Transmigrated into a Wife of a Future Top Scholar in Ancient Era

Song Shiyu transmigrates into the body of a villainess in a male-oriented novel titled I Became the Top Scholar in Ancient Times. In the original story, the female lead’s cruel treatment of the male protagonist, Pei Qinhuai, leads to her eventual execution after he rises to power. Song Shiyu finds herself in a precarious position: she is engaged to Pei Qinhuai but has no formal status, living in his impoverished household while bearing the hatred of his two young children, Pei Jin’an and Pei Jinxi. The original owner had abused the children and squandered Pei Qinhuai’s resources, leaving Song Shiyu with a ruined reputation and no support system after her own family fell from grace.

Initially paralyzed by the knowledge of her guaranteed death ending, Song Shiyu decides to survive by changing her behavior. She stops abusing the children and begins contributing to the household through cooking and chores. Her sudden transformation confuses Pei Qinhuai, who remains cautious and observant. Despite his outward kindness, he is calculating and holds grudges, making Song Shiyu determined to maintain a careful distance while securing her own financial independence. She resolves to leave the Pei family within six months, aiming to earn enough money to live on her own terms.

Song Shiyu identifies writing storybooks as her primary means of income, leveraging her modern knowledge and literacy. She begins by entertaining the children with tales from Journey to the West, which helps ease tensions, particularly with Pei Jinxi, who shows genuine kindness. However, Pei Jin’an remains hostile, accusing her of manipulating his uncle. Song Shiyu firmly asserts her intention to leave, swearing an oath that she will depart in half a year, which temporarily silences his accusations but deepens his suspicion.

During a trip to the county town to buy paper and supplies, Song Shiyu encounters Yue Loufei, the county magistrate’s son, who mocks her fallen status. She ignores him, maintaining her composure. At a bookstore, she meets Mr. Yu, Pei Qinhuai’s mentor, who is critical of her lack of practical skills and ambition. Undeterred, Song Shiyu rents books on mathematics, agriculture, and manufacturing, signaling her serious intent to become self-sufficient. She also purchases household necessities, demonstrating her capability to manage resources efficiently.

Pei Qinhuai observes Song Shiyu’s changes with growing curiosity. He provides her with household funds, testing her intentions, while she insists on clear boundaries to avoid indebtedness. Their interactions reveal a complex dynamic: he is drawn to her beauty and sudden competence, yet wary of her motives, while she remains focused on survival and eventual separation. The story sets the stage for Song Shiyu’s efforts to build a new life through writing and entrepreneurship, all while navigating the political and social challenges posed by Pei Qinhuai’s rising career and the lingering hostility of those around her.