Dramatic Self-Help Strategy Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Dramatic Self-Help Strategy Synopsis
Actress Li Caiwei time-travels to ancient times and takes over the body of a foolish prince's consort. She had been engaged to the Pingyang prince, Shen Huaijin, since childhood, but he inexplicably dies just before each wedding ceremony.
Li Caiwei finds herself trapped in an endless cycle of "husband dies, wife follows."
In order to save her life, she embarks on a journey of investigation, gradually falling in love with the "pseudo-dandy" prince.
Dramatic Self-Help Strategy Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the somber atmosphere of the Prince's residence at night, a chilling breeze filled the air. Li Caiwei suddenly sat up from the coffin, only to find the lifeless body beside her was that of the abruptly deceased Prince Shen Huaijin. The maid Ding Xiang brought her a cup of wine, suggesting that if she drank it, she could be with the Prince for a long time, accompanying him in the afterlife. According to the custom here, when a husband dies, the wife follows. Thinking it was just a play, Li Caiwei drank without hesitation. However, she soon felt something was wrong – the drink was indeed poisoned.
Rewinding time to the day before the grand wedding, Li Caiwei woke up from a dream. Her maid Lan Xin was by her bedside, assisting her in trying on the newly tailored bright red wedding gown. Before Li Caiwei fully awakened, Lan Xin explained her background: originally the daughter of Marquis, she became an orphan when the Marquis died in battle. Thus, from a young age, she was taken in and raised by the Marquis's good friend, Pingyang Lord. However, due to a childhood accident, she occasionally experienced confusion. After helping Li Caiwei put on the wedding attire, she immediately became radiant. When Ding Xiang brought the wine again in front of the coffin, Li Caiwei firmly refused to drink.
The Queen ordered her servants to force-feed the poisoned wine to Li Caiwei, causing her to die once more. Ten days before the grand wedding, Li Caiwei was determined not to repeat the same fate. She decided to escape from the Prince's residence and find a way back to the modern era. She took action, collecting valuable items for her escape. However, as she climbed over the wall, she unexpectedly encountered Shen Huaijin, who had returned late and entered by climbing the wall. Seeing Li Caiwei, his childhood friend, insisting on escaping, Shen Huaijin was deeply saddened. Nevertheless, he agreed to help her flee and kicked her down. Li Caiwei's escape was arduous – she not only lost her belongings but also injured her leg. To make matters worse, pursuers were closing in, intent on capturing her.
Episode 2 Recap
Chasing soldiers behind were pressing Li Caiwei to return and be buried alongside the deceased. Li Caiwei, preferring death over compliance, leaped off a cliff. When she woke up again, the time had rolled back to twenty days before the grand wedding. Realizing she was stuck in a deadly loop – whenever the Prince died, she would be captured for burial – Li Caiwei decided to break this cycle. She sought out Prince Shen Huaijin, intending to annul their engagement. The Pingyang Lord's residence was vast, and despite searching everywhere, Li Caiwei couldn't find the Prince. However, she overheard two people discussing using poison to kill the Prince.
Wanting to identify the conspirators, Li Caiwei was suddenly attacked from behind, her mouth covered, and she was fatally stabbed. Once again waking up, time had reset to thirty days before the grand wedding. Li Caiwei calculated she had died five times already. Eating buns in her room, she heard Lan Xin and Ding Xiang quarreling. It was evident that Ding Xiang had framed Lan Xin, and remembering that Ding Xiang had poisoned her, Li Caiwei couldn't contain her anger upon hearing her voice.
Li Caiwei burst out of the room and without hesitation, slapped Ding Xiang on both sides of her face. Ding Xiang, feeling wronged, sought help from the Queen. Li Caiwei, not backing down, delivered a swift kick, sending Ding Xiang to the Queen's feet. The Queen was about to order her subordinates to discipline Li Caiwei when the Prince arrived just in time. He stopped the Queen and others, taking Li Caiwei away from the scene. In their conversation, Li Caiwei learned that the Queen was the Prince's stepmother. She quickly informed the Prince that someone was trying to poison her, but the Prince thought she was currently acting foolish and crazy. Upon hearing Lan Xin describe the Prince as handsome and wealthy, the ideal prince charming for all women in the capital, Li Caiwei concluded that he was nothing more than a scoundrel.
Episode 3 Recap
Li Caiwei thought, since Shen Huaijin is a dandy in the capital, she would become a dandy woman herself and never leave Shen Huaijin. The next morning, as Shen Huaijin was about to go out, Li Caiwei followed him and insisted on going out together, claiming that she wanted to buy things. Shen Huaijin initially found her silly and didn't want to take her along. Li Caiwei deliberately provoked him, saying he was stingy and reluctant to let her spend money. Shen Huaijin, upon hearing this, waved his hand generously and immediately agreed to take Li Caiwei out for shopping.
Li Caiwei bought whatever she saw on the street. Lanxin and the entourage behind them carried bags of purchased items, gasping for breath. Shen Huaijin not only didn't feel sorry for her, but also said that what Li Caiwei did was child's play. He took Li Caiwei to Yunjin Tower, where the best fabrics in the entire capital could be found. Li Caiwei liked them so much that she directly bought the entire store. When Shen Huaijin wanted to go to the gambling den, Li Caiwei insisted on following. Shen Huaijin brought her along, and at first, Li Caiwei kept losing. In the end, with nothing left to lose, she suggested wagering the position of the prince. Shen Huaijin immediately agreed to stake himself.
In the end, Li Caiwei won big, and everyone who played against them lost everything. To appease the gamblers, Shen Huaijin invited them to Wan Hua Lou to relax. Li Caiwei insisted on going with them. Lanxin hurriedly reminded her that Wan Hua Lou is a brothel, but Li Caiwei became even more excited upon hearing this. Shen Huaijin readily agreed, saying he would agree to anything as long as it made his prince consort happy. Li Caiwei, upon hearing this, felt elated, thinking that the prince was really good to her. In the residence of Pingyang Lord, the princess consort incited the lord about the incident of the prince taking the prince consort to visit a brothel. The lord, upon hearing this, flew into a rage.
