Deep within the imperial palace, towering red walls had buried the hopes and youth of countless women. Jiang Xueci, the daughter of a military family, was forced to enter the palace. Cool-hearted and unambitious, she wanted nothing but a peaceful life, yet her distinguished family background made her a pawn in the power struggles of rival factions. Emperor Chu Jinyan sat upon the throne, his schemes unfathomable. He had spent half his life maneuvering between court and harem, and though he seemed cold and unfeeling, an unseen loneliness lingered in his eyes.
At first, they tested each other. As they spent time together, their lives became entangled. The harem's ruthless rivalries tightened around them, bringing one plot, ambush, and political scheme after another. Jiang Xueci was forced to shed her innocence and rely on her wits to survive, while Chu Jinyan struggled to choose between the art of ruling and the affections of the heart. Snow fell on the palace steps, and flames consumed every false pretense. When the splendor had faded, a story woven from power, love, hatred, and lives beyond their control remained deep within the palace, at last becoming a long, lingering palace lament for future generations to sigh over.
