Modern woman Xiao Changning transmigrates into the vicious eldest princess in a historical romance novel who is destined to be dismembered by five horses in half a year. At the start, she and the grand tutor Pei Yanzhi are drugged by Lu Linyuan, nearly ruining their reputations. To change her fate, she breaks off her engagement with Lu Linyuan, stops Pei Yanzhi from developing a relationship with Xiao Lingyue, yet gradually grows genuine feelings with Pei Yanzhi from their illicit affair. She distributes porridge to save disaster victims, pacifies the poultry plague, accumulates a virtuous reputation, and gathers forces such as Xu Wushang; while Pei Yanzhi investigates and exposes Lu Linyuan's rebellion, pacifies the western border, and heads to the northern frontier. However, young emperor Xiao Huaian dotes on Yu Cuier and neglects state affairs, leading to a falling out between brother and sister; Xiao Chenjun and Shen Jingchi seize the opportunity to plot for the throne. Eventually, Xiao Changning obtains the late emperor's imperial edict and tally, resolves to claim the throne, and walks hand in hand with Pei Yanzhi to the pinnacle of power.