Through the coming-of-age, romance, and marriage of Minglan, a young woman from an official family in the Northern Song Dynasty, this story paints a portrait of life from a girl in the inner chambers to the matriarch of a marquis's household. It tells of a family's rise and decline, and of a woman's struggle under the rites and rules of ancient society.
Minglan, the sixth daughter of the Sheng family, was clever and beautiful from a young age, but faced a cruel stepmother, difficult sisters, an indifferent father, and the loss of her mother, who was murdered. She concealed her intelligence and kept her talents hidden, enduring humiliation as she grew through adversity. Despite every attempt to suppress her, she remained independent and strong, overcoming countless hardships to avenge her mother.
Along the way, Minglan met Gu Tingye, the second son of the Ningyuan Marquis household. Gu Tingye had helped her, but he had also been harsh to her. He had seen the intelligence and sharpness beneath her gentle exterior, as well as the vulnerability and loneliness beneath her strong character, and had long since fallen for her.
As the court's fortunes shifted, a collateral descendant of the Zhao imperial clan was made crown prince with Gu Tingye's support. Carrying an imperial decree to defend the sovereign, Gu Tingye crushed the rebels and then helped install the new emperor, becoming the greatest contributor to the new dynasty. With a little clever scheming, he married Minglan.
After their marriage, Minglan managed the household affairs, brought order to the marquis's estate, and rooted out troublemakers. The couple cleared up their misunderstandings and developed a deep affection for each other. In the end, Minglan and her husband helped a wise ruler consolidate power, and the two of them found happiness in life.
Very good, good, good, very good
The pacing is tight and the story is good