Lu Yao, a man from another world, knows neither humility nor obedience. When his talents earn him as a gift to the famously ruthless Empress of Ning, everyone waits to see how she’ll break his spirit and turn him into a canary in a cage. Empress Situ Jing sneers, “You’ve entered my harem, and you still think you can meddle in court affairs? Dream on.”
But right in front of her, Lu Yao tears apart the fine robes of a male consort with his own hands. “I, Lu Yao, kneel only to heaven, earth, and my fellow countrymen. If you want the realm, I’ll help you seize it. But there’s no way I’ll become your subordinate!” He makes himself a piece on the board, stirring up the fortunes of four kingdoms, all so he can live without having to depend on anyone.
This is a contest of love, and a conquest of power. She wants him to bow his head, but he’ll make her fall for him instead. From the harem to the court, from lovers at each other’s side to opponents on the battlefield, they test one another even as they’re drawn together.
