In Chang'an during the prosperous Tang dynasty, an old canal-transport case suddenly resurfaces. Su Wan, a poor young woman and the daughter of a coroner, displays her talent with her superb forensic skills and cool judgment. Pei Yanzhi, an Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, makes an exception and brings her into the court. Together, they solve case after case: a series of murders targeting officials in the ghost market, the successive disappearances of courtesans from a brothel, a wrongful case involving students at the Imperial College, a poisoning during an epidemic in Chang'an, and a poisoning scheme in the imperial mausoleums. Every case points to a powerful figure who holds sway over the court... After enduring pursuit, false accusations, and grievous injuries, Su Wan discovers an invisible hand driving events from behind the scenes. At last, she risks her life to reveal the truth... and becomes the first woman to serve as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in the Tang dynasty.
