After her father is imprisoned for his crimes, Shen Qingtang is sent to the palace as the daughter of a convicted minister. Her mother presses a chipped jade pendant into her hand, inside which is hidden a palace-intrigue guide System. Before she has even seen the emperor, fake spices, planted copper coins, and a supposed accidental fall by a well all target the daughters of disgraced officials like her. Keeping a cool head, checking accounts for evidence, and turning others' schemes to her advantage, she carefully navigates Fang, Auntie Liu, and Imperial Physician Shen. She protects her companions while investigating the truth behind the half-missing memorial her father left behind. She must not only survive, but clear his name, climbing step by perilous step from palace candidate to empress.