Episode 4 Recap
Li Caiwei and Shen Huaijin played until midnight before returning. They lost all the money they won at the gambling den in the brothel. Even the engagement jade bracelet that the lord gave to Li Caiwei was given to the courtesan at Wan Hua Lou. Li Caiwei appeared indifferent, telling the prince that money is just an external possession, and once spent, it's spent. When they arrived at the lord's residence and saw the tightly closed gate, Shen Huaijin mentioned that the lord had a rule to lock the main gate at midnight. Since they couldn't enter, Li Caiwei suggested calling the attendant Guo An. However, Shen Huaijin couldn't understand what she was saying.
In the end, they decided to climb over the wall. The prince was skilled in martial arts, and this was no trouble for him. He let Li Caiwei climb onto his shoulders to scale the wall, and then they jumped into the courtyard together. However, the lord and lady were waiting for them. The lord, upon seeing them, became furious and ordered them to kneel. Li Caiwei took responsibility for everything, hoping that the lord would annul the engagement and send her away. The lord, however, stated that their engagement was approved by the emperor and could not be annulled. He then ordered them each to receive thirty strokes and be confined for a month. The prince, taking responsibility for all, willingly accepted the punishment on behalf of Li Caiwei.
Shen Huaijin, unable to walk due to the beating, was assisted back to his room by Guo An and Li Caiwei. The lord's niece, Liu Jingshu, had always been infatuated with Shen Huaijin. She insisted on helping him bathe, but Li Caiwei objected, saying that wounds shouldn't be exposed to water, leading to an argument between the two women. Shen Huaijin intervened, and Guo An applied a traditional golden wound medicine from his family to the prince. Ding Xiang and the lady conspired, believing that the lord's punishment was too lenient. The lady gritted her teeth, saying that the lord couldn't forget Shen Huaijin's mother, which is why he protected Shen Huaijin. However, she was determined not to let him have his way.
Episode 5 Recap
Liu Jingshu couldn't argue with Li Caiwei and sulkily returned to the side of the lady. The lady scolded her for not being able to handle even such a trivial matter. The lady had always wanted Liu Jingshu to seduce Shen Huaijin, hoping to make him make a mistake and anger the emperor, leading to the stripping of his title as the prince. However, she was also worried that Liu Jingshu might genuinely fall in love with Shen Huaijin. Therefore, the lady stopped pressuring her to get close to Shen Huaijin and instead ordered Liu Jingshu to bring Shen Huaibi back.
While applying medicine, Guo An told the prince that Li's attitude toward him had changed a lot, and it was evident that she was jealous of Liu Jingshu. Shen Huaijin explained that he let her spend freely and even took the beating for her, so her kindness was normal. Guo An expressed concern that the prince's actions might provoke the lord, but Shen Huaijin stated that he deliberately wanted to provoke the lord. The reason he indulged in extravagance was to divert the assets of the lord's residence because Yunjin Tower, Wan Hua Lou, and Desheng Gambling House were all his businesses. If Li Caiwei was genuinely sincere, he planned to reveal these truths to her later.
Li Caiwei grabbed Lanxin and asked if her engagement with the prince was approved by the emperor. Lanxin confirmed that it was because the marquis had outstanding merits, and the emperor took pity on her for being lonely and without support, thus arranging this marriage. However, Lanxin told her that in this residence, only the prince sincerely cared for the young miss. After the events of today, Li Caiwei also felt that Shen Huaijin was a very righteous person and decided to help him find the person who harmed him. She first organized a list of individuals related to Shen Huaijin and prepared to investigate each one.
Shen Huaijin noticed that Li Caiwei was secretly tracking the assailant and found it amusing but didn't reveal that he knew.
Episode 6 Recap
Lanxin told Li Caiwei that the prince is becoming more and more infatuated with the young miss, which naturally pleased Li Caiwei. Curious, she asked Lanxin why the prince indulged in extravagance all the time. Lanxin explained that the prince wasn't like this before; he changed completely after the death of the late queen consort, Lady Yang. Learning that the lord and Lady Yang had a love match, and the current Lady Liu was chosen by the old queen consort for the lord, essentially an arranged marriage, the lord favored Shen Huaijin born to the late queen consort. Li Caiwei daringly speculated that Lady Liu envied Shen Huaijin and wanted to harm him, hoping to establish her own son, Shen Huaibi, as the prince after Shen Huaijin's demise.
Upon hearing from Lanxin that the prince's birthday was approaching and he hadn't celebrated it since Lady Yang's death, Li Caiwei decided to organize a birthday celebration for the prince while warning him to be cautious of Lady Liu. In his room, Shen Huaijin painted a portrait of Li Caiwei. He found himself increasingly fond of the present Li Caiwei, with her lively and spirited demeanor. When Li Caiwei entered, the prince quickly hid the portrait. She asked him to accompany her somewhere. In the garden, Li Caiwei had already set up a table with a variety of dishes that she had prepared all morning.
Every dish on the table was modern, and the prince had never tasted them before. However, he enjoyed each one, mentioning that no one had celebrated his birthday for him since the death of his mother. Li Caiwei quickly comforted him and reminded Shen Huaijin that someone in the residence intended to poison him. Just as she finished speaking, Shen Huaijin suddenly fainted and fell unconscious. Li Caiwei hurriedly called for Guo An and Lanxin. Upon hearing the news, the lady and her attendants, along with a physician, arrived to diagnose that the prince had mistakenly ingested walnut powder. Li Caiwei insisted that she didn't put walnut powder in the food. The lady ordered the physician to use acupuncture to treat the prince.
