Political intrigue, devoted to one another, the realities of life, and a touch of ensemble cast.
Pei Lier somehow transmigrates into the legitimate daughter of the Minister's residence! Her father is a stickler for etiquette, and keeps her cooped up at home every day, never even letting her pass through the inner gate. She's absolutely miserable.
At a banquet, she falls in love at first sight with Xiao Yan, the utterly cold young general.
And so begins her clingy campaign:
On Changle Street, she waves a sketch of a fiery, powder-pink bellyband at him. "Xiao Yan, is it pretty?"
By the campfire, she presses a piece of roasted meat to his lips and teases him with a coy smile:
"Why so fierce? Go on, bite me."
Yu Mengshu, who has admired Xiao Yan since childhood, lectures Pei Lier primly and makes snide remarks.
Pei Lier simply ducks behind him and declares, entirely unapologetically:
"I want him to protect me!"
At first, Xiao Yan looks at this unruly little nuisance with a stern expression:
"Men and women should keep their distance. Miss Pei, please behave with propriety."
Wherever he goes, she follows. She's an utter nuisance.
Later...
Her father confines her to the house. After days without hearing her incessant chatter, he suddenly feels empty inside.
Unable to hold back, yet unwilling to admit it, he keeps pretending to pass by her residence, just for a chance to catch a glimpse of her.
Yu Mengshu loathes Pei Lier. She believes that Pei Lier's presence is the reason she was jilted and abused by a powerful official. She's ruthless, constantly plotting against Pei Lier. One day, she finally gains power and begins crushing her by exploiting her influence.
Meanwhile, the Xiao family has grown so powerful that it threatens the throne, and the emperor has long regarded them as a thorn in his side. If the Xiao and Pei families marry, the emperor will see it as forming a faction and secretly colluding. Danger closes in on them from every side.
[Reader's guide]
Political intrigue, court affairs, rivalries, maneuvering, romance, and everyday life.
