Li Qingchen, the legitimate daughter who had been raised in the countryside since childhood, is brought back to the capital. On the way, after a vicious servant abuses her, she happens to meet Jiang Jibai, a junior official at the Dali Temple, and Guo Fanmo, a constable, forming a connection with them. She then encounters Zhao Pianhong, an officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. All three approach her because of the treasure map belonging to her grandfather, Zhang Zeqian.
She is forced into a substitute marriage with the Mu family and becomes the wife left to guard the residence, but her husband, Mu Shaozhou, who was supposed to have died, returns alive.
By day, she pretends to be lame. At night, she looks for a chance to assassinate Mu Shaozhou.
Chen Niang is an assassin with the Xilian Workshop in the martial world. Someone has hired her for a high price to kill Mu Shaozhou.
After Mu Shaozhou learns that his elder brother was killed by Li Qingchen's father, Li Dahai, he spends every day trying to make Li Qingchen die suddenly.
Two strangers, outwardly friendly but at odds inside, share one courtyard, one room, and one bed, and begin a life of wits and rivalry.
