In the eyes of outsiders, Su Wanwan, Empress of the Great Xia Dynasty, and Consort Liu Ruyan are bitter enemies who can’t stand the sight of each other. The empress is dignified and virtuous, yet seems unable to win the emperor’s favor, while the bewitchingly beautiful consort is always by his side. The women of the imperial harem all say it’s only a matter of time before Consort Liu takes the empress’s place.
But no one knows that whenever night falls, two figures always steal away together in a secret chamber of Kunning Palace or some secluded corner of the imperial garden.
“Wanwan, hurry and try this imperial wine I just stole… I mean, got my hands on!”
“Yanyan, did the emperor reward you with pearls again today? Give me half. I’ll make you a new pair of earrings and spite that Steward of the Imperial Household Department who’s always skimping on my allowance!”
In public, they compete for attention and trade barbs, putting on an endless show of palace intrigue. In private, they share secrets and support each other as true best friends. In the deadly inner palace, they are the only light in each other’s lives.
Then a vast conspiracy, reaching from the imperial court to the harem, quietly descends, intent on swallowing them both. The careful balance they have maintained is shattered. Their act must become reality, and they may even have to push each other into greater danger just to survive…
Can they protect each other’s lives and this friendship the world would never accept amid the treacherous intrigues of the inner palace? And who will ultimately claim the throne of the empress or the seat of the imperial consort?
