Wang Ruoyi was clever but poor. She sold herself into servitude at the Meng residence, where she met Meng Peipei, a young lady her own age. Kindhearted Meng Peipei never mistreated her. She even taught her to read and shared her pastries with her, treating her like a friend. That warmth became a beacon in Wang Ruoyi’s life as a servant.
But their happy days did not last. The Meng family refused to collude with the unscrupulous merchant Yang Shengzhuo, who retaliated by framing them. Meng Peipei died tragically in his scheme. Grief-stricken, her parents saw that Wang Ruoyi looked and carried herself much like their daughter and knew the Meng family’s affairs well. Through their tears, they begged her to assume Meng Peipei’s identity for a while and help stabilize the situation. Wang Ruoyi already wanted to avenge Meng Peipei, so she agreed at once.
She hid her hatred and humble origins, imitated Meng Peipei’s delicate manner, and took on the role of the Meng family’s young lady. Then she met Yang Zhengye. At first, she did not know he was Yang Shengzhuo’s younger brother and hoped to use him to investigate the case. When she learned of their relationship, her heart sank. When she brought up her suspicions about Yang Shengzhuo, Yang Zhengye looked at her in disbelief. “My brother has never overstepped his bounds. Don’t make wild guesses. If you have solid evidence, I’ll investigate. Without proof, you’d best behave yourself.”
Suspicion had already taken root. Wang Ruoyi understood that her road to revenge, pursued under a young lady’s identity, had only just begun.