Episode 7 Recap
The lady intentionally claimed that Li Caiwei had poisoned Shen Huaijin and ordered the physician to administer acupuncture to save him. Li Caiwei instinctively sensed that there was an issue with the physician, so she pushed him away and personally performed CPR on Shen Huaijin. Seeing Li Caiwei giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to Shen Huaijin, the lady, accusing her of conspiring against the prince, ordered her subordinates to arrest her. Upon receiving the news, the lord rushed over. The prince was briefly in shock, and Li Caiwei had used CPR to restore his breathing. However, she and Lanxin were still arrested and detained.
The prince went to see his father, respectfully bowing and pleading for permission to visit Li Caiwei. The lord agreed to let him visit her but insisted that Li Caiwei not be released until the matter was thoroughly investigated. Just then, a royal official arrived to apprehend Li Caiwei, as news of her plotting against the prince had spread throughout the streets. Shen Huaijin urgently pleaded with the official, and the lord expressed disbelief that Li Caiwei, who had grown up with him since childhood, would conspire against the prince.
Shen Huaijin requested one day from the official, confident that he could uncover the truth and identify the real culprit. The official agreed to go back and mediate. Locked away, Li Caiwei and Lanxin were starving when Shen Huaijin sent refreshments. Li Caiwei eagerly opened each item and finally found a note from the prince, assuring her to wait patiently.
Episode 8 Recap
Shen Huaijin knew that the mastermind behind this incident must be Lady Liu, the consort. He sent Guo An to investigate, and indeed, Ding Xiang had instructed the palace maid to put walnut powder in the water. Now, the palace maid was pressing Ding Xiang for hush money! The consort's scheme was a clever move, aiming not only to eliminate the troublesome Shen Huaijin but also to get rid of Li Caiwei. The prince sneered, saying that since she used someone else to do the dirty work, he could do the same.
At night, the palace maid hurriedly walked with a silver note, and suddenly, a masked person stopped her. Holding a knife to her throat, the assailant informed her that someone had paid to take her life. The palace maid guessed it was Ding Xiang, cursed her, and pleaded with the assassin to spare her life. However, the assassin remained unmoved. Fortunately, Prince Shen Huaijin arrived just in time and saved the palace maid. After chasing away the assassin, the palace maid pleaded with the prince to protect her, revealing how Ding Xiang had manipulated her to harm the prince and frame Li Caiwei.
Li Caiwei was released, and her first instinct was to find Shen Huaijin. Guo An teasingly told her that the prince had been arrested, causing Li Caiwei to panic. The prince quickly appeared, easing Li Caiwei's worries. Guo An informed her that Ding Xiang and the palace maid had been taken to the Judicial Office. Starving, Li Caiwei was treated to a table of delicious dishes prepared by the prince, and she devoured them eagerly. Li Caiwei told Shen Huaijin that now he should believe that someone in the mansion was plotting against him. Shen Huaijin calmly replied that he had known it all along. Li Caiwei then took Shen Huaijin to the riverside, where she had prepared many sky lanterns, saying that making wishes to them could make dreams come true.
Episode 9 Recap
Li Caiwei lit a sky lantern for Shen Huaijin, asking him to make a wish facing the lantern. Shen Huaijin was deeply moved; today happened to be the anniversary of his mother's death. In those years, his mother had been constantly oppressed by Liu Shi within the mansion and finally passed away in despair when he was ten. Before her death, his mother entrusted him with the wish to escape from the mansion and live a happy life. Li Caiwei suddenly understood, so Shen Huaijin had been causing trouble all day, hoping the lord would expel him.
However, the lord understood his son very well, thinking he was missing his mother, so he did not blame him. Shen Huaijin told Li Caiwei that after going through so much, he had decided he could no longer escape. He had grown up and had the ability to protect the ones he loved. Li Caiwei asked him who he loved, and Shen Huaijin replied that it was her, listing various good things she had done for him. Li Caiwei hurriedly explained, but Shen Huaijin refused to listen, saying he understood her feelings for him.
Li Caiwei couldn't argue, and Shen Huaijin took out the peace knot left by his mother and gave it to Li Caiwei. Li Caiwei recognized the peace knot; she had seen it on the filming set and thought it was the key to return to the modern era. She accepted it, but no matter how hard she tried, it didn't work. She realized the urgent task at hand was to overthrow Liu Shi, rescue Shen Huaijin, break the cycle, and leave this place to return to the present day.
Episode 10 Recap
Li Caiwei went to find Shen Huaijin and was pleasantly surprised to see him fully engrossed in painting himself. At that moment, Guo An came to report on the expenses of Yunjin Tower and Hongyi Tower. Shen didn't avoid Li Caiwei and instructed Guo An to continue as usual. It was then that Li Caiwei learned that these businesses were all owned by Shen Huaijin. She suspected that he might be transferring assets from the royal residence, but Shen Huaijin explained that he was only moving his mother's dowry.
After returning from the academy, Shen Huaibi came to visit his brother and Li Caiwei. He had already learned about what Ding Xiang had done and sincerely apologized to Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei on behalf of the queen for her actions. Shen Huaijin told him there was no need for excessive courtesy; he was himself, and the queen was the queen. He didn't need to apologize for her.
Liu Jingshu reported to the queen that Ding Xiang couldn't bear the torment in prison and had taken her own life. Liu was resolute and vowed not to let Ding Xiang die in vain.
Shen Huaibi brought pastries he had bought for the queen, but she was still melancholic. Learning it was because of Ding Xiang's suicide, Shen Huaibi said it was her own doing. The queen was displeased with Shen Huaibi's words and asked him if he wanted to become the prince. Shen Huaibi replied that he could earn titles through hard work and didn't care about the position of the prince. The queen was very unhappy with his response and asked them to leave so she could rest. As she watched Shen Huaibi leave, the queen pondered how her troubles might have been avoided if she had not given birth to a stillborn child in the first place.
