After the late emperor’s sudden death, the princes vie for the throne, and the capital descends into chaos.
Xiao Han, a prince’s son and nephew to the emperor, is forced into the deadliest struggle for imperial power, with his family’s survival hanging by a thread.
His one weakness is Su Qinghe, the granddaughter of a renowned Confucian scholar, who has been by his side since childhood.
They grew up together and fell deeply in love. They should have had a peaceful, happy future, but political machinations tore them apart. The divide between the scholar-official clans and the imperial princes, along with the open and hidden attacks lurking in the shadows, becomes a chasm between them.
She uses her scholarly upbringing as armor and her clever schemes as a blade, helping him secure a foothold among the civil officials. He relies on sword and strategy, sheltering her from the storm as he fights for the throne.
Young love endures as they face the turmoil of a chaotic age together. The path to the throne is a brush with death at every turn. I want no half of an empire, only your safety, year after year.
Within the vermilion walls, they play the game of power; childhood sweethearts remain devoted. Together, you and I will shape this realm.
