Reborn Before the Top Scholar’s Fame

Mu Jiaojiao had a benefactor who saved her life. After her rebirth, she’s determined to repay him. She meticulously attends to every detail of her benefactor’s family’s needs, even more so than a proper daughter-in-law. Everyone assumes she’s in love with one of the Zhan family’s sons. However, in the 17th year of the Yanjing era, after Zhan Qiyu becomes the top scholar (zhuàngyuán), she leaves a letter and departs, believing her debt repaid.

The newly appointed top scholar, dressed in red robes and riding a steed, chases her down the imperial city streets.

“Mu Jiaojiao, if you leave today, I will die today.”

“I will only live if you are here.”

Mu Jiaojiao thinks Zhan Qiyu is ill. The once aloof and elegant young man has become a sickly weakling, and she can’t bear to leave him. Slowly, she discovers his true nature: a powerful and influential minister behind a delicate façade, capable of bringing down even high-ranking officials. Everything is different from what she expected, and she tries to leave.

Unexpectedly, the Mu family receives betrothal gifts from two influential men on the same day.

A powerful man grabs her chin, “Jiaojiao, do you want to be the Crown Princess? Unfortunately, he might not become the crown prince.”

Mu Jiaojiao looks at the ribbon on her wrist, sighing, “I have no feelings for him, and I only see you as my benefactor.”

But Zhan Qiyu can’t let go: “Jiaojiao, I told you, without you, I will die.”

She surrenders.

Short Scene:

It’s common knowledge in the capital that Madam Zhan never attends social gatherings. Therefore, few have seen her, leading to speculation about her appearance or hidden illnesses. Then, someone spots the top minister with a stunningly beautiful woman, and the entire court is abuzz, believing the minister’s image of a devoted husband is ruined. The next day, however, Zhan Qiyu requests a first-rank imperial title for his wife in court. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. It turns out that while he’s outwardly charming, he’s deeply devoted at home. The “other woman,” meanwhile, finding out she will become a first-rank noblewoman, collapses onto the bed, crying for help and medicine.