Episode 11 Recap
Mrs. Liu, seeing that Huai Bi was not close to her, recalled the past when her child died in the womb. If her child were still alive, she wouldn't have such worries. Shen Huai Bi brought pastries for Li Caiwei. Li Caiwei happily invited him to sit down, but he mentioned that he had to study and took his leave. As he left, he asked Li Caiwei to call him "Huai Bi," but she still addressed him as the second young master, making it seem somewhat distant.
Observing Shen Huai Bi as a cheerful young man, Li Caiwei judged that he wouldn't harm Shen Huaijin. She grabbed Lan Xin to inquire about Liu Jingshu. Liu Jingshu, originally a polite and well-educated girl, changed completely upon meeting Shen Huaijin. That evening, she went to see Shen Huaijin again, but he refused her, citing the late hour. He only opened the door to hand her a coat before closing it. Liu Jingshu questioned why Shen Huaijin couldn't be with her if he didn't like Li Caiwei. Shen Huaijin corrected her immediately, stating that he only liked Li Caiwei.
Disappointed, Liu Jingshu turned back. Li Caiwei approached her, revealing that she understood Liu Jingshu had no choice but to approach Shen Huaijin because Mrs. Liu used Liu Jingshu's mother to threaten her. Li Caiwei proposed cooperation, suggesting they work together to bring down Mrs. Liu and rescue their mothers. Liu Jingshu looked at Li Caiwei with skepticism. Mrs. Liu ordered Liu Jingshu to put an aphrodisiac in the pastries that Huai Bi would give to Li Caiwei, and then she instructed her to bring Shen Huaijin back. Liu Jingshu, following orders, left, and Mrs. Liu revealed an evil smile on her face.
Episode 12 Recap
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Madam Liu ordered Liu Jingshu to secretly add an aphrodisiac to the snacks that Shen Huaibi would be delivering to Li Caiwei. She then instructed Liu Jingshu to intentionally bring the steward and inform him that she had personally witnessed Shen Huaibi entering Li Caiwei's room. Li Caiwei and Shen Huaibi ate the snacks together. Suddenly feeling overheated and uneasy, Li Caiwei couldn't resist running to the courtyard to get some fresh air. Shen Huaibi, unaware of what was happening, hurriedly followed and called out to her. When Li Caiwei turned around and saw Shen Huaibi, she momentarily felt as if he were Shen Huaijin.
Li Caiwei pounced on Shen Huaibi, who quickly retreated, continuously calling her "Sister Wei." Thinking that Shen Huaijin was joking with her, Li Caiwei held Shen Huaibi's chubby face in her hands, finding it adorable, and instinctively moved in to kiss him. At that moment, Shen Huaijin arrived just in time. Sensing Li Caiwei's state, he approached, embraced her, and led her into his own room. The steward, watching from a distance, sighed in relief, convinced that Liu Jingshu must have misunderstood.
In the room, Li Caiwei continued to shout persistently. She pulled open Shen Huaijin's clothes, not allowing him to leave. In order to quickly sober her up, Shen Huaijin poured a basin of cold water over Li Caiwei's head. Li Caiwei calmed down, but she still couldn't control her inner emotions. She looked at Shen Huaijin affectionately and confessed that she liked him. Shen Huaijin couldn't resist and kissed Li Caiwei. When Li Caiwei woke up, she was surprised to find herself on Shen Huaijin's bed.
Episode 13 Recap
Li Caiwei woke up and found Shen Huaijin standing by her bed. She was startled and asked him why he was in her room. Shen Huaijin corrected her, saying that this was his room. Li Caiwei, not knowing what had happened, was astonished to find that she wasn't even wearing her outer clothes.
Shen Huaijin told her that yesterday she had kissed and hugged him, repeatedly expressing her love. Li Caiwei, feeling embarrassed, exclaimed that it was too shameful to live. Shen Huaijin stopped her and informed her that she had been drugged yesterday with a type of aphrodisiac called "Xiangsi Rao." Li Caiwei was surprised and opened her mouth wide in shock.
The prince gathered everyone in the hall and questioned them about why such an incident had occurred. Liu Jingshu reported that she was instructed by the queen to sprinkle aphrodisiac in the desserts, with the intention of causing a scandal between Li Caiwei and Shen Huaibi, creating discord among the siblings. The queen had always used her mother as leverage to manipulate Liu Jingshu.
Shen Huaijin presented the evidence of Xiangsi Rao found in the queen's room. The royal doctor was brought to the hall and confessed to being coerced by the queen to frame Shen Huaijin.
With irrefutable evidence, the queen had nothing to say. The prince stated that their relationship was destined to be a tragedy. From now on, they should go their separate ways. He handed the queen a letter of dismissal, expelling her from the royal residence. Shen Huaibi felt sorry for his mother but was powerless to change the situation.
After the queen was expelled, Li Caiwei felt relieved. She told Shen Huaijin that now he could be safe, but he shook his head, saying it wasn't necessarily the case. He asked Li Caiwei if what she said yesterday about loving him was true.
Episode 14 Recap
Shen Huaijin asked Li Caiwei if what she said yesterday about liking him was true. Li Caiwei didn't know how to respond, honestly admitting that she was unclear about what she said yesterday due to being somewhat in a daze. Shen Huaijin immediately embraced her and, without a word, kissed her. Li Caiwei, surprised, opened her eyes wide. After the long kiss, Shen Huaijin asked her if she was sure. Li Caiwei hesitated and admitted that it was indeed a bit sudden.
Upon seeing Shen Huaibi continuously drinking, Liu Jingshu knew he was suffering internally. She advised Shen Huaibi to take care of his health. Shen Huaibi didn't say much, only asking Liu Jingshu to go back to rest.
