Lu Zhao transmigrates into the body of a concubine-born daughter of the Minister of Revenue's household and is forced to marry Xie Tingyun, the “frail” Grand Secretary, to bring him good fortune. The entire capital laughs at her as a mere ornament, expecting her to spend her life as a widow in all but name.
On their wedding night, she tears off her veil and slaps a contract in front of her husband, rumored to be as gentle and refined as jade. “Let's make a deal. I'll help you keep up the appearance of being ill, and you'll give me freedom and power.”
Xie Tingyun's pale fingertips brush over the page. He looks up with a faint smile. “My lady, what makes you think... I'm only pretending?”
Later, Lu Zhao uses modern forensic science to help him bring down his political enemies, while Xie Tingyun publicly casts off his “frail” disguise for her, defying the empress with his sword
And on countless nights, he corners her at his desk in his study, holding her close, his breath hot as he asks in a husky voice, “Does the contract include making the act real?”
When all is settled, he takes her hand and stands with her at the pinnacle of power, declaring to the world, “My wife, Lu Zhao, is not my weakness. She is my armor.”
Only then do they realize that this marriage, which began as a matter of mutual benefit, is an epic gamble and a partnership between two master schemers, as they navigate the line between conspiracy and true affection.
[Two powerful leads transmigrate, marriage before love, and the couple joins forces to conquer the world. She solves cases with science; he makes his enemies regret crossing him.]
