Ling Ce, the only grandson of the Marquis of Zhongyi, enters the palace to meet the emperor after placing first in all three qualifying exams. His father, the Grain Transport Commissioner, died in the line of duty. Both the Retired Emperor and the reigning emperor take a liking to him, allowing his family to retain its title for another generation. Using his foresight, he avoids being implicated when the Jia family is disgraced, secretly helps Lin Ruhai cut taxes to keep the Zhen family from dragging him down, and uses his literary renown to befriend upright officials. When the new emperor ascends the throne, the Ling family remains a model of loyal service to the court.