Li Caiwei, in a joyful mood, walked over with a rose in hand. Upon encountering Shen Huaibi, both of them apologized to each other simultaneously. Shen Huaibi told Li Caiwei that his mother had returned to her grandfather's house, and he apologized on her behalf for what she had done. Li Caiwei hastily said that everything was in the past, and unlike the queen, he didn't need to apologize for her.
Liu Jingshu was about to leave. Shen Huaijin had already arranged everything for her and her mother. Li Caiwei thanked Liu Jingshu for her cooperation. Liu Jingshu, feeling apologetic, explained that she was worried about arousing suspicion from the queen, so she had no choice but to actually put medicine in the desserts. However, she added that it was fortunate she had done so because it made Li Caiwei understand her true feelings for Shen Huaijin. Liu Jingshu deeply bowed to the two, bid farewell, and left by carriage. They both knew that seeing each other again would not be easy.
Episode 15 Recap
The day before the grand wedding, Li Caiwei still couldn't set her mind at ease. She felt the need to eliminate all potential dangers around Shen Huaijin. So, she wandered through the mansion, inspecting every corner. Eventually, she arrived behind the artificial mountain in the garden and suddenly remembered the incident where she was stabbed here. Startled, she quickly left, deciding to return and investigate further later that night.
After nightfall, Li Caiwei returned to the garden behind the artificial mountain. She looked around anxiously, thinking that if no one came here tonight, the last danger before the wedding could be averted. Luckily, the surroundings were quiet, and there was no one in sight. Just as she was about to leave, the steward of the mansion, Fan, arrived with a lantern. Li Caiwei asked him how he ended up here, and Fan seemed a bit evasive, mentioning that patrolling the mansion at night was a habit he had developed. Li Caiwei explained that she came out to get some fresh air due to nervousness about her wedding the next day. After a brief exchange, Fan hastily took his leave.
Li Caiwei thought to herself that this cycle should finally come to an end. However, a sense of melancholy suddenly overwhelmed her. Ending the cycle meant leaving this place, but what about Shen Huaijin? Holding a cloak, Shen Huaijin approached to help Li Caiwei put it on. She asked him what he would do if, one day, she lost her sanity or disappeared suddenly. Shen Huaijin looked at her affectionately and declared that if she went mad, he would accompany her through a lifetime of foolishness, and if she disappeared, he would search for her throughout his life. For the sake of Li Caiwei, he was willing to give up his position as the prince and wander the world with her, leading a carefree life. Li Caiwei joyfully expressed that they were destined to be together for a lifetime. Shen Huaijin nodded and said, "That is enough!"
Episode 16 Recap
On the eve of the grand wedding, Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei confided in each other about their feelings and envisioned a beautiful life of traveling the world and admiring the starry sky together. The next morning, Lanxin meticulously dressed Li Caiwei. Today was the auspicious day of her marriage to Shen Huaijin, and she was already wearing a bright red wedding gown. As Lanxin combed her hair, she offered blessings and auspicious words. Li Caiwei's heart was filled with sweetness, holding the jade clasp gifted by Shen Huaijin, thinking that she would stay by his side no matter how long it took.
Just then, a servant hurriedly approached Li Caiwei to report that Shen Huaijin had passed away suddenly the previous night. Li Caiwei was shocked to hear this news, never expecting such a tragedy. She rushed to Shen Huaijin's room and indeed found him, who had shared his heart with her just the night before, lying peacefully. Overwhelmed with grief, Li Caiwei couldn't help but burst into tears. She couldn't understand why such a problem would arise after all the dangers had seemingly been eliminated.
In a sudden move, Li Caiwei drew the dagger from a guard beside her and placed it directly against her own neck. The Lord and Shen Huaibi hurriedly intervened upon seeing this. The Lord, aware of her deep connection with Shen Huaijin, refused to let her join him in death. Shen Huaibi also tried to persuade her, stating that his brother had passed away peacefully and without suffering, urging her to find solace. However, Li Caiwei had made up her mind; she must accompany Shen Huaijin and help uncover the truth behind his death.
Episode 17 Recap
In order to uncover the murderer responsible for Shen Huaijin's death, Li Caiwei, without hesitation, resorts to self-harm with a knife, once again falling into the cycle of death. When she wakes up, time has rewound to sixty days before the grand wedding. Prince Shen Huaijin remains the same dissolute and indifferent young man, showing no interest in Li Caiwei. No matter what she says to him, he remains indifferent. To make him believe her, Li Caiwei has to climb the wall and wait for Shen Huaijin to return in the middle of the night.
Indeed, Shen Huaijin is still returning after the mansion gates are closed, behaving recklessly. Seeing Li Caiwei sitting on the wall with a lantern, waiting for him, he finds it strange. Even more surprising to him is that the usually silly and naive girl is now hugging him and saying many inexplicable things. Li Caiwei tells him that he will fall in love with her in the future, the queen will harm him, but no matter what, she will save him. Shen Huaijin completely does not understand Li Caiwei's words and thinks she is still the same silly person as before, speaking nonsense. Therefore, he quickly leaves her.
Li Caiwei continues to ponder who could have killed Shen Huaijin on the eve of the grand wedding. The queen has already been expelled from the mansion, and Liu Jingshu has left. Could it be Shen Huaibi seeking revenge for his mother? But it doesn't seem like something Shen Huaibi would do. Just then, Shen Huaibi comes looking for her. Hearing Li Caiwei calling out his name, Shen Huaibi is both surprised and delighted.
