Summary
Highlights
Shen Yi'an is betrayed by Gu Ruoyi and his brother Mu Chen, leading to his downfall and the sacrifice of Li Yan, a woman he had previously humiliated. He is reborn to the day of his coronation and vows to protect Li Yan and expose his enemies.
Shen Yi'an publicly declares his intention to marry Li Yan, despite the disdain of others. He rejects Gu Ruoyi, who then seeks an alliance with Mu Chen. This decision shocks the court, especially his mother and others who had invested heavily in his marriage to Gu Ruoyi.
Gu Ruoyi and Li Yan fall into the water. Shen Yi'an saves Li Yan first, showing his true feelings. Li Yan, revealed to be General Zhen Guo's granddaughter, causes a stir and exposes Gu Ruoyi's deception about her lineage.
Shen Yi'an is crowned Crown Prince due to his engagement to Li Yan. Moments after, an assassination attempt is made on his life, orchestrated by his brothers. Li Yan bravely fights off the assassins, demonstrating her unexpected strength.
Shen Yi'an attends a banquet hosted by his brother, aware it's a trap designed to ruin his reputation by implicating him with Gu Ruoyi. However, he is prepared, having taken an antidote and planned for his father's timely arrival, leading to a surprising twist where his fourth brother is implicated instead.
Shen Yi'an uses his foresight from his past life to orchestrate a successful disaster relief effort, countering a plot by his brothers to frame him for corruption. This earns him public favor and imperial recognition, frustrating his rivals.
Shen Yi'an exposes major corruption within the Zhao family, allied with his fourth brother, regarding military supplies. This leads to the downfall of the Zhao family and further solidifies Shen Yi'an's position, while his fourth brother reveals his own deep-seated hatred for the Zhao family.
A plot to frame Shen Yi'an for manipulating the spring imperial exams unravels. Shen Yi'an, once again prepared, exposes the true culprits—his older brother and the Empress—leading to their downfall and strengthening his own standing with the Emperor.
As his father's health declines, a final, desperate power grab by his eldest brother and the Empress, during a palace banquet. Shen Yi'an, with the help of his allies and the timely return of General Ye, thwarts the rebellion, securing his place as the rightful heir to the throne.