Transmigrated into the body of a powerful minister’s prematurely deceased wife, I went mad with mind-reading abilities

Shen Wangshu, a twenty-first-century doctoral student in traditional Chinese medicine, transmigrates into the body of the frail younger sister of the female protagonist in the novel Destined Phoenix Daughter. She arrives just as the Yongning Marquis residence is confiscated for treason, witnessing the death of her adoptive parents and fleeing with her elder sister, Shen Xihe. Shen Wangshu suffers from severe heart disease, a condition that nearly kills the original owner due to emotional trauma. Upon recovering in the Xiahou residence in Moyun City, she discovers she can hear the inner thoughts of others, particularly when they are emotionally agitated. She learns that her sister is destined to leave with the Second Prince, Feng Jiuzhao, to seek revenge for their family, while Shen Wangshu is fated to be forced into a substitute marriage with Chen Ting, the General Who Stabilizes the Nation, and die of melancholy within six months.

Shen Xihe departs secretly, leaving Shen Wangshu alone in the Xiahou household. The imperial court, led by the aging Emperor Zhou Xian, issues a marriage decree bestowing a bride upon Chen Ting, whose previous seven wives have all died mysteriously. The emperor intends this union to be a political maneuver to keep the powerful general dependent and isolated from noble alliances. When the decree targets the Xiahou family, Madam Xiahou panics and blames Shen Wangshu for bringing calamity upon them, demanding that their own daughter, Xiahou Fu, marry the general instead. Faced with hostility and the certainty of a grim fate, Shen Wangshu voluntarily offers to take her cousin’s place, hoping that by entering the marriage willingly, she can secure better treatment and survive.

Shen Wangshu marries Chen Ting with full honors, though the general remains cold and suspicious. On their wedding night, Chen Ting confronts her about her true identity, but she deflects his questions by playing the role of a frightened, wronged bride. He accepts her as his wife, primarily because he needs a controllable spouse to satisfy the emperor without inviting political interference from powerful families. However, when he attempts to consummate the marriage, Shen Wangshu objects due to his extensive, disfiguring scars. Offended and hurt by her rejection, Chen Ting storms out of the bridal chamber, leaving her alone. He spends the night wrestling with feelings of unworthiness and isolation, convinced that everyone fears and despises him.

The following morning, Chen Ting appears composed and accompanies Shen Wangshu to pay respects to the matriarch of the Duke of Rong’s estate. Shen Wangshu navigates the complex family dynamics, enduring the silent disdain of the Duchess while winning the affection of the elderly matriarch. She observes that Chen Ting is protective yet socially awkward, responding better to gentleness than confrontation. As she adjusts to her new life, Shen Wangshu begins to understand the political traps set by the emperor and the genuine loneliness of her husband. She resolves to use her medical knowledge and emotional intelligence to alter her fate, protect herself, and potentially change the tragic outcomes destined for those around her, including the general who seems trapped by his own reputation and the emperor’s schemes.