Episode Summary
Jiang Si, a warrior in a time of war, is killed by a general she recognizes as Yu Qi. She's miraculously transported back ten years into the past. Determined to change her fate, she returns home, confronts family issues, resolves to break off an unwanted engagement, and worries about her brother's participation in a military examination. Yu Qi, meanwhile, investigates Jiang Si's possible connection to the enemy kingdom, due to a tattoo he spotted. The episode ends with Jiang Si and Yu Qi crossing paths again, with Jiang Si noticing changes in this new timeline.
Spoiler Alert
The story begins in the tenth year of the Qingyan calendar, a time of great upheaval. The powerful Grand Princess of the Zhou Dynasty dynasty holds sway over the realm. Seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos, the Southern Wu kingdom launches an invasion, plunging the land into war.
Amidst the flames of battle, Jiang Si (played by Jing Tian), a fierce warrior, is seen slaying her enemies. Suddenly, a general clad in shining armor appears, firing an arrow that pierces Jiang Si's body. As she turns to see her attacker, she is shocked to recognize Yu Qi (played by Zhang Wan Yi). Betrayed and filled with despair, she vows that if she ever gets a second chance, she will prevent this tragedy from repeating itself. Jiang Si falls into a river, and when she reopens her eyes, she finds herself lying in bed, surrounded by scenes of peace and prosperity, with no trace of war. Yu Qi enters the room, and Jiang Si, stunned by his presence, confronts him, demanding to know why he killed her. Yu Qi's subordinate, Long Dan, angrily informs Jiang Si that it was she who fell into the river, and Yu Qi had saved her. Upon learning that the current year is the 23rd year of Jingming, a full decade before her death, Jiang Si realizes she has been transported back in time. She recalls that in her previous life, she fell into the river after an argument with her fiancé, Ji Chongyi, and was pushed in by him. Now, desperate to reunite with her still-living family, she rushes home.
After Jiang Si leaves, Yu Qi tells his subordinate, Long Dan, that he saw a Southern Wu flame tattoo on Jiang Si when he rescued her, and he suspects she might be a spy. When Jiang Si arrives home, she finds preparations for a funeral underway. Fearing that her father and brother have met their demise in this timeline as well, she enters the house. The servants are surprised to see her, and it turns out that the funeral is being organized by the Second Madam of the Dongping Marquis family, Madam Xiao, who is also mocking Jiang Si. When Madam Xiao sees Jiang Si, she is very mean, and Jiang Si, remembering Madam Xiao's constant bullying in her previous life, can't help but slap her.
Jiang Si's maid, A'Man, is thrilled to hear of Jiang Si's return and rushes to find her. Together, they go to find Jiang Si's father, Jiang Ancheng, and brother, Jiang Zhan. Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan have been staying by the lake, refusing to leave, and have sent many people to search for Jiang Si. Jiang Si arrives at the lake and is reunited with her father and brother, who are overjoyed to see her. Fearing a repeat of her past life, Jiang Si forbids her brother from going to the lake and her father from returning to his official duties.
Meanwhile, Yu Qi has his subordinate, Long Dan, gather information on Jiang Si. He learns about her background and difficult life. Back home, Jiang Si's first priority is to break off her engagement with Ji Chongyi. Madam Xiao strongly opposes this, and Jiang Si suggests that the marriage be given to Madam Xiao's daughter, Jiang Pei. Madam Xiao, knowing Ji Chongyi's true character and not wanting her daughter to suffer, changes the subject. However, Jiang Si remains resolute in her refusal to marry him. Finally, Madam Xiao brings up the Old Madam to try to dissuade her.
That evening, Jiang Si returns to her small courtyard, filled with nostalgia for her familiar surroundings. To prevent Jiang Si from successfully breaking off the engagement, Madam Xiao hides all the betrothal gifts. Jiang Si is having dinner with Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Zhan. The next day is the triennial military examination, and Jiang Zhan plans to participate. If he succeeds, he can become a captain in the Capital Guard and take his father and Jiang Si away from Madam Xiao's control. However, both Jiang Ancheng and Jiang Si are worried about his safety and try to dissuade him.
Jiang Zhan still goes to the military examination. Jiang Si, worried, goes to find him and discovers that he is doing very well. She learns from his servant, A'Ji, that he bribed a few people to ensure his easy victory. Yu Qi also happens to be at the examination grounds to arrest an official named Zheng Ming, who, for military merit, deliberately framed his colleagues for selling intelligence to the enemy. Yu Qi questions Zheng Ming about the tattoo on Jiang Si's body and learns that it is the totem of the Southern Wu saintess. Jiang Zhan is ultimately defeated, but he refuses to give up and is nearly killed. Jiang Si rushes to protect him, and coincidentally, Yu Qi saves Jiang Si. Yu Qi's subordinate is selected as the captain of the Capital Guard. Seeing Yu Qi again, Jiang Si is filled with confusion, as many things have changed since her rebirth.
