Villainous Minister’s Redemption Plan

Modern Suzhou embroidery inheritor Su Jinxiu dies after a fatal needle prick and transmigrates into the body of Su Qiaoniang, a young woman living in Bianjing. She awakens in a dilapidated courtyard with her foster brother, Wen Shiqin. Immediately, she discovers a mysterious book titled Embroidery Alley Miscellany that dictates her fate. The text reveals that Su Qiaoniang must become the top embroiderer in the capital within two years to survive past age twenty. Furthermore, the book contains the tragic history of Wen Shiqin, who grows up to become a notorious treacherous official responsible for framing benefactors and silencing critics. The narrative states that for every evil deed Wen Shiqin commits, a page vanishes from the book, and Su Jinxiu’s health deteriorates accordingly. If all pages disappear, she will be trapped in a fatal cycle.

Wen Shiqin is currently a sensitive, protective youth who relies on Su Jinxiu for emotional stability. When a relative, Aunt He, harasses Su Jinxiu, Wen Shiqin secretly orchestrates her death by inciting creditors, an act recorded in the miscellany. Su Jinxiu discovers the missing page and realizes the immediate danger. She confronts Wen Shiqin, who initially displays dark, violent tendencies but ultimately submits to her pleas after she feigns illness and he suffers a nightmare about losing her. He promises to abandon extreme methods and listen to her guidance. Su Jinxiu resolves to steer him away from his destined path of corruption while securing their livelihood.

To achieve financial independence, Su Jinxiu visits Huayun Pavilion, a prestigious embroidery shop. She demonstrates a novel twisted-color embroidery technique that rivals the work of master artisans. Impressed, the manager, An Chisu, hires her. During this time, she encounters Ying Bumei, a flamboyant Taoist priest who had previously helped her avoid capture by authorities. Ying Bumei becomes a recurring figure, offering financial assistance and companionship, though Su Jinxiu remains cautious of his unpredictable nature.

As Su Jinxiu’s income stabilizes, she learns that the local school is closing due to financial mismanagement. Wen Shiqin, talented in both literature and martial arts, is forced to consider abandoning his studies to work as a martial arts instructor’s assistant. Su Jinxiu struggles with the moral dilemma of preventing his future villainy by limiting his education versus supporting his ambitions. She secretly saves money to send him to the prestigious White Deer Grotto Academy but is interrupted by a new opportunity. An Chisu asks her to deliver embroidery to Yusheng, the top courtesan at Spring Drunken Pavilion.

At the pleasure quarter, Su Jinxiu repairs and restyles Yusheng’s damaged garments, showcasing her exceptional taste and skill. Yusheng is delighted and commissions Su Jinxiu to alter her entire wardrobe for an upcoming performance. This encounter opens a new business channel, allowing Su Jinxiu to earn significant wealth while building connections in high society. Meanwhile, Wen Shiqin hides bruises from his part-time martial training, claiming he is preparing to protect her. Su Jinxiu discovers his injuries and realizes his determination to become strong enough to shield her from harm, reinforcing her resolve to guide him toward a righteous path rather than the darkness foretold in the miscellany.

The story follows Su Jinxiu as she navigates the intricate social hierarchies of Bianjing, balancing her embroidery career with the delicate task of reforming Wen Shiqin. She must prevent the disappearance of the remaining pages in the book while ensuring her own survival. Her interactions with Ying Bumei and her growing influence among the elite provide her with resources and protection. However, the looming threat of Wen Shiqin’s inherent malice and the external pressures of court politics create constant tension. Su Jinxiu’s primary goal remains clear: break the cycle of tragedy by transforming Wen Shiqin from a future tyrant into a man of integrity, all while establishing herself as the most renowned embroiderer in the capital.