The heroine Xing He entered the palace when she was young and served the crown prince's daily food, and the two grew up like childhood... more>> sweethearts. Ten years later, Xing He got the opportunity to become the imperial envoy of the Weaponry Division. But although the crown prince condoned her thirst for power, he also constantly imprisoned her by his side in a life of luxury. Under the persistent affection of the crown prince, they also experienced many incidents in the court together. The crown prince ascended the throne as the emperor, and the husband and wife were deeply in love, making the country prosperous and peaceful. <<less

After the death of the former emperor, the throne was passed to Fu Wei, with the late emperor entrusting the governance of the realm to the young empress under the guidance of three key ministers: Chief Minister Yan Xiangru and two other prominent officials. Over the years, Yan Xiangru, through careful maneuvering, eliminated his political rivals, becoming the most powerful figure in court. Empress Fu Wei, having been raised under Yan Xiangru’s tutelage, initially appeared obedient and compliant. However, as she matured, she grew increasingly dissatisfied with the Chief Minister’s overwhelming control over the court and began plotting to reclaim her authority.... more>>

At sixteen, the traditional age for a royal wedding, Fu Wei planned to use the occasion of her marriage to assert her independence and force Yan Xiangru to relinquish his power. The Grand Tutor once asked the empress: “How will you handle it if the Chief Minister disrespects you, mocks you, avoids you, or despises you?”

The empress replied: “I shall endure him, intimidate him, tease him, pursue him, and seduce him. Wait a few more years, and you’ll see—he’ll marry me and even bear children for me.”

In the treacherous world of palace politics, he is her first and greatest faith. Yet in the arena of courtly power struggles, he is also her ultimate adversary. <<less

The profession of an executioner may sound frightening, but in reality, it’s just a way to make a living.... more>>

When Wen Dingyi, the eldest daughter of the Wen family, was young, her father committed a crime, and overnight, their prosperous life collapsed as if it were nothing more than a dream. Family members either died or were exiled, leaving only her behind, saved by her wet nurse.

To survive, Dingyi disguised herself as a boy and apprenticed under Wu Changgeng, the most famous executioner in Shuntian Prefecture. Through the changing seasons, she grew to the age of seventeen.

One day, without consulting the almanac, she accidentally offended the Seventh Prince. As a member of the royal family, he viewed her as nothing more than an ant. Just as Dingyi was about to be dragged away and executed, a man strolled over and with a few casual words, saved her life.

He wore a stone-blue official robe embroidered with coiled dragons, his figure tall and elegant, his profile like finely carved jade. His air of superiority left an indelible impression on her.

Much later, Dingyi once asked him about his first impression of her. He raised an eyebrow and said, “Short, effeminate, standing under the scorching sun tilting your head and squinting like a fool.”

Dingyi: “...” <<less

Even if the whole world has failed her,... more>>

There is still Shen Run,

He will not fail her.

This experienced man,

Has experienced many things,

Has seen all the flourishing blossom and neon lights,

Picked one whose heart is like rock and unscrupulous.

The little girl,

Like a delicate flower,

Need careful care,

So that she will not be crushed.

She used to be kept in someone else’s vase,

When he wants to admire, he has to think hard for excuses for a visit.

Now that she has been transplanted into his garden,

Give her fertile soil, rain and dew,

Let her grow as she pleases,

All he wants is to see her from time to time. <<less

Xiao Duo is a eunuch who serves as Admiral Dong Chang who is known for being brutal and cruel in executing palace criminals. He helped King Fu ascend the throne to become Emperor. ... more>>

At King Fu’s request, he saves Yin Lou, the late emperor’s concubine, and arranges for her to become the new Empress. Due to the unstable political situation, Yin Lou stays at Xiao Duo’s residence temporarily.

Both have their own past and understand each other. Initially Xiao Duo forced her to become Empress to repay her services but Yin Lou never wanted to become Empress and wished not to enter the palace.

A trip to Jiangnan brings the two closer and begins a forbidden love. Things are getting more complicated and one mistake can lead to death.

Moreover, Emperor Fu who was crazy about Yin Lou was worried that Xiao Duo’s influence as Admiral Dong Chang was too great to endanger his throne.

For the sake of the greater good, Yin Lou sacrificed herself and decided to enter the palace. She let Xiao Duo misunderstand her. The two people who initially fell in love must now endure pain and suffering. <<less