He was just about to buy pastries for her when Lanxin came running to find Li Caiwei, saying that the prince has caused trouble again. Li Caiwei hurriedly went to check, only to find out that the prince intentionally wanted to sell a famous painting belonging to the Lord. His purpose was to provoke the Lord and get himself expelled from the mansion. Upon hearing Li Caiwei speak out Shen Huaijin's thoughts, Shen Huaijin was greatly astonished.
Episode 18 Recap
The queen slapped Liu Jingshu hard and scolded her, saying she had no ability and threatened to kick her out of the palace if she couldn't seduce Prince Shen Huaijin again. Liu Jingshu complained that she had already instigated Prince Shen Huaijin to sell the painting "Autumn Waterfall and Geese," but Li Caiwei bought it back. The queen, annoyed, told her to leave, and Liu Jingshu ran away in anger. Maid Ding Xiang told the queen that Li Caiwei seemed to be getting smarter. The queen said they needed to take action now to avoid more difficulties in the future.
Liu Jingshu ran out of the queen's room and met Li Caiwei and Prince Shen Huaijin. Li Caiwei cheerfully said that Liu Jingshu and Prince Shen Huaijin didn't love each other; Liu Jingshu liked Shen Huaibi, and Shen Huaibi liked Liu Jingshu. Prince Shen Huaijin and Liu Jingshu were both surprised to hear this.
Liu Jingshu was crying alone, and Shen Huaibi brought her ointment to reduce swelling and pain, which comforted her. Prince Shen Huaijin had been thinking about what Li Caiwei said; she claimed they had gone through multiple lifetimes and that they would love each other in the future. He suddenly sent Guo An to buy a house in Lin County for Liu Jingshu. Guo An thought he was creating a love nest and happily agreed.
As the moon rose in the west tower, Li Caiwei was still waiting for Prince Shen Huaijin. Lanxin said the prince wouldn't come, but Li Caiwei knew he would. Sure enough, Prince Shen Huaijin arrived shortly after. After he sat down, he asked Li Caiwei if what she had said was true. Li Caiwei, in turn, asked him if he believed in her.
Episode 19 Recap
Today is Li Caiwei's birthday, and she insisted on waiting for Shen Huaijin. It was already very late into the night, and Lanxin advised her not to wait any longer. However, Li Caiwei firmly believed that Shen Huaijin would come. Sure enough, Shen Huaijin arrived gracefully. He asked if what Li Caiwei had said earlier was all true. Li Caiwei assured him to believe in her and said that no matter what, she would protect him.
Li Caiwei set up a cake and candles for a birthday wish, and she even sang a birthday song. Shen Huaijin had never seen these novel things before, so he found them quite fascinating. Li Caiwei got drunk, and Shen Huaijin carried her into the room. He discovered a relationship chart she used for analysis and felt sweet inside, realizing that Li Caiwei could see him as soon as she woke up.
Guo An reported to Shen Huaijin that he had safely moved Liu Jingshu's mother to the newly acquired house. Since she was a concubine, they didn't pursue her family further. Shen Huaijin was very satisfied with the outcome.
As Liu Jingshu was about to leave, Shen Huaijin came to see her off. She expressed her gratitude for everything he had done for her and her mother over the years. In return for the prince's kindness, she handed over the evidence of the queen's wrongdoing that she had collected. Li Caiwei also got out of the carriage, and Liu Jingshu mentioned that the two of them seemed to have a telepathic connection. She warned them to beware of the queen's schemes, explaining that the queen would put walnut powder in the prince's food to frame Li Caiwei, killing two birds with one stone. Shen Huaijin was shocked, but Li Caiwei seemed to know everything already.
Episode 20 Recap
When Liu Jingshu left, she handed over the evidence of the queen's private minting of coins and her involvement in a deadly incident to Shen Huaijin. After bidding farewell to Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei, Liu Jingshu got into the carriage and departed.
Shen Huaijin told Li Caiwei that everything she had said before was indeed true. Li Caiwei playfully replied that, of course, it was true because she had personally experienced all of it. Shen Huaijin decided to give the evidence of the queen's wrongdoing to Shen Huaibi, as she was his birth mother, and he wanted to see how he would handle the situation.
Shen Huaibi examined the account books and was shocked to discover the queen's outrageous actions. Shen Huaijin let him make the decision. Shen Huaibi, understanding the importance of the situation, explained that the queen had become insane due to conflicts with her deceased sister-in-law, and her behavior needed to be stopped immediately. He handed the account books to the Lord, who was furious and considered Liu's actions immoral, sentencing her to reflect at the ancestral tomb.
Shen Huaibi felt troubled and drank alone. Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei came to him, and he mentioned that their wedding day was just ten days away. According to the customs of the Qi Kingdom, they would have to drink flower tea on the eve of their wedding, and he promised to provide them with the best flower tea. Li Caiwei suspected that Shen Huaibi might be trying to harm Shen Huaijin on the night before their wedding, so she and Lanxin waited outside Shen Huaibi's room for several days. Eventually, they saw a masked person leaving the room.
Episode 21 Recap
Li Caiwei and Lanxin were hidden, observing Shen Huaibi's every move. They both saw someone leaving the room but weren't sure if it was Shen Huaibi. So, Li Caiwei secretly followed to investigate.
Guo An assisted Prince Shen Huaijin in trying on his wedding attire. He mentioned to Prince Shen Huaijin that Miss Caiwei had been acting strangely these days, often watching Shen Huaibi. Prince Shen Huaijin pondered upon hearing this.
Li Caiwei went to the garden and, after looking around without seeing anything unusual, suddenly a figure appeared behind her, wielding a knife and lunging towards her. Fortunately, Li Caiwei was prepared and swiftly dodged the attack. When she turned around, she was shocked to see that the assailant was actually the steward, Fan.
