Su Yunqing, a restorer of ancient books, transmigrates into the body of a young lady from a marquis's household. Her entire family has been arrested and their assets confiscated, and she has been sent to the palace servants' quarters as a slave.
In the pitch-black servants' quarters, day and night are indistinguishable, and there is no food. Drawing on the original host's memories, Su Yunqing begs the male lead to save her: "Please take pity on me, my lord. I'll work like an ox or a horse and serve you however you wish."
…
Jiang Che pauses for a moment, then laughs. His voice is low and his tone lazy, with a hint of inscrutable amusement. "Looking at you like this, how am I supposed to take pity on you?"
…
War breaks out along the border, and Jiang Che, a general, sets out to quell it.
When he hears that Su Yunqing intends to go with him, Jiang Che snaps, "Have you lost your mind? The battlefield is men's territory. If a woman like you goes, you'll only get yourself killed for nothing."
Su Yunqing gazes steadily into Jiang Che's eyes, grits her teeth, and says each word with conviction: "When war comes, there is no distinction between men and women. Believe me, Jiang Che. I won't be a burden to you. I'll be your capable partner."
Theme: Two halves saving each other.
