Chasing Power in Troubled Times: Deep Palace Smoke

War beacons blaze across a world in turmoil, and the Liu clan's fortunes crumble. Yingying is a nameless palace maid in the depths of the imperial palace. Her memories are incomplete and her origins a mystery, and she scrapes by in the Quiet Reflection Courtyard, where members of the royal clan are kept under house arrest. He is Liu Liang, a legitimate heir of the Liu clan, burdened with a rightful claim to the throne but imprisoned and biding his time.

As they spend their days together, he quietly protects her, while she repeatedly offers ingenious plans. In time, they fall for each other. War rages across the land, and the former troops of the Marquis of Zhenxi swear to restore the Liu clan. Meanwhile, the traitorous ministers Jiang Liang and Cao Pei watch like tigers on the prowl. A deadly plot shatters the peace of the secluded courtyard, and with it, her long-buried identity is revealed...

From relying on each other amid chaos to bringing peace to the realm together, she breaks free of the shackles of her identity and discovers her true self. Together, they secure a peaceful and prosperous age, forging a love that is restrained yet steadfast amid the turmoil.