Xue Qingyi, the second young madam of the Earl of Shouning's household, was widowed while still young and badly mistreated in the sprawling manor. Thankfully, her eldest sister-in-law, who came from a farming family, would occasionally protect her.
Then disaster struck: her sister-in-law died suddenly, and her niece was left in a state of shock and delirium. As Qingyi investigates the truth, she discovers that the earl's eldest son murdered his wife to curry favor with a noblewoman.
She resolves to seek justice for her wrongfully slain sister-in-law, but her plans are exposed, and she is imprisoned instead.
After a difficult escape, she is slandered as having eloped with another man and cursed by the world.
With nowhere left to turn, she is fortunate to receive the protection of Crown Prince Yang Zhen and take refuge in the West Garden.
Later, she avenges her sister-in-law, but loses her heart as well.
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In the West Garden, countless trees yearn for love; the plum blossoms wait long and hard for the crabapples.
This is a story about a twice-married young widow pursuing true love.
