[Resilient sunflower heroine vs. obsessive, brooding prince + both leads’ first love + not a fast-paced wish-fulfillment story + both leads have their own growth arcs]
Xu Jinzhao was the legitimate daughter of a general’s household, yet she kept swallowing her grievances for the sake of so-called family ties.
In the end, instead of finally seeing better days, she took the blame for her younger brother. An imperial decree left her corpse exposed in the street for seven days and nights, with no one to claim it.
At the very last moment, the tears at the corners of her eyes spoke of her unwillingness to accept her fate.
Perhaps Xu Jinzhao’s previous life had simply been too bitter.
When she opened her eyes, she realized she had been reborn.
In this new life, she wanted to live boldly for herself, uncover the truths hidden from view, and never again swallow bitter tears just to preserve the bigger picture.
She would strive to climb toward power, so she chose Prince Yu, who still stood at its fringes. She alone knew he would one day become the new emperor, ruling all beneath heaven.
“Help me ascend the throne, and I’ll grant your wish. Are you willing?”
“I am.”
Power and sincerity became entangled.
Xu Jinzhao stayed clearheaded, steadfastly moving toward the wish in her heart.
Prince Yu was caught in the heart of the power struggle, yet he never fell.
From then on, each pursued what they wanted.
Seasons passed.
“An imperial decree: The new emperor has ascended the throne and granted a general amnesty!”
On the day the new emperor was crowned, Xu Jinzhao rode away on horseback and looked back. Everyone had found the answers they wanted, and that was for the best.
But on the second day after Xu Jinzhao left the capital, word came from the palace that an empty imperial harem would threaten stability at court.
The new emperor was going after the one and only empress of his heart.
