Tang Chang'an, Anrenfang. Fifteen-year-old Shen Zhaoning has an ancient mirror that can reflect people's hearts.
She used this mirror to see the unwillingness in her stepmother's eyes - the woman who had been trapped for half her life as a "house filler" and had never been truly seen.
She saw Mrs. Zhou's forbearance - the four words "I want to make peace", which she had hidden for ten years.
She saw the loneliness of Princess Wanchun - under the golden branches and jade leaves, there was the desire for freedom.
She saw Aye's despair - the cook who signed a death contract and wanted only to visit her parents' graves in her life.
She didn't hide or cry. She just said: "I have seen your suffering."
Later, Mrs. Zhou opened an embroidery workshop, Aye was freed from slavery, and Princess Wanchun established a school. One by one, they became their own light.
The night in Anrenfang will never be dark again.