Fan lunged at Li Caiwei again, but thanks to the timely arrival of Shen Huaijin and Guo An, Guo An threatened Fan with a sword, pressing him to confess everything. However, Fan was resolute and, taking advantage of the situation, grabbed Guo An's sword and slashed his own neck, ending his life. Li Caiwei's arm was injured during the struggle, and Shen Huaijin helped her bandage it. Li Caiwei couldn't understand why Fan had tried to kill her.
Shen Huaijin advised her to rest and assured her that he would investigate and handle the matter himself. At that moment, Shen Huaibi and Liu Jingshu arrived. Shen Huaibi spoke first, revealing that he wasn't actually the queen's biological son. He explained that when the queen was pregnant and gave birth, she had a stillborn child. So, she arranged to bring Fan's son, who was Shen Huaibi, to the palace. Liu Jingshu continued, saying that she had been expelled from the palace, harboring resentment, and had coerced Fan to harm Shen Huaijin in secret because Li Caiwei was too cautious. Therefore, they decided to eliminate Li Caiwei first. Shen Huaibi confirmed the facts and expressed the need to rectify the situation. Shen Huaijin stated that he would follow his father's principles and that Shen Huaibi was not involved in this matter.
Episode 22 Recap
Shen Huaijin told Li Caiwei that now that the King had acknowledged Huaibi as his son, they would be good brothers in the future. The day after tomorrow was their wedding day, and he had decided to give her a gift. From his pocket, Shen Huaijin took out a jade pendant, which he said was a gift from his birth mother and told him to give it to the woman he loved. Li Caiwei took it absentmindedly. Shen Huaijin was a bit upset, wondering if she wasn't moved at all. Li Caiwei explained that in their past life, he had already given her the same gift, and even their words were identical. However, it was her own carelessness that had led to Shen Huaijin's murder on the eve of their previous wedding. This time, she was determined to stay by his side and would not leave. Tonight, she had decided to stay with him.
Shen Huaijin was pleased to hear this. The two of them stayed up all night, and the next morning, they couldn't endure it any longer. Shen Huaijin went to serve Li Caiwei tea, and Li Caiwei, looking at the incense, appeared lost in thought. She asked Shen Huaijin where the incense came from, and he replied that it was a gift from Huaibi. As he was about to drink the tea, Li Caiwei stopped him and asked where the tea came from. Shen Huaijin replied that it was also sent by Huaibi. Li Caiwei insisted that he not drink the tea.
Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei anxiously waited and later received a report from Guo An. The physician had confirmed that the incense and tea were safe when used separately, but when combined, they could cause suffocation and gradual poisoning. Li Caiwei wondered if it was a coincidence, but Guo An reminded them that Second Young Master had studied medicine at the Royal Physician's Institute. Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei took the incense and tea leaves and went to confront Shen Huaibi, asking him why he had done this.
Episode 23 Recap
Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei went to find Shen Huaibi while he was reading. Shen Huaijin placed the incense and flower tea in front of him, and Shen Huaibi understood everything. Shen Huaijin asked him why he had harmed himself. Shen Huaibi remained silent, and Shen Huaijin warned him not to claim that he, as a medical student, didn't know that combining these two things would be toxic. Shen Huaibi recalled the night when Wang General attempted to assassinate Li Caiwei. That night, Liu Jingshu came to see him and urged him to leave the palace with her, to live a life of their own. But Shen Huaibi was determined to stay, as he aspired to the position of Prince. He believed that was the purpose of his life. When Wang General attempted to assassinate Li Caiwei, he appeared just in time, acting on the principle of upholding justice over family ties, which earned him the trust of Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei.
Li Caiwei was puzzled. Despite Shen Huaijin being recognized as the rightful heir, he still allowed Shen Huaibi to stay. Why did Shen Huaibi want to harm Shen Huaijin? Shen Huaibi explained that there could only be one Crown Prince. He had always envied his brother, Shen Huaijin, and no matter what he did, he couldn't earn the King's favor. He was merely a tool for the Queen to use against Shen Huaijin. He didn't want to live a life like that. Li Caiwei told him that Shen Huaijin had already decided that, after their wedding, he would leave the palace and live a life of his own. By then, Shen Huaibi would be the Prince.
Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei finally went through many trials and tribulations to get married. Li Caiwei knew that the despicable cycle had finally come to an end, but she felt a little despondent because it meant she would be separated from Shen Huaijin and return to her own world.
The Queen slapped Liu Jingshu hard, berating her for being incapable and threatening to banish her from the palace if she couldn't seduce Shen Huaijin again. Liu Jingshu, feeling wronged, explained that she had already instigated Shen Huaijin to sell the painting "Autumn Waterfall and Geese," but Li Caiwei had bought it back. The Queen, annoyed, told her to leave, and Liu Jingshu left in anger.
Maid Ding Xiang commented to the Queen that Li Caiwei was becoming more shrewd. The Queen agreed and said they needed to take action now to prevent further difficulties. As Liu Jingshu left the Queen's room, she ran into Li Caiwei and Shen Huaijin. Li Caiwei happily said that Shen Huaijin and Liu Jingshu didn't love each other. Liu Jingshu liked Shen Huaiibi, and Shen Huaiibi also liked her. Shen Huaijin and Liu Jingshu were both surprised.
Liu Jingshu was crying alone when Shen Huaibi brought her some ointment to reduce swelling and pain. She felt comforted by his gesture. Shen Huaijin had been pondering Li Caiwei's words. She had mentioned that she had gone through multiple cycles, and in the future, they would love and cherish each other. Suddenly, he instructed Guo An to buy a house for Liu Jingshu in Lin County. Guo An thought he was planning a secret love nest and happily agreed.
As the moon rose over the western tower, Li Caiwei continued to wait for Shen Huaijin. Lan Xin suggested that the Prince might not come, but Li Caiwei was certain he would. True to her belief, Shen Huaijin arrived shortly after, and he asked Li Caiwei if everything she had said was true. Li Caiwei, in turn, asked him if he believed her.
