The Ning’an Commandery Princess of Prince Rui’s household is stunned to hear that the emperor plans to choose two members of the imperial clan to marry far away for the sake of peace. Her father and elder brother died in battle only three years ago, and already Great Qin is in a position where it must send women away in marriage to maintain stability. Filled with grief and indignation, Ning’an knows that some earth-shattering secret may lie behind the marriage alliance, and that her father and brother’s mysterious deaths cannot have been simple.
She responds calmly, comforting her mother while secretly making plans. Convinced she is likely to be selected, she suspects the other candidate may be Ningyang, who is just as alone and helpless as she is. Late at night, she disguises herself and visits Prince Rui’an’s residence, where she meets relatives she has not seen in a long time. Through their conversation and careful probing, she discovers that the residence appears ordinary but conceals hidden mysteries. Its precious flowers and plants and its many hidden guards are all extraordinary. Everyone has their own guesses about who will be chosen for the marriage alliance. When Prince Rui mentions Princess Ningming, Ning’an remains certain that it will be her and Ningyang.
