Social Anxiety in Ancient Times

Li Mu, a modern woman with severe social anxiety disorder, transmigrates into the body of the fifth daughter of the Li family in the fictional Yong Dynasty. The original owner, also named Li Mu, died of illness at sixteen, leaving no memories. To survive in this new environment and explain her lack of knowledge about her surroundings, Li Mu pretends to be a foolish mute, a disguise that protects her from social interaction while allowing her to observe and plan. She quickly realizes she has entered the world of a novel called "Drunken Phoenix," where the Li family is destined for execution due to her father Li Wendao’s involvement in a failed assassination attempt against King Yan. With only months remaining before the family’s downfall, Li Mu resolves to alter fate by preventing her father from joining the conspiracy.

Her survival strategy hinges on gathering intelligence. Li Mu secretly eavesdrops on her father’s meetings and eventually discovers a hidden letter within a poetry collection sent by Lord Wen, the Minister of Rites. The letter reveals an invitation to participate in the assassination plot. Before she can fully assess the danger, Li Wendao returns unexpectedly, forcing Li Mu to flee through a window. She successfully escapes with the letter, unaware that her actions have been observed by Feixing, a maid secretly working for King Yan. The letter is delivered to King Yan’s residence, where his brother Gu Chi and niece Lin Qiwu review the information. Lin Qiwu, who bears a phoenix-shaped birthmark, is tasked with testing whether Li Mu is truly foolish or merely pretending.

At Mingtai Temple, Lin Qiwu encounters Li Mu and the female protagonist, Li Yunxi. Despite her social anxiety, Li Mu manages a brief interaction with Lin Qiwu, offering a comment about preferring family presence over divine intervention when sick. This remark subtly influences Grand Princess Zhaoming, Lin Qiwu’s aunt and King Yan’s mother, who is already burdened by guilt over her son’s poisoning. The Grand Princess decides to return home early, disrupting King Yan’s plans. Meanwhile, Li Mu continues her cautious existence, exchanging letters with Lin Qiwu and crafting gifts to maintain a low profile. She avoids social gatherings, finding solace in exercise and quiet study, while secretly monitoring her father’s activities to prevent the assassination plot from progressing.

The narrative shifts focus to the intricate political landscape of the Yong Dynasty, where power is contested between King Yan, who controls the military, the foolish emperor, and rival factions led by the Prime Minister and Prince Qi. King Yan, though appearing gentle and sickly, is a cunning ruler who has consolidated power through ruthless means. His relationship with his mother is strained by her disapproval of his methods, yet he secretly cares for her well-being. Li Mu’s actions inadvertently affect this dynamic, as her theft of the letter forces King Yan to reassess the Li family’s loyalty and intentions. The story explores themes of survival, identity, and the impact of individual choices on historical outcomes, as Li Mu navigates a dangerous world while managing her internal struggles with anxiety and fear.

As the plot unfolds, Li Mu’s relationship with Lin Qiwu deepens through correspondence, with the young princess seeking friendship and understanding. Li Mu, in turn, finds a rare ally in Lin Qiwu, who sees beyond her supposed foolishness. The presence of the female antagonist, Lin Qiwu, introduces potential complications, as her loyalty to her aunt and cousin may conflict with Li Mu’s goals. Meanwhile, Li Yunxi, the novel’s original protagonist, remains unaware of the larger political forces at play, focusing instead on childhood friendships and family dynamics. The convergence of these characters sets the stage for future conflicts, as Li Mu’s efforts to save her family intersect with the broader power struggles of the dynasty.

The story continues to develop through Li Mu’s careful navigation of court politics and family expectations. Her disguise as a fool allows her to gather information and influence events from the shadows, while her modern perspective provides unique insights into the dangers of the era. The assassination plot against King Yan remains a central threat, with Li Mu working to expose and dismantle the conspiracy before it leads to the Li family’s destruction. As tensions rise and alliances shift, Li Mu must balance her desire for safety with the moral imperative to prevent tragedy, ultimately shaping her own destiny and the fate of those around her.