Sunlight on jade, the heart as the game
Li Zhaoyang, the eldest legitimate princess of the Great Zhou, is the most brilliant and treasured peony blooming in the imperial palace. The world sees only an innocent girl enjoying flowers and chasing butterflies. But with her father gravely ill and her little brother still young, she has already turned her innocence into the sharpest blade.
Xie Heng, the chief grand secretary, rose from humble beginnings to become the foremost power at court. He is refined and courteous in the imperial halls, yet can decide a person's fate with a few words and a smile. When the emperor tries to arrange Zhaoyang's marriage to the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, he calmly speaks before the throne: “I believe the princess's marriage is a matter of national importance and must be considered with the utmost care.”
She carefully weaves her web, luring the most dangerous minister into her trap. He sees through everything, yet willingly steps into the maze she has laid.
“Why are you helping me, Lord Xie?”
“Because I want to know what sharpness lies beneath a pearl covered in dust.”
When she thinks everything is under her control, he says softly beneath the moon, “Your Highness plays her part beautifully, but I would rather see the real you.”
When she is caught in danger, he draws his sword to protect her. “I will see this game through to the end by your side, Your Highness.”
From the inner palace to the imperial court, from undercurrents to open conflict, two masters of strategy maneuver at every turn amid illusion and reality. He teaches her how to position her pieces, and she helps him rediscover his true heart.
When sunlight finally shines on the heart of jade, this game played for the realm ultimately brings them the most moving of unions: the sharpest sword willingly returns to its sheath for the wisest hand that wields it.
A princess who is sweet on the outside and ruthless within × a gentle, refined powerbroker | Court intrigue × devoted protection | Two strong leads joining forces × mutual healing
See how two of the cleverest people find each other amid schemes and sincerity, and stand together to protect all
