[Clever Noble Consort vs. reserved civil official vs. composed military general]
Xun Zhaoxi was once a peerless jewel of the capital, brilliant in both letters and martial arts. One imperial edict made her the foolish emperor's favored consort. Her wings were clipped, and she became a caged bird.
People lament that she is trapped in the palace, her brilliance fading. But they don't know that when a caged bird refuses to die, it has only one thing left to learn: how to tear down the cage.
She will break through walls and bars so that women of future generations can soar freely beneath the heavens. For this, she is willing to risk everything, even if it means mutual destruction.
The civil official Xue Rangchen maneuvers through the court on her behalf, advancing step by step. The military general Chu Yunliu lies in wait at the border, his blade pointed north for her.
They stake their lives on this game, all to send her out of the cage and raise her to the highest seat. They fight for a "Zhaoxi" of their own, and for a realm that belongs to women.
CP: One woman and two male leads, neither of whom has been with anyone before her. Shares a timeline with the neighboring novel, "Jade Plucked." There are also three supporting couples. The story is ensemble-focused, and each character gets about the same amount of attention.
