Confrontation at court: In the Great Zhou court, newly crowned top examination graduate Shen Qingyan clashes with Regent Xiao Jingheng for the first time. Shen defies the powerful and bluntly urges the emperor to rule in person, displaying extraordinary talent and courage.
A hidden clash: Xiao Jingheng appears to admire Shen Qingyan’s talent, but secretly investigates his background and discovers that he may be connected to the Shen family, wiped out ten years ago.
Testing one another: Under the pretext of rewarding him, Xiao Jingheng assigns Shen Qingyan to serve at the prince’s residence. The two exchange barbed words in the study, each concealing his true purpose.
Troubled undercurrents: Shen Qingyan discovers a hidden passage in the prince’s study, suggesting Xiao Jingheng may have secrets of his own. At the same time, Xiao Jingheng grows deeply suspicious of the newly crowned top scholar’s origins.
Fates entwined: The two face off over a chessboard for the first time. They admire each other’s talent, unaware that their pasts may be bound by a blood feud.
