The Little First Grand Secretary in My House

Xue Tingrang, a former Senior Grand Secretary who dominated the imperial court for decades, lies dying in solitude after submitting his resignation. His final days are marred by a recurring, vivid dream in which he relives his past as Xue Gouzi, a frail fourteen-year-old boy from a rural farming family. In the dream, Wang Mingsheng, a man Xue Tingrang had wronged by abandoning his wife and child for power, confronts him with the truth that his first wife and son survived a shipwreck and were raised by others. Wang reveals he is not Xue Gouzi, but a man named Wang who harbors deep resentment, yet feels no satisfaction in his revenge. As Wang leaves, Xue Tingrang dies with his eyes open, whispering a denial that no one hears.

Xue Gouzi awakens in his own body, realizing he has transmigrated into the fourteen-year-old boy from his dreams. He finds himself in the modest home of the second branch of the Xue family in Yuqing Village. His mother has died of grief after his father, Xue Qingsong, was beaten to death while protecting their eldest uncle, Xue Qingshan. Gouzi is frail, sickly, and treated as a burden by the rest of the family, particularly by his grandmother, Old Mrs. Zhao, and his eldest aunt, Mrs. Yang. His child bride, Zhao’er, is a lively and protective girl who has been secretly earning money through embroidery and trade to support his education and medical needs.

The core conflict arises when the family decides to send Xue Juncai, the eldest branch’s son, to a prestigious town academy instead of Gouzi, despite a dying promise made by Xue Qingshan to support Gouzi’s education in exchange for his brother’s sacrifice. The family pressures Gouzi to yield his place, arguing that Juncai is more talented and that the family’s limited resources must be prioritized for the branch most likely to produce a successful scholar. Gouzi overhears his relatives plotting to manipulate him into giving up his spot, which triggers a severe illness and a mental breakdown.

Upon waking, Gouzi retains the memories and personality of Xue Tingrang, a ruthless and calculating statesman. He recognizes the hypocrisy and malice of his family members, seeing through their polite facades to the selfish interests beneath. When his eldest aunt, Xue Cuiping, comes to persuade him to give up his education, Gouzi does not react with the silent resentment of his past life. Instead, he calmly exposes the family’s double standards, pointing out that Juncai already receives the best resources while he is given scraps. His composed and sharp response shocks his aunt, who leaves empty-handed.

The tension escalates during a family meal when Old Mrs. Zhao scolds Zhao’er for feeding their dog instead of saving leftovers for the pigs. Zhao’er retorts fiercely, defending her right to care for Gouzi and demanding equal treatment regarding food and resources. She reveals that eggs meant for the household are being hoarded by the main branch, causing a scandal that forces Old Master Xue to intervene. He orders the eggs to be cooked for everyone, temporarily easing the immediate conflict but deepening the family’s resentment toward the second branch.

Gouzi’s transformation is evident as he rejects Zhao’er’s infantilizing nickname, asking her to call him Tingrang instead. This shift signals his determination to rewrite his fate. Unlike the original Gouzi, who was passive and self-blaming, Tingrang is aware of the family’s schemes and refuses to be a victim. He understands that his survival and success depend on his own actions and alliances, particularly with Zhao’er, who remains his staunchest supporter. The story sets the stage for Tingrang to navigate the complex family dynamics and societal expectations, using his political acumen to secure his future and protect those who have stood by him.