Lighting the Lantern Behind the Red Walls

In the third year of the Jinghe era of the Great Yong Dynasty, Emperor Xiao Che has been on the throne for three years, but his position remains insecure. The court is divided among three rival powers: the maternal relatives led by General Su Mingyuan, the civil officials led by Minister of Rites Liu Hong, and the military families who helped found the dynasty. Each keeps the others in check. The imperial harem is closely bound to the court, and every rise or fall in a consort’s favor reflects the struggle between political factions. Behind the vermilion palace walls, every step is fraught with danger, and one careless move could bring total ruin.