor remains unaware that the brilliant young scholar Tang Jiwei is the reincarnation of the man he murdered.
As Tang Jiwei prepares for the next stage of examinations, he maintains a careful distance from court politics while building his reputation. He encounters Han Zhen briefly in a crowded street during the lantern festival but manages to hide his hatred beneath a respectful exterior. The emperor notices Tang Jiwei's intense gaze but dismisses him as merely a strange young man. Tang Jiwei understands that direct assassination is impossible given his weakened body, so he commits to the scholarly path, knowing that only through official power can he hope to challenge the emperor who destroyed his family.
