There is no end to thought

Upon opening her eyes, Yiling discovers she has not died but has instead awakened in the body of Shang Yiling, the new wife of Xie Hengzhi. Shang Yiling was a celebrated poetess from Jiangzhou who had written love poems for Xie Hengzhi, leading the Emperor to arrange their marriage. The original Shang Yiling had died after falling into water, an incident Yiling learns was merely an accident caused by her servants. Now inhabiting this new body, Yiling finds herself trapped in the Xie mansion, living under the same roof as the man who killed her previous self. Her physical body is weak and prone to fainting spells, which a physician attributes to emotional distress rather than illness.

Yiling’s primary goal becomes revenge against Xie Hengzhi. She recalls his cold demeanor and the ease with which he ended her life. During her first encounter with him after waking, she harbors intense murderous intent, even attempting to stab him with a wooden hairpin while he sleeps. However, Xie Hengzhi wakes just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack. He notices her changed temperament but does not reveal his suspicions, instead treating her with a deceptive gentleness that unsettles Yiling. She moves to a separate courtyard to avoid him, but their paths continue to cross.

Her brother, Yiyun, arrives at the Xie mansion demanding justice for his sister, whom he believes Xie Hengzhi murdered. Unbeknownst to him, he is speaking to the woman who was once his sister. Yiling learns that Xie Hengzhi reported her previous death as a heroic suicide, which brought political favors and promotions to her family. This revelation deepens her hatred, as her sacrifice was used to bolster Xie Hengzhi’s reputation and her family’s status. Yiling attempts to investigate the circumstances of her transmigration and seeks guidance from a monk, Master Huiming, who hints that her fate is tied to Xie Hengzhi and that she must resolve the cause to find peace.

As Yiling navigates her new life, she struggles with her physical weakness and the constant presence of her enemy. She observes Xie Hengzhi’s interactions with his family, including his blind mother and younger sister, noting his outward respect and care. Despite her desire for revenge, Yiling realizes that direct confrontation is dangerous given Xie Hengzhi’s immense power. She begins to plan a more calculated approach, aware that she must survive and gather strength before she can exact her vengeance. The story ends with Yiling still trapped in the Xie mansion, her fate intertwined with the man who destroyed her, as she prepares for the long game of retribution.