Summary
Highlights
The video opens with a critical discussion about the Empress of Jing and the declining fortunes of the kingdom due to floods and drought. Meanwhile, Gu Lan, a transmigrator with a 'book reader's system,' lives a seemingly simple life running a teahouse with his wife. He actively avoids the main plot involving protagonists and villains, preferring to cultivate happiness with his wife. His culinary skills and seemingly mundane life are presented as a stark contrast to the turmoil outside.
During dinner, Gu Lan's wife expresses concern over the suffering caused by the drought. Gu Lan accurately predicts the drought's location and duration, startling his wife. He also reveals that the Empress is not an incompetent ruler but is secretly seeking ways to save the country, even suggesting she is out in the world. This profound insight raises his wife's suspicions, making her wonder if Gu Lan knows more than he lets on, and causing her to briefly fear her true identity has been exposed.
Gu Lan further exposes the corruption within the imperial court, pinpointing that relief grain is being embezzled. His accurate predictions demonstrate remarkable foresight, leading the Empress, disguised as his wife, to realize the severity of the situation. The system rewards Gu Lan for revealing the underlying plot, giving him heightened cultivation and powerful artifacts. This also leads to the swift execution of corrupt officials by the Empress, further entangling Gu Lan in the kingdom's politics.
Gu Lan encounters a bloody man seeking refuge at his inn, later revealed to be Wu Feng, an individual being hunted by the corrupt Huajian Sect for exposing their collusion with demons and possessing a crucial artifact, the Shadow Carving Stone. Gu Lan (unbeknownst to his wife and others) intervenes, inadvertently leading to a confrontation between the Huajian Sect and a mysterious Sword Immortal. Gu Lan's actions, and the timely appearance of the Sword Immortal, lead to the downfall of the Huajian Sect, and Gu Lan benefits by acquiring their treasures.
Gu Lan encounters Lin Deer, a man with a strong destiny, during the autumn exams. Lin Deer expresses cynicism about the examination system but is touched by Gu Lan's compassion for his ailing sister, Lin Tan Er. Gu Lan’s system-granted medical knowledge allows him to heal Lin Tan Er, who is revealed to have the 'Ice Phoenix Body' and is also a 'Daughter of Destiny.' His actions significantly alter the original plot, securing Lin Deer's loyalty and strengthening Gu Lan's own luck.
The Demon Kingdom declares war on Jing, advancing the timeline of the original novel. Faced with increasing external threats and internal corruption, Gu Lan introduces advanced agricultural tools, such as Immortal Rice, waterwheels, and wooden oxen and horses, to bolster the kingdom's food supply and infrastructure. These innovations drastically improve the kingdom's resilience and earn Gu Lan further system rewards, including powerful techniques and items, as he continues to indirectly guide the country towards prosperity.
The Empress, disguised as his wife's grandfather, visits Gu Lan to thank him for his earlier help in averting a disaster and saving her chief minister. Gu Lan, still unaware of her true identity, continues to provide insightful political advice. The scene highlights the growing, albeit secret, alliance between Gu Lan and the Empress. Simultaneously, the Northern Underworld Princess, Luan Xiaoyao, issues a challenge to the 'Sword Immortal of Langzhou', generating further intrigue and foreshadowing future conflicts.
Lin Tan Er enters the Tianshan Secret Realm as part of a competition, while Gu Lan secretly hopes to exploit the realm's inherent opportunities. However, a demonic entity, sealed for millennia, awakens within the realm, trapping many, including Lin Tan Er. The Empress (Gu Lan's wife) bravely attempts to force open the realm, demonstrating her fierce dedication to her people and, specifically, to finding Gu Lan. She reveals she is pregnant, further complicating their intertwined destinies.
The discovery of a fake Empress attempting to incite rebellion at a temple prayer event leads to a confrontation where the true Empress reveals her identity to the conspirators. This narrow escape from an assassination attempt reveals the depth of political machinations against the Jing Kingdom. Gu Lan begins to piece together clues about his wife's secretive life, suspecting her connection to the Empress, but remains unaware of her dual identity. The escalating conflicts with the Northern Underworld and various assassin organizations further highlight the growing dangers around them.
Gu Lan receives an invitation to a chess game from a high-ranking official, leading him to the Minister's residence, where the Empress is also present. Unaware that his wife is the Empress, Gu Lan critiques the Empress's leadership style. The Empress, in turn, observes Gu Lan's talents and considers promoting him to an influential position, further integrating him into the court. This subtle manipulation of Gu Lan's career is intended to secure his place as a pillar of the Jing Kingdom, unbeknownst to him. The segment ends with the Empress contemplating a full revelation of her identity, but chooses to postpone it, continuing the masquerade.