The Villain's Cowardly Ex-Wife Is Reborn

Rong Shu wakes from a nightmare of her previous life, finding herself back in the Song mansion on her wedding night with Song Wenjing. In her past life, she died tragically after being pushed off a cliff while traveling to the capital, a death orchestrated by her husband’s obsession with another woman. Upon rebirth, she realizes she is a character in a novel, and her husband is the villain who eventually drives the male and female leads to happiness while she suffers in silence. Determined to avoid her previous fate, she decides to prioritize her own well-being and secure a child to ensure her status, rather than seeking emotional validation from a husband who does not love her.

The night begins with Rong Shu taking the initiative to consummate the marriage, a stark contrast to her previous reserved behavior. The next morning, she learns from her mother-in-law, Madam Xie, that she has successfully conceived. Madam Xie, who was previously cold and distant, shows unexpected warmth and satisfaction, revealing that she had arranged for aphrodisiac incense to help Rong Shu conceive before Song Wenjing departed for the capital. This shift in her mother-in-law’s attitude surprises Rong Shu, who had always feared the strict matriarch.

Later that day, chaos erupts in the Song household when Fifth Master Song Wenping and his wife, Shen Ying, are involved in a violent altercation that results in a miscarriage for Wenping’s concubine, Aunt Huo. In her previous life, this incident led to Rong Shu being injured while trying to mediate, followed by years of slander and neglect. This time, Rong Shu advises Madam Xie to handle the situation calmly and send a nanny to assist rather than summoning the couple immediately. Her composure impresses Madam Xie, who begins to view her more favorably. However, during the ensuing argument, Song Wenping throws a bowl of hot soup that scalds Rong Shu’s shoulder.

Unlike in her past life, where she endured the pain in silence, Rong Shu expresses her distress, prompting Madam Xie to punish Song Wenping severely by sending him to the family temple for confinement. Song Wenjing, who had returned early from the academy due to the commotion, learns of his wife’s injury. He shows a rare concern, personally applying medicinal ointment to her wound and ordering that the lights in their courtyard be dimmed to save resources, a small but significant gesture of care. Rong Shu, however, remains guarded, interpreting his actions as mere duty rather than affection.

Shen Ying visits Rong Shu, attempting to manipulate her into pleading for Song Wenping’s release. Shen Ying taunts Rong Shu about her infertility and humble origins, but Rong Shu responds with calm indifference, refusing to be drawn into the conflict. Her composure unsettles Shen Ying, who leaves in frustration. Meanwhile, Song Wenjing’s academic life is introduced; he is a brilliant student at Guyue Academy, preparing for the imperial examinations under the guidance of his teacher, Liu Zhihe. The political landscape is tense, with factional strife at court affecting the upcoming exams, and Song Wenjing’s future career hangs in the balance.

Rong Shu reflects on her family’s financial struggles and her desire to protect her younger siblings. She continues to manage her household with a newfound confidence, supported by Madam Xie’s growing trust. The story establishes a shifting dynamic within the Song family, where Rong Shu’s changed behavior begins to alter the course of events that led to her previous tragedy. As she navigates these complex relationships, she remains focused on securing her position and her child’s future, determined to live a peaceful life this time around.