My Sassy Princess

Lu Qian pushes Zhang Yun into the water, causing the death that defines Liu Ling's childhood. Prince Guang Ping knows more about the circumstances than he admits, while Liu Ling grows up believing that her mother was abandoned and driven to death. The complete truth remains concealed until the treasury investigation reaches the Lu family.

Xu Shi Jin becomes a trusted female official serving Liu Wang while secretly pursuing evidence that can clear her parents. Her intelligence gives her access to court information, but it also places her under the Crown Prince's scrutiny. She begins the main story balancing official loyalty against her private mission.

Liu Wang prevents Duke Lu from controlling the renewed treasury investigation and assigns Shen Yan to capture Yun Yi. Xu Shi Jin's presence signals that the Eastern Palace has not accepted the official account of the old case. Shen Yan travels to Jiangzhou to begin the pursuit.

A poisoned Shen Yan enters Liu Ling's room at Nanyuan while pursuing Yun Yi. Liu Ling mistakes him for a performer before discovering that he is a Jinlin Guard officer. Shen Yan leaves behind his badge, giving Liu Ling a reason to pursue him.

Involved: Liu Ling — Princess Who Finds the Injured Officer · Shen Yan — Injured Jinlin Guard Officer

Shen Yan draws Yun Yi out and arrests him after a fight in Jiangzhou. During the confrontation, Shen Yan also rescues Liu Ling from her runaway carriage. Yun Yi's capture places a dangerous witness to the treasury conspiracy in Jinlin Guard custody.

Involved: Shen Yan — Arresting Officer and Rescuer · Yun Yi — Captured Fugitive · Liu Ling — Endangered Traveler · Luo Fan — Jinlin Guard Support

Liu Ling uses Shen Yan's missing badge to force her way into the escort taking Yun Yi toward Yejing. Lu Ming Shan arrives and claims the rights of her intended husband, but Liu Ling openly rejects him and declares her interest in Shen Yan. The criminal journey becomes entangled with a romantic and political rivalry.

Involved: Liu Ling — Determined Pursuer · Shen Yan — Reluctant Escort Leader · Lu Ming Shan — Claimed Betrothed and Rival · Luo Fan — Escort Officer · Ling Bi — Liu Ling's Attendant

Lu Hu Xiao leads an assault intended to destroy the evidence carried by the Jinlin Guard. Lu Ming Shan abducts Liu Ling during the confusion, while Lu Hu Xiao reaches Yun Yi and kills him before he can testify. The attack removes the principal witness but confirms the reach of the conspiracy.

Involved: Lu Hu Xiao — Attack Leader and Killer · Lu Ming Shan — Kidnapper and Conspirator · Yun Yi — Murdered Witness · Shen Yan — Escort Commander · Liu Ling — Abducted Hostage · Luo Fan — Defending Officer

Lu Ming Shan throws Liu Ling from a cliff after she resists his attempt to use her against Shen Yan. Shen Yan immediately jumps after her rather than preserve his own safety. His decision reveals that Liu Ling has already become more than an unwanted complication in his investigation.

Involved: Liu Ling — Hostage and Rescue Target · Shen Yan — Rescuer · Lu Ming Shan — Attacker

After Zhang Yun's death, Liu Ling is mistreated within Prince Guang Ping's household and nearly dies after being confined. Duke Ding Bei removes his granddaughter from the hostile environment and becomes her principal protector. The experience contributes to Liu Ling's fear of abandonment and her deliberately scandalous public persona.

While sheltering after the fall, Liu Ling tells Shen Yan about Zhang Yun's death, Lu Qian's cruelty, Prince Guang Ping's failures, and Duke Ding Bei's rescue. Shen Yan learns that Liu Ling's arrogance and recklessness are defenses built around childhood abandonment. The confession creates a deeper emotional bond between them.

Involved: Liu Ling — Trauma Survivor and Confessor · Shen Yan — Confidant · Zhang Yun — Subject of the Childhood Memory · Prince Guang Ping — Estranged Father in the Account · Lu Qian — Abusive Stepmother in the Account · Duke Ding Bei — Childhood Rescuer in the Account · Young Liu Ling — Childhood Self

After surviving further danger, Shen Yan tells Liu Ling that his commitment will be permanent once he chooses her. They agree to face future threats together rather than sacrifice themselves separately. Their kiss changes the relationship from Liu Ling's pursuit into mutual love.

