Nanzhao City

In the fifteenth year of Kangqi, the Crown Prince was framed and forced to lead an army in rebellion. The court crushed the uprising, and he died on the executioner's block. His wife, children, and family were thrown into prison. The Crown Princess gave birth to a boy in prison, then died in childbirth. Unable to bear the infant's plight, the Grand Tutor entrusted him to a female prisoner to raise. Later, amid court strife, the boy was brought back to the palace at the age of nine and made Crown Prince.

Outwardly, he is a lame prince, controlled by others and wanting nothing. In secret, he trains a force of loyal dead soldiers and plots every move with care.

She is the eldest princess of Yanyue. When her country faces danger, she sets out to marry into another state for the sake of peace.

When they first meet, he deliberately gives her a hard time at the palace gates, but she deftly turns the tables.

Later, he tells her, “Xiao Ci, I have only you.”