When Gu Changyi marries into the Wei family, her new husband admits on their wedding night that he only married her as a front. Meng Shang is the only wife in his heart.
So be it. She never expected genuine affection. All she wants is a peaceful life. But not even six months into the marriage, Meng Shang, unwilling to remain a concubine, tries to take her place and attempts to kill her.
Meng Shang grows more brazen by the day, vowing to kill her. Her husband, her parents-in-law, and even the family she was supposedly born into all stand by and do nothing. They tell her to be sensible, then lecture her: "It's your fault you couldn't keep your husband's heart."
Having been dependent on others since childhood, with no one to rely on and living every day in fear for her life, she decides to find another way out. She can't just wait to die.
Thus, she chooses Murong Zhao, the powerful minister of Great Liang who commands its armies and holds the court in his grasp.
She has nothing to offer but her peerless beauty, which she uses to bargain for his protection.
"Madam Wei, what makes you think I would help you?"
"I... I'm willing to help you undress and warm your bed, my lord, in repayment for your great kindness."
Murong Zhao once thought her arrival would merely add a little amusement to his tedious life. He never expected to fall for her, until he broke his own principles for her sake.
After she gets everything she can from him, she intends to walk away. He, a man who's always been so adept at getting his way, finds himself helpless. Eyes red, he asks her, "Niannian..."
"Was there ever a moment when you truly liked me?"