Involved: Liu Ling — Romantic Partner · Shen Yan — Romantic Partner

Shen Yan examines Yun Yi's body and discovers a jade fragment connected to his hidden past. Luo Fan also recognizes traces of Lu family swordsmanship among the techniques used by the attackers. These clues replace the testimony lost with Yun Yi's death and direct suspicion toward the Lu household.

Involved: Shen Yan — Investigator · Luo Fan — Evidence Analyst · Yun Yi — Deceased Source of Evidence · Duke Lu — Suspected Conspiracy Leader · Lu Ming Shan — Suspected Lu Family Operative

Liu Ling enters an imperial archery competition after Liu Wang promises to grant the winner a request. She wins and demands the cancellation of her arranged marriage to Lu Ming Shan. The resulting order publicly ends the Lu family's formal claim over her.

Involved: Liu Ling — Competition Winner · Lu Ming Shan — Rejected Betrothed · Liu Wang — Royal Authority Granting the Request · Xu Shi Jin — Political Supporter

Yue Ling enters the Duke Ding Bei household as part of a scheme organized by Lu Qian. She ends her own pregnancy and publicly blames Liu Ling for the loss. The accusation damages Liu Ling's reputation and creates a new means of attacking her relationship with Shen Yan.

Involved: Yue Ling — False Accuser · Liu Ling — Framed Target · Lu Qian — Scheme Organizer · Ling Bi — Witness and Liu Ling's Supporter · Shen Yan — Liu Ling's Protector

After Yue Ling becomes a dangerous witness, Lu Ming Shan kills her and attempts to dispose of her body. Shen Yan later determines that her death was deliberate rather than accidental. The murder exposes Lu Ming Shan's willingness to destroy even someone personally close to him.

Involved: Lu Ming Shan — Killer · Yue Ling — Murder Victim · Lu Qian — Instigator · Shen Yan — Investigator of the Death

Shen Yan detains and questions members of the Lu household over Yue Ling's murder and the treasury conspiracy. Duke Lu organizes political opposition and accuses the Jinlin Guard of abusing its authority. Liu Wang demotes Shen Yan under pressure, although the change in assignment gives him access to older evidence.

Involved: Shen Yan — Investigator and Demoted Officer · Duke Lu — Detained Noble and Political Accuser · Lu Ming Shan — Murder Suspect and Conspirator · Liu Wang — Authority Imposing the Demotion · Mr. Liu — Official Supporting the Complaint

Liu Ling, Shen Yu, and Xu Shi Jin compare the old records surrounding the Xu family case. They open the grave associated with Lu Lian Shan and discover that the body is not his. The discovery proves that a false death was used to hide Yun Yi's role in the conspiracy.

Involved: Yun Yi — Subject of the Identity Reveal · Liu Ling — Investigation Contributor · Shen Yu — Lead Record Investigator · Xu Shi Jin — Investigator and Victim's Daughter · Duke Lu — Suspected Organizer of the False Identity

Liu Ling creates a public disturbance at the Lu Residence during the Qixi gathering. Her diversion gives Shen Yan and Shen Yu time to search for the jade needed to locate the remaining evidence. Shen Yan obtains the matching piece from Lu Ming Shan.

Involved: Liu Ling — Diversion Leader · Shen Yan — Covert Investigator · Shen Yu — Covert Investigator · Lu Ming Shan — Accused Suspect and Holder of the Jade · Liu Run Xiang — Lu Household Member Used in the Diversion

Shen Yan shows Liu Ling the violent reality of his work and asks whether she can accept him without an idealized image. Liu Ling admits that fear makes her feel unworthy of lasting love, but promises not to abandon him. Shen Yan renews his commitment, restoring their relationship.

Involved: Liu Ling — Confessor · Shen Yan — Confessor

The investigators use the paired jade pieces to locate Lu He and the hidden Qian Kun Jade Box. Lu Hu Xiao attacks in an effort to recover it but dies during the confrontation. The box supplies records and a map capable of exposing the treasury conspiracy.