Episode 24 Recap
Li Caiwei believed that all danger had been eliminated, and Shen Huaijin was safe now. On their wedding day, Li Caiwei sat in her bridal chamber, adorned with a red veil, eagerly waiting for Shen Huaijin to unveil her. However, when her veil was lifted, it was Shen Huaibi instead of Shen Huaijin. Li Caiwei was shocked and asked him what he intended to do. Shen Huaibi explained that Liu Jingshu had rescued him and revealed his love for Li Caiwei. He shared how Liu Jingshu had wanted to become a loving couple with him, but he was not interested and, taking advantage of her vulnerability, killed her. His intention was to marry Li Caiwei. Li Caiwei suddenly remembered Shen Huaijin. Shen Huaibi told her he wanted Shen Huaijin to witness their marriage. He held a knife to Li Caiwei's neck, threatening her. Li Caiwei turned her head and realized Shen Huaijin was tied to a chair, just regaining consciousness. Seeing that Shen Huaibi was pressuring Li Caiwei, he struggled to stand up but was firmly bound.
Shen Huaibi believed that the marriage contract between Li Caiwei and Shen Huaijin was granted by the Emperor, and only he, as the Crown Prince, had the right to marry Li Caiwei. Li Caiwei argued that love should not be forced, and she had married Shen Huaijin because she loved him, not due to an imperial decree. She tried to persuade Shen Huaibi to change his mind, but he remained obstinate.
Today was Li Caiwei's birthday, and she insisted on waiting for Shen Huaijin. As it was already very late, Lan Xin advised her not to wait any longer, but Li Caiwei was convinced that Shen Huaijin would come. Indeed, Shen Huaijin arrived gracefully. He asked if all the things Li Caiwei had said earlier were true. Li Caiwei assured him and promised to protect him, no matter what. Li Caiwei had set up a birthday cake and candles for making wishes, and she even sang a birthday song. Shen Huaijin found these customs intriguing since he had never seen them before. As Li Caiwei became intoxicated, Shen Huaijin carried her into the room and discovered a relationship chart she had drawn, making him feel very touched to know that Li Caiwei thought of him immediately upon waking up.
Guo An reported to Shen Huaijin that he had safely moved Liu Jingshu's mother to the newly purchased residence. Since she was a concubine, Liu Jingshu's family had not searched for her, which pleased Shen Huaijin.
Liu Jingshu was about to leave, and Shen Huaijin came to see her off. Grateful for everything he had done for her and her mother, she handed over the evidence of the Queen's crimes that she had gathered over the years. Li Caiwei joined them, and Liu Jingshu commented on their strong connection. She also warned them to be wary of the Queen's schemes. The Queen was planning to frame Li Caiwei by adding walnut powder to the Crown Prince's food. Shen Huaijin was surprised, but Li Caiwei seemed to be aware of everything.
Episode 25 (Ending) Recap
Shen Huaibi tried to force Li Caiwei to marry him, but she sternly refused. Shen Huaibi resorted to threatening Li Caiwei by saying he would kill Shen Huaijin. Li Caiwei responded in a measured tone, telling Shen Huaibi that even if he killed Shen Huaijin, she would not love him. She loved Shen Huaijin from the beginning, and she was willing to die for him. After saying this, Li Caiwei grabbed the knife Shen Huaibi was holding and thrust it into her own chest. Shen Huaijin, who was tied to a chair, shouted in desperation as he watched Li Caiwei. The jade pendant in her hand fell to the ground, breaking into two pieces, and drops of blood fell on it.
Li Caiwei was abruptly awakened by shouts on the set, and when she rushed out, the vehicles used for extras had already left. She was furious, berating the extras for their lack of professionalism. She suddenly felt that this situation was very familiar and had happened in her previous life. Realizing it was a dream, Li Caiwei was in shock. She couldn't believe she had dreamed about dating the male lead of the show.
At that moment, a nanny car stopped next to her, and someone called her to get in. She recognized it as the male lead's car. She hesitated but eventually got in after being urged again. There, she saw the actor who portrayed Shen Huaijin. The handsome male lead called her by name and told her that he had always told her she was silly. He was willing to be silly with her for a lifetime, and he had been searching for her since she disappeared. Li Caiwei looked at him, a sweet smile on her face. Indeed, love could withstand multiple lifetimes!
When Liu Jingshu left, she handed over the evidence of the Queen's wrongdoing, including her secret embezzlement of funds and the crimes that led to a death. After bidding farewell to Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei, Liu Jingshu left. Shen Huaijin said to Li Caiwei that everything she had said before was true. Li Caiwei playfully replied that, of course, it was true since she had personally experienced those events.
Shen Huaijin decided to give the evidence against the Queen to Shen Huaibi, as she was his birth mother. He wanted to see how Shen Huaibi would handle it. Shen Huaibi examined the accounts and was shocked to discover the extent of his mother's wrongdoing. Shen Huaijin allowed him to make his own choice. Shen Huaibi understood the importance of doing what was right. He stated that due to the intense conflicts between his mother and his brother's mother, his mother had gone insane and needed to be stopped. Shen Huaibi handed over the accounts to the Pingyang Lord, who was furious and deemed Liu's actions immoral. He ordered her to reflect on her deeds at the ancestral tomb.
Shen Huaibi felt troubled and turned to drink alone. Shen Huaijin and Li Caiwei approached him, and Shen Huaibi mentioned that their wedding day was just ten days away. In the tradition of Qi Kingdom, they needed to drink flower tea on the night before the wedding. Shen Huaibi promised to provide them with the best flower tea. Li Caiwei suspected that Shen Huaibi might harm Shen Huaijin on their wedding eve, so she and Lan Xin stayed vigil outside Shen Huaibi's room for several days. Finally, they saw a masked person leaving the room.
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