A modern master's graduate in history, well versed in the patterns behind the rise and fall of dynasties, wakes up in the body of Xie Zhou, a neglected illegitimate son of the Jing'an Marquis household.
His stepmother arranges a "well-matched" marriage for him: Shen Yundai, the Shen family's illegitimate daughter, renowned for her dullness.
Xie Zhou intends to treat her with mutual respect and let them each live their own lives, but gradually discovers that his seemingly dull wife is outrageously clever.
Shen Yundai, in turn, realizes her honest husband is far more inscrutable than she ever imagined.
From testing each other to placing their trust in one another, the two join forces to take the imperial examinations, turn the tables on their adversaries, and punish scoundrels, building a happier and more prosperous life together.
