In her previous life, she was Noble Consort Shen, the emperor’s most beloved consort. But she trusted the wrong sister and gave her heart to the wrong man. In the end, she was falsely accused of having an affair with a guard. Her entire family was executed, her newborn son was smothered to death, and she was given a cup of poisoned wine. A length of white silk hung from the beam above.
When she opens her eyes again, Shen Qingwu has returned to her first days in the palace, before she has won the emperor’s favor. Gazing at her beautiful but naive reflection, she sees only ice in her eyes. In this life, she can let go of favor and empty titles. All she wants is for her enemies to pay in blood, and for her loved ones to remain safe.
And so a “checked-out” Noble Consort appears in the imperial harem. She doesn’t compete for favor or flatter anyone, and she even seems indifferent when the emperor summons her. She shuts herself away to enjoy her quiet life, tending flowers and playing with cats, while calmly plotting in the background. Using her memories of her past life, she sees through one scheme after another and turns the conspiracies of the empress and favored consorts back on them. Emperor Xiao Jingheng is initially displeased and curious about her sudden coldness, but with each new incident, her seemingly aloof yet resilient nature, her cleverness, and the occasional glimpse of vulnerability draw him in until he is hopelessly captivated.
Even more unexpectedly, the emperor’s unruly younger brother, Prince Zhenbei Xiao Jingchen, notorious for being a “madman,” has also fixed his gaze on this unusual sister-in-law. He sees how difficult her life in the palace is and admires her restraint and sharpness. Before he knows it, he wants to protect her. When Shen Qingwu faces a deadly crisis, Xiao Jingchen defies his elder brother outright. The two brothers grow estranged over her, coming close to turning against each other.
