Childhood sweethearts in name only, enemies at swordpoint in truth.
The Ninth Prince, disguised as a man, and the fake eunuch known as the Nine-Thousand-Year-Old.
She smiles at him and calls him "A Yu," but only to exploit the Xie family's power as imperial censors. The day his entire family is executed, she watches coldly, then turns away to save herself.
Years later, they meet again. He is now the new emperor's henchman, with power over the entire court; she is a prisoner, captured by his own hand beneath his sword.
Facing each other on a rainy night, he lifts her chin and smiles. "Your Highness, what will you trade for your life this time?"
Their childhood affection was always a game of self-interest. Now they face each other with swords drawn, and whoever softens first will lose.
Beneath the imperial throne, sincerity is the biggest wager of all, and each of them thinks they cannot lose.
"When you first approached me, was any part of it sincere?"
"Lord Xie, don't you think it's laughable to ask me that now?"
"Xie Yu, do you want my life?"
"No. I want you to wish you were dead."
