Du Nan, a modern woman, finds herself transmigrated into the body of Yun Shuyue, a frail and melancholic noblewoman in a novel she once read. In the original story, Yun Shuyue is a disposable character who marries Jiang Chengyuan, the cold and ruthless Prime Minister, due to a childhood betrothal arranged by their fathers. She lives in misery for three years and dies of depression. Determined to rewrite her fate, Du Nan resolves to prioritize her own happiness and escape this tragic trajectory. The marriage takes place in the capital, drawing massive public attention due to the couple's high status. During the wedding ceremony, Yun Shuyue asserts her dignity by requesting to walk in with a red silk ribbon rather than being carried, surprising the crowd and Jiang Chengyuan. She enters the bridal chamber with a calm demeanor, removing her heavy wedding attire and demanding food, shocking her maid Chun Liu who expects her to weep. Jiang Chengyuan, preoccupied with urgent memorial drafts regarding disaster relief, spends his wedding night in his study, a fact he later claims was due to drunkenness to appease his mother, Gu Lanfang.
Yun Shuyue remains unfazed by her husband's neglect. The next morning, she appears healthy and radiant at breakfast, contradicting rumors of her frailty. Her father-in-law, Jiang Chong, is pleased with her vitality, while Gu Lanfang remains suspicious and unhappy that her son has not consummated the marriage. Yun Shuyue begins a rigorous exercise routine to strengthen her body, surprising those who knew her as a sickly invalid. Jiang Chengyuan discovers her physical transformation and becomes intrigued, noting the discrepancy between the intelligence he received and the woman he sees. Their interactions are marked by a polite but distant tension. Yun Shuyue secretly plans for a future divorce, using her substantial dowry to purchase property and shops within the city to ensure financial independence.
The story progresses to Yun Shuyue's return visit to her family. During the banquet, her cousin Yun Ruoning attempts to humiliate her by forcing her to drink alcohol, knowing Yun Shuyue has a heart condition. Jiang Chengyuan intervenes, drinking the wine himself and defending Yun Shuyue, which shifts the family's perception of him. That night, while staying at the Yun residence, Yun Ruoning spies on the couple through the window. Yun Shuyue, fearing scandal, climbs into the bed with Jiang Chengyuan, leading to an awkward but intimate moment where they share a bed to maintain appearances. The next morning, Chun Liu discovers Yun Shuyue's torn robe, leading her family to believe the couple has consummated their marriage, much to Gu Lanfang's delight.
Soon after, an imperial edict orders Jiang Chengyuan to personally escort disaster relief funds to Rong County. Yun Shuyue, aware from the novel that Jiang Chengyuan will be ambushed by bandits near Great Pine Mountain and gravely injured, tries to warn him. She suggests an alternative route to avoid the danger. Jiang Chengyuan, now curious about her insight and protective nature, agrees to consider her advice. Gu Lanfang insists Yun Shuyue accompany him on the journey to strengthen their bond. Despite her fears of the dangerous road and her desire to avoid close proximity with Jiang Chengyuan, she is forced to go. During the journey, Yun Shuyue falls asleep against Jiang Chengyuan's shoulder. At a post station, he holds her hand to protect her from the cold, an act that surprises their entourage and deepens the ambiguity of their relationship. Yun Shuyue continues to navigate the complexities of her new life, balancing her desire for freedom with the growing, unexpected attention from the Prime Minister.
