The Second Wife Refuses to Lie Flat, Fighting Her Way Into Becoming Everyone's Favorite

Jiang Yao, the eighteen-year-old legitimate daughter of the Jiang family from Jinling, marries Pei Zheng, the Marquis of Wu'an, as his second wife in a politically arranged union. The marriage serves to dispel imperial suspicion regarding Pei Zheng's relationship with the Luanhua Princess. Upon entering the Pei residence, Jiang Yao immediately establishes her unconventional nature by refusing to adhere to strict noble etiquette, particularly demanding the right to sleep until noon daily due to a claimed hypersomnia condition. Her husband, Pei Zheng, a twenty-eight-year-old seasoned official and widower, initially views the marriage as a mere formality but finds himself increasingly intrigued by her boldness and striking beauty. Their wedding night reveals a complex dynamic where Jiang Yao openly discusses intimate matters and later playfully provokes Pei Zheng, challenging his restrained demeanor.

The core conflict arises within the Pei household, where Pei Zheng's mother, Madam Luo, favors her own branch of the family and harbors resentment toward Jiang Yao for displacing Pei Zheng's deceased first wife. Madam Luo is supported by the third branch, led by Luo Fuqu and the younger Pei Mingrong, who mock Jiang Yao's background and behavior. Jiang Yao refuses to submit to their intimidation, using her sharp wit to counter insults and defend her dignity. She exposes the hypocrisy of the second branch, particularly when they look down upon her merchant relatives, reminding them that the Pei family's survival was aided by merchants. Her defiance earns her the reluctant respect of Pei Zheng, who begins to protect her from familial hostility.

A significant turning point occurs when Jiang Yao visits the second branch's residence. There, she faces public humiliation from Old Madam Chen and Second Madam Guo, who criticize her beauty and upbringing. Jiang Yao turns the tables by subtly insulting Old Madam Chen's status as a former concubine and defending her merchant heritage with historical facts. When Pei Mingwei insults her family, Jiang Yao demands severe punishment, resulting in the young woman's confinement. Pei Zheng arrives to support her, revealing the deep rift between the two branches of the Pei family over inheritance and power. His intervention solidifies his alliance with Jiang Yao, marking a shift from a marriage of convenience to a partnership.

As the story progresses, Jiang Yao continues to navigate the treacherous waters of noble society with confidence and intelligence. She forms an unexpected alliance with Xue Jiao, the gentle second sister-in-law, offering her advice on self-care and emotional well-being. Meanwhile, her relationship with Pei Zheng deepens through intimate encounters and mutual understanding. He acknowledges her worth and promises to uphold his duties as a husband, while she accepts his protection and support. The narrative highlights Jiang Yao's refusal to be a passive victim of patriarchal constraints, instead asserting her agency in both domestic and social spheres. Her interactions with the Pei family members reveal the underlying tensions and power struggles within the household, setting the stage for future conflicts as she establishes her position as the rightful mistress of the Marquis's residence.