The Metric's Shadow and The Paper of Fate

Li Mei is a young software engineer in Shenzhen, whose life is a constant cycle of endless code, demanding deadlines, and the big hopes of her family back in the village. She's a mirror image of millions of young people in China: hardworking, practical, and often quite tired. Her daily routine is simple: instant coffee, crowded subway rides, and long hours at a futuristic office. In the fast-paced rush of the city, Mei just dreams of financial stability and a little bit of free time.



But everything changes during a strange accident. A server explosion involving ancient artifacts—secretly discovered—sends Li Mei's soul hurtling through time. She wakes up in the body of Princess Consort Xiu Luan, a woman in the ancient Zhou Dynasty known for being graceful, quiet, and obedient, but whose hidden intelligence is often underestimated.



In this new world, palace intrigues are far more deadly than modern corporate politics. Mei, with her engineer's practical and logical mind, has to adapt to a world ruled by complex etiquette, ancient prophecies, and brutal power struggles between concubines and noble families. She quickly realizes that Xiu Luan's body is just a pawn in a cruel game, where princes fight for the throne, and women are merely tools.



At the same time, in the very same palace, there's Grand Empress An Ru. She's a woman feared for her cold, emotionless power and sharp intellect. An Ru is the main architect behind the palace's many schemes, pulling the strings of fate from behind the scenes. She looks down on other women and only cares about absolute power. But Grand Empress An Ru herself is trapped by a destiny tied to her bloodline—she's the only one with the power to summon ancient entities, and this power curses her soul.



This story is about two women caught in a predetermined destiny who find strength in each other. Mei, in Xiu Luan's body, must use her modern logic to understand the schemes and manipulate situations, while realizing that An Ru's strength and resilience might be their only way out. As they are forced to interact and ally against greater forces—both within the palace and mystical threats—they begin to understand each other. Mei sees the burden behind An Ru's cruelty, and An Ru starts to see the potential in Xiu Luan's suddenly intelligent, "strange" way of thinking.



The novel will explore themes like the clash of cultures and time, power and sacrifice, and identity and destiny being rewritten. It's a story about how an "ordinary" modern woman finds unexpected strength within herself and changes an ancient destiny through friendship, and perhaps a deeper bond, with a woman who was initially considered an enemy.



I hope this version is easier to understand! Let me know if you'd like any other parts translated or explained.