[Strong female + Machiavellianism + Imperial examination + Troubled times + Emotional entanglements among many people + The heroine's extraordinary IQ]
She took part in the scientific examination just so that she could use her status as number one scholar to intercede with the emperor on his behalf. However, the development of things was beyond her expectation.
She originally wanted to live her life in an ordinary way, but her experiences along the way made her understand a truth:
Those who make the rules never care about the feelings of those who follow them.
In order to survive and for the people she loves, she must make changes...
