Shen Wan, a forensic science graduate student, transmigrates to the Great Ye dynasty through an ancient jade pendant and becomes the orphaned heir of a military family, falsely accused of colluding with the enemy. Using her modern knowledge, she helps the Seventh Prince, Xiao Chengji, clear his name and seize power, never realizing she is merely a pawn on his chessboard.
He deceives her into drawing off the pursuers. She runs through the snow all night, only to hear that he is to marry into another family.
She takes a sword meant for him, her blood staining his robe. For the first time, he cries, but all he says is, “Who told you to take that blow for me?”
In the end, he kneels before her and begs for the military seal. She gives it to him, then walks toward a trap, leaving him with one last line: “Xiao Chengji, you owe me. Remember to pay me back in your next life.”
A thousand years later, the discovery of a jade pendant in a museum brings them together again. Lu Chengji, a history professor, looks at the birthmark beneath her collarbone, his voice trembling. “I've been searching for so long... for my whole life.”
Tears streaming down her face, she says, “You still haven't paid me back.”
He reaches out to wipe away her tears. “I won't pay you back in this life. In this life, I'll give you all of me.”
Theme: Love means going toward someone even when you know it will hurt, and refusing to forget them even after a thousand years. This story explores sacrifice and redemption, exploitation and sincerity, fate and choice. Even if I could live it all again, I would still choose to love you.
