Swapping the Legitimate for the Illegitimate? The True Legitimate Daughter is Reborn and Will Never Forgive

Shen Mingtang was a concubine-born daughter of the Shen family who lived a life of abuse and neglect under her stepmother, Zhou Yiniang. After saving Prince Rui, Xiao Beili, from an assassination attempt by taking a sword meant for him, she was mortally wounded. In her previous life, she had refused the Empress’s offer to recuperate in the palace, returning home only to suffer further abuse from her stepmother and sister. She was eventually tortured, had her tendons severed, and left to freeze to death. Upon her death, her spirit remained bound to Prince Rui until he ascended the throne and destroyed the Shen family. Reborn, she accepted the Empress’s kindness and stayed in the palace to recover, determined to use the Empress’s power to exact revenge on those who harmed her.

When the Empress offered her a reward, Shen Mingtang deliberately requested an official title for her legitimate mother, Qin Shi, rather than for herself or her elder sister, Shen Mingyue. This move exposed Shen Mingyue’s greed and ambition in front of the Empress, causing her to lose the coveted County Princess title. Back at the Shen residence, Shen Mingtang faced hostility from her father, Shen Yuanshan, and stepmother, Zhou Yiniang, who were furious that their plans for Shen Mingyue’s advantageous marriage had been thwarted. When Shen Mingyue insulted Shen Mingtang, Shen Mingtang ordered Prince Rui’s attendant, Mama Yu, to slap her, establishing a firm stance against her bullies.

Shen Mingtang revealed that she was actually Qin Shi’s biological daughter, swapped at birth with Shen Mingyue, who was the daughter of Concubine Zhou. She used this revelation to gain Qin Shi’s sympathy and protection. When Shen Mingyue attempted to frame Shen Mingtang for stealing jewelry, Shen Mingtang cleverly exposed the plot, leading to the expulsion of the complicit maid. As a result, Qin Shi granted Shen Mingtang residence in Jinxiu Courtyard, displacing Shen Mingyue. Meanwhile, Prince Rui began to suspect the truth about the switched identities after noticing a distinctive mole on Shen Mingtang’s neck, matching that of the Qin family patriarch.

At a banquet hosted by the Liu family, Shen Mingtang encountered Liu Zhaoniang, who harbored romantic feelings for Prince Rui and viewed Shen Mingtang as a rival. Liu Zhaoniang and her companions pushed Shen Mingtang into a cold pond. Shen Mingtang managed to save Liu Zhaoniang to avoid blame but was then separated from her mother. She discovered Qin Shi unconscious in a guest room, having been drugged by Shen Mingyue and Zhou Yiniang as part of a scheme to ruin her. The Yuchang Marquis Heir, a lustful nobleman, attempted to assault the unconscious Qin Shi.

Shen Mingtang intervened, but the Marquis Heir threatened her. Prince Rui, who had arrived at the Liu residence, handed Shen Mingtang a dagger and urged her to kill the intruder. Empowered by her rebirth and the support of Prince Rui, Shen Mingtang confronted the Marquis Heir with lethal intent. Her ferocity terrified him, causing him to flee. Prince Rui protected Qin Shi and ensured she received medical attention, solidifying his alliance with Shen Mingtang. The events at the Liu residence marked a turning point, as Shen Mingtang began to actively dismantle the schemes of her enemies while strengthening her bond with the powerful Prince Rui.