Du Rui, hailed as a genius, was reborn in the early years of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, into the body of Du Rui, the illegitimate son of Duke Du Ruhui, the Duke of Lai. Upon regaining consciousness, he was informed that Du Ruhui was nearing his death. As an illegitimate son, Du Rui held no status whatsoever within the Duke of Lai's household. After Du Ruhui's death, the Emperor Taizong's bestowed honors were entirely ignored. Following Du Ruhui's burial, Du Ruhui's jealous wife expelled Du Rui from the house. The brothers Du Gou and Du He shared most of the Duke of Lai's wealth, while Du Rui received only a dilapidated mansion.