The Shen family is falsely accused of colluding with the enemy, and the whole clan is on the brink of disaster. Shen Zhiwei, the legitimate daughter, is forced to accept an imperial decree marrying her off to Xiao Jinhan, the cold and ascetic regent who holds power over the court. On their wedding day, the extravagant procession stretching ten miles dazzles the capital, but the groom is absent throughout and never sets foot in the prince's residence. Still wearing her wedding gown, Shen Zhiwei kneels alone in the empty bridal chamber all night, becoming a laughingstock across the capital. The next day, instead of being summoned by the prince, she is sent straight to the most dilapidated and frigid courtyard in the residence, where her food, clothing, and heating allowances are all withheld. She becomes a discarded consort whom even the servants can bully. Late that night, Shen Zhiwei takes out the medical and poison-tipped silver needles she has kept hidden and calmly wipes away the last trace of hope in her eyes. Her path of patience and concealment begins.
