The orphan Yun Xi was kidnapped and killed. In an instant, she transmigrated into Song Yunqing, the legitimate daughter of an official’s family in Bianzhou. Once a well-read, obedient girl, she became a mischievous little imp who knew nothing of books and poetry.
Her mother was dead, her maternal uncle was the top scholar, her aunt by marriage was a princess of the court, and her maternal grandfather was a wealthy merchant in Yangzhou. Her life seemed both privileged and prosperous, yet every step was a struggle. At first, she stayed at the princess’s residence, but her uncle and the princess were ill-matched in temperament, leaving her awkwardly caught between them.
After returning to her own home, Concubine Fan treated her well because she wanted to use the legitimate daughter as leverage to claim the position of principal wife. Concubine Xu was kind to her because she had her eye on Yunqing’s uncle, the top scholar, and wanted him to pave the way for her son. The only concubine without ulterior motives, Concubine Liu, had become depressed after miscarrying and wanted nothing to do with her.
So Yunqing set up her own courtyard and began a thrilling life of wit and strategy in the inner quarters of a sprawling mansion.
