In the fictional Tianlan Kingdom, a fierce struggle for imperial power and love quietly begins within the palace. The heroine, Ye Ningshuang, is a woman from a prominent family whose life has been beset by misfortune. A political marriage brings her into the imperial palace, where she grows from an innocent young girl into a formidable consort capable of standing on her own. In the palace, where danger lurks at every turn, she becomes entangled in a passionate love-hate relationship with the hero, Liu Jin, the young and inscrutable emperor of Tianlan. Meanwhile, the many consorts compete for the emperor's favor, each playing to her strengths. Schemes and counter-schemes abound, while friendship and betrayal coexist. One contest of wit and beauty after another unfolds within the gilded halls.
2: A guide to the ranks of the imperial harem: Empress: The ruler of the harem and mother of the realm, with the highest status.
Imperial Noble Consort: Second only to the empress, highly honored and often the emperor's cherished beloved.
Noble Consorts: Two in number, prominent figures and leaders among the harem.
Consorts (Shu Consort, Xian Consort, Hui Consort, De Consort): Four women, each with her own talents and beauty, forming the backbone of the harem.
Secondary Consorts: Five in number, granted titles by the emperor, with their status depending on his favor.
Below them, in descending order, are Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, Jieyu, Liangyuan, Xiaoyuan, Pin, Noble Lady, Rongyi, Ronghua, Baolin, Fanglin, Beauty, Talented Lady, Attendant, and Promise, down to the lowest ranks of Dressing Attendant and Palace Maiden. Together, they form the vast and complex hierarchy of the imperial harem.
