By imperial decree, Song Chuyao marries Xie Chen'an, the heir of the Marquis of Jingyuan. She initially asks only for the dignity and respect befitting a principal wife, with no desire to compete for her husband's favor against his beloved concubine, Gu Xinru. But on their wedding night, Gu Xinru threatens to hang herself, using her unborn child as leverage to lure Xie Chen'an away, leaving Song Chuyao utterly humiliated. Unwilling to keep yielding, Song Chuyao seeks justice at the palace, relying on the emperor's decree, the power of the Song family, and her aunt's protection. She ultimately secures a divorce. Xie Chen'an's career is ruined and his reputation destroyed because he favored his concubine and mistreated his wife. After realizing how cold-hearted he truly is, Gu Xinru turns against him, takes his wealth, and flees. The Marquis of Jingyuan's household falls from prosperity into decline, while Song Chuyao escapes her disastrous marriage, returns to the protection of her family, and begins a peaceful, carefree life.