Involved: Shen Yan — Lead Investigator · Xu Shi Jin — Evidence Seeker · Lu He — Keeper of the Evidence Box · Lu Hu Xiao — Attacker Killed in the Battle · Duke Lu — Conspiracy Leader Implicated by the Evidence · Shi Chong — Underworld Contact

Tuo Ba Lie visits the imperial court seeking an alliance and becomes interested in Liu Ling. Lu Ming Shan encourages him to request her as his bride in order to separate her from Shen Yan. An imperial decree orders Liu Ling to marry the Yi Gu Crown Prince.

Involved: Tuo Ba Lie — Foreign Suitor · Liu Ling — Ordered Political Bride · Lu Ming Shan — Instigator of the Marriage Request · Duke Ding Bei — Opposing Grandfather · Liu Wang — Royal Representative Managing the Request

Prince Guang Ping convinces Liu Ling that resisting the foreign marriage could lead to Shen Yan's death. Liu Ling falsely claims that she no longer wants him and discards the token of their relationship. Shen Yan is left believing that she has abandoned their commitment.

Involved: Liu Ling — Self-Sacrificing Partner · Shen Yan — Rejected Partner · Prince Guang Ping — Manipulator and Father

Xu Shi Jin opens the recovered evidence box and finds records identifying the location of the stolen Jiangzhou silver. She devises a plan to use Liu Ling's marriage journey as cover for a recovery operation. Success could clear the Xu family, destroy the Lu conspiracy, and cancel the political marriage.

Involved: Xu Shi Jin — Discoverer and Plan Architect · Shen Yu — Concerned Ally · Shen Yan — Proposed Field Operative · Liu Ling — Political Bride the Plan Seeks to Save

Shen Yan agrees to escort Liu Ling toward Yi Gu while secretly participating in the silver recovery plan. He reunites with Liu Ling in Jiangzhou and makes clear that he intends to marry her rather than deliver her to Tuo Ba Lie. The public escort becomes cover for their joint operation.

Involved: Shen Yan — Marriage Escort and Secret Rescuer · Liu Ling — Political Bride and Co-Conspirator · Xu Shi Jin — Plan Architect · Liu Wang — Authority Appointing the Escort · Tuo Ba Lie — Intended Bridegroom

Liu Ling delays the marriage convoy while Shen Yan's forces act on the map from the Qian Kun Jade Box. The stolen government silver is recovered from Yi Gu-controlled territory. The discovery provides material proof against the Lu family and leverage over Tuo Ba Lie.

Involved: Shen Yan — Recovery Operation Leader · Liu Ling — Convoy Delayer and Ally · Xu Shi Jin — Evidence Planner · Tuo Ba Lie — Foreign Prince Compromised by the Discovery · Mu Kun — Yi Gu Military Officer

Shen Yu presents the recovered evidence, Yun Yi's records, and the silver trail before Liu Wang. Duke Lu denies responsibility and attacks the motives of the investigators. Lu Ming Shan then provides the Lu family's account book and land agreement, sacrificing Duke Lu to protect himself.

Involved: Shen Yu — Evidence Presenter · Duke Lu — Accused Conspiracy Leader · Lu Ming Shan — Family Betrayer and Evidence Provider · Liu Wang — Presiding Royal Authority · Duke Xu — Xu Family Representative · Xu Shi Jin — Victim's Daughter and Hidden Evidence Planner

The evidence establishes that Xu Shi Jin's parents were framed for the treasury theft. Their names are officially cleared, completing the mission that brought Xu Shi Jin into the Eastern Palace. The result also weakens the obligation tying her to Liu Wang.

Involved: Xu Shi Jin — Daughter Receiving Vindication · Duke Xu — Xu Family Elder · Shen Yu — Investigator and Ally · Shen Yan — Field Investigator · Duke Lu — Culprit Exposed by the Evidence · Liu Wang — Royal Authority Recognizing the Evidence

After the recovery of the silver and the collapse of the Yi Gu marriage plan, Liu Wang formally permits Liu Ling and Shen Yan to marry. The decree replaces the political match imposed on Liu Ling with the relationship she chose. Wedding preparations begin in Yejing.

