Pei Shangshang never expected to wake up one day and find herself back at age twelve. It had all been a dream, and she realized she was the real fool.
In the book, Pei Shangshang was betrothed to the second master of the Zheng family when they were young. She thought it would be a heartwarming story, but someone cut in and stole the match.
The second master made more and more money in business, while the sister who stole the match ended up with nothing more than the title of concubine. The main wife was apparently a daughter from some prominent family in the capital.
Pei Shangshang's marriage prospects had been ruined by the whole affair. She was already in her twenties by ancient standards and still unmarried. Unlucky enough to be abducted by bandits, she unexpectedly met the very Second Master Zheng who had broken off their engagement in the bandits' private prison.
That night, Second Master Zheng's men came to rescue them. In the ensuing chaos, as Pei Shangshang fled with the others, someone thrust a sword at the second master, and Pei Shangshang threw herself in front of it.
Pei Shangshang died, while the second master was unharmed. He never imagined that the woman whose engagement he had broken off could love him so deeply: not only had she remained unmarried and preserved her chastity for him all those years, but she had even given her life for him without hesitation.
And then supporting character Pei Shangshang exited the story, while the second master, the protagonist, became a wealthy merchant richer than a kingdom. In the end, his wives and concubines fought over his favor, and he died after drinking poisoned wine.
Only Pei Shangshang knew the truth: she'd twisted her ankle and fallen. She really hadn't wanted to take a sword for that scumbag, and she hadn't preserved her chastity for him, either. It was just that after that incident with the engagement, she'd been more careful when meeting potential matches. There were still a few she liked, and she was getting to know them, okay?
The female lead dies first, then is reborn at age 12.
The male lead isn't exactly reborn either. He gradually recalls his past life. The female lead is the one who is reborn.
Theme: Be serious.
