The Lord Director Meets an Honest Consort

[Scheming, Patient, Power-Obsessed Director vs. Peaceful, Dutiful Consort]

One-on-one romance, both leads are pure, a fake eunuch who's a real man.

Shen Yuerong, daughter of the county magistrate of Jianing, enters the palace to be chosen as a consort. By chance, she catches the eye of Lu Chenzhou, the powerful Director of the Western Depot, whose influence holds sway over the entire court. With no favor or powerful connections to rely on, she becomes a pawn in the struggle between the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Western Depot. In this man-eating imperial city, she goes from a timid little consort whom everyone looks down on to someone who learns, step by step, to protect herself, make use of others, and even turn the tables. Just as she finally finds her footing in the maelstrom of power, the man who dragged her into it begins to regret his choice.

At first, Lu Chenzhou thinks: This woman is rather interesting.

Lu Chenzhou, starting to fall for her: She's barely able to protect herself, so why hasn't she come to me yet? Woman, are you trying to lure me in?

Lu Chenzhou, in the end: Fine. You've got me hooked.