Modern-day office worker Shen Qingci dies after staying up all night reading a palace-intrigue novel, then transmigrates into the book as a minor palace maiden with the same name. The moment she enters the palace, she bumps into the tyrant Chu Yin, who orders her execution. In the nick of time, she awakens the ability to read minds and hears Chu Yin's inner thoughts: “Oh no, oh no, I overdid the aloof act...” That's when she realizes that the tyrant, who seems ruthless and decisive on the outside, is actually a socially anxious, lovestruck drama queen. Using her mind-reading ability, Shen Qingci deftly navigates the perilous inner palace. When Consort Xiao tries to frame her, she sees through the plot in advance and turns the tables. When powerful officials secretly plot rebellion, she warns Chu Yin in time and helps him avert disaster. Chu Yin grows increasingly dependent on the woman who can “understand” his thoughts, making excuses to visit her palace every day. He keeps up his tyrant persona in public while secretly acting out elaborate romantic scenarios in his head. Shen Qingci goes from wanting only to protect herself to gradually being moved by Chu Yin's sincerity, and the two grow closer as they test one another. But Consort Xiao's jealousy, the schemes of the court factions, and the truth behind Chu Yin's tyrant persona all begin to surface. Shen Qingci must use her wits and mind-reading ability to protect the one she loves amid the turmoil of the harem, uncover the layers of deception, and face the hidden currents behind imperial power alongside Chu Yin, finding a way for them both to survive.