Involved: Liu Ling — Bride Granted Permission · Shen Yan — Groom Granted Permission · Liu Wang — Royal Authority Issuing the Decree · Xu Shi Jin — Friend Assigned to Prepare the Marriage

While in custody, Duke Lu tells Shen Yan that Lu Qian pushed Zhang Yun into the water. He also indicates that Prince Guang Ping knows the truth about his first wife's death. The revelation links Liu Ling's childhood tragedy directly to the Lu family.

Involved: Duke Lu — Confessor · Shen Yan — Recipient of the Revelation · Lu Qian — Identified Killer · Zhang Yun — Murder Victim · Prince Guang Ping — Person Said to Know the Truth · Liu Ling — Daughter Affected by the Truth

Liu Ling and Shen Yan hold their wedding with the approval of the court and Duke Ding Bei. Their marriage completes the central romantic struggle against rival engagements, family opposition, and political separation. Xu Shi Jin, Shen Yu, Ling Bi, and Luo Fan participate in the celebration.

Involved: Liu Ling — Bride · Shen Yan — Groom · Duke Ding Bei — Maternal Grandfather Giving His Blessing · Shen Yan's Mother — Groom's Mother · Shen Yu — Shen Family Support · Xu Shi Jin — Bride's Friend and Wedding Organizer · Ling Bi — Bride's Attendant · Luo Fan — Groom's Colleague

Liu Wang moves against Xu Shi Jin after concluding that her concealed plans and divided loyalties make her dangerous. She is accused of poisoning his tea and signs a confession to stop her friends from risking themselves. Xu Shi Jin is imprisoned and prepared for execution.

Involved: Xu Shi Jin — Framed Prisoner · Liu Wang — Political Authority Ordering Her Removal · Eunuch Li — Palace Enforcer · Shen Yu — Protector Planning a Rescue · Liu Ling — Friend Seeking to Save Her · Shen Yan — Ally Helping Manage the Crisis

Before her death, Zhang Yun buries a jar of wine intended to be opened when Liu Ling eventually marries. The hidden wine later becomes connected to Liu Ling's return to Jiangzhou, Shen Yan's apparent death, and Prince Guang Ping's final moments.

Shen Yu enters the Imperial Prison before Xu Shi Jin can be executed. He refuses to abandon her and declares that he would rather share her fate than lose her again. With assistance from their allies and senior family members, they escape Yejing together.

Involved: Shen Yu — Rescuer · Xu Shi Jin — Rescued Prisoner · Liu Wang — Political Opponent · Eunuch Li — Prison Enforcement Officer · Shen Yan — Escape Support · Liu Ling — Diversion Support

Prince Guang Ping agrees to attack the emperor and Crown Prince with support from Yi Gu. Tuo Ba Lie demands territory and Shen Yan's death in exchange for his military assistance. The agreement turns Prince Guang Ping's political ambition into open rebellion.

Involved: Prince Guang Ping — Rebellion Leader · Tuo Ba Lie — Foreign Military Ally · Lu Ming Shan — Political Collaborator · Mu Kun — Yi Gu Military Commander · Shen Yan — Intended Assassination Target · Liu Wang — Intended Coup Target

Liu Ling and Shen Yan retrieve the wine Zhang Yun buried for her daughter's wedding. Shen Yan appears to be poisoned and falls from a cliff while Prince Guang Ping's forces surround them. Liu Ling and Tuo Ba Lie are led to believe that Shen Yan is dead.

Involved: Shen Yan — Apparent Victim · Liu Ling — Witness and Grieving Wife · Prince Guang Ping — Architect of the Staged Death · Tuo Ba Lie — Deceived Observer · Zhang Yun — Deceased Person Honored at the Tomb

Shen Yan secretly returns and explains that Prince Guang Ping arranged the apparent poisoning and placed a net below the cliff. The deception convinced Tuo Ba Lie that Shen Yan had been killed while preserving Shen Yan for the counteroperation. His return gives Liu Ling and her allies the leverage needed to dismantle the rebellion alliance.

