Ethan Hale transmigrates into a sickly scholar, tortured by his stepmother Wanda Hale. Wanda plans to sell his newlywed wife Jane Hale to a brothel. Ethan severs ties with his family, becomes a disciple of Master Yu Channing. He takes first place in Imperial Exams. Jane Hale turns out to be Princess Dawn. Ethan swears to obtain the top scholar rank and marry her. The Emperor appoints him as the Imperially Appointed Top Scholar, presides over their wedding.