After losing her mother at a young age, Dou Zhao became deeply disillusioned with love and family due to the upheavals and hardships she faced. To protect herself and her family estate, she contended with her stepmother and chose to live in a remote village, focusing on her studies to become self-reliant. One stormy night, Dou Zhao encountered Song Mo—disguised as a merchant—at the village. Using her wit, she helped him protect the orphaned descendant of Duke Ding Guo, who had been honored for his achievements in quelling bandits. This incident intertwined their fates. Song Mo, born into an official's family, was entangled in the mysteries of his family's downfall. Meanwhile, Dou Zhao was faced malicious rumors about an arranged marriage orchestrated by her stepmother. To form an alliance and navigate their difficulties, they decided to marry. Initially suspicious of each other, they gradually became confidants and supported each other through numerous challenges: navigating political turmoil and uncovering secrets.