Involved: Shen Yan — Returned Officer and Reveal Subject · Liu Ling — Wife Receiving the Reveal · Prince Guang Ping — Architect of the Staged Death · Tuo Ba Lie — Person Deceived by the Staged Death

Liu Ling and Xu Shi Jin lure Tuo Ba Lie into a confrontation and reveal that Jinlin Guard agents can reach the ruler of Yi Gu. Tuo Ba Lie realizes that remaining abroad could cost him his own succession. He abandons Prince Guang Ping and orders the Yi Gu forces to withdraw.

Involved: Tuo Ba Lie — Foreign Ally Forced to Withdraw · Liu Ling — Strategic Negotiator · Xu Shi Jin — Strategic Negotiator · Shen Yan — Returned Jinlin Guard Officer · Luo Fan — Armed Support · Mu Kun — Commander of the Withdrawing Forces

Prince Guang Ping leads his private army toward an apparently vulnerable imperial camp near Jiangzhou. The empty camp is a trap, and concealed imperial forces attack under Shen Yan's command. Without Yi Gu support, the rebellion collapses.

Involved: Prince Guang Ping — Defeated Rebellion Leader · Shen Yan — Imperial Field Commander · Liu Wang — Protected Crown Prince and Strategist · Tuo Ba Lie — Withdrawn Former Ally

After losing his army, Prince Guang Ping returns to Zhang Yun's Tomb. Liu Ling asks him to surrender and return to Yejing, but he refuses to leave the place associated with his first wife. He drinks poisoned wine and dies while Shen Yan leads Liu Ling away.

Involved: Prince Guang Ping — Deceased Father and Failed Rebel · Liu Ling — Estranged Daughter · Shen Yan — Liu Ling's Protector · Zhang Yun — Deceased Wife Honored at the Tomb

After the conspiracy and rebellion end, Shen Yu and Xu Shi Jin remain together away from court. Luo Fan openly declares his love for Ling Bi, and Shen Yan receives recognition for his service. Liu Ling begins moving beyond the grief and family wounds that shaped her earlier life.

Involved: Ling Bi — Luo Fan's Romantic Partner · Luo Fan — Confessor and Romantic Partner · Shen Yu — Xu Shi Jin's Partner · Xu Shi Jin — Shen Yu's Partner

Five years after the political conflict, Liu Ling and Shen Yan are shown living together with their mischievous son, Shen Chen Xi. Their playful household confirms that the central couple has built the secure family Liu Ling feared she could never have. The time skip closes the story on domestic stability rather than court intrigue.

Involved: Liu Ling — Wife and Mother · Shen Yan — Husband and Father · Shen Chen Xi — Epilogue Son

Shen Yu and Xu Shi Jin become close childhood companions and are expected to marry when they are older. Their early attachment establishes a bond that survives the later destruction of the Xu family and the cancellation of their engagement.

A large quantity of government silver disappears from the Jiangzhou Treasury years before the main story. The Lu family conceals its involvement through false records, covert operatives, and the placement of blame on the Xu household. The unresolved theft becomes the central investigation of the present-day plot.

Yun Yi becomes connected to the Xu household under the identity Lu Lian Shan while secretly serving the interests behind the treasury conspiracy. A false death and burial are arranged to conceal his continued survival and prevent investigators from tracing the scheme. His later reappearance as Yun Yi threatens to expose the deception.

The treasury conspiracy is blamed on Xu Shi Jin's parents, destroying the Xu family's reputation. Her parents die without clearing their names, while Xu Shi Jin survives with the determination to uncover the true culprits. The injustice separates her from Shen Yu and shapes her decision to enter political service.

The disgrace surrounding the Xu family causes the planned marriage between Shen Yu and Xu Shi Jin to collapse. Xu Shi Jin distances herself to protect Shen Yu from the danger attached to her family and her search for justice. Their feelings remain unresolved when the main story begins.

Qin Ning is once engaged to Shen Yan through a family arrangement but falls in love with Yang Ye while living in the jianghu. She disappears from the expected marriage path, and the engagement is eventually cancelled. The old arrangement later creates a temporary misunderstanding for Liu Ling.