She is Shen Wanning, the most inconspicuous concubine-born daughter of the Prime Minister's household. On the day of the imperial selection, she deliberately falls to her knees before the throne. Her words, “This commoner is frail and sickly. I fear I would be unfit to serve Your Majesty,” make the emperor remember those clear, limpid eyes.
When she enters the palace as a Lowly Attendant, everyone assumes this frail little thing, who looks ready to fall over at the slightest breeze, won't survive three months. Who could have guessed that her frailty would become her shield, allowing her to maneuver step by step through the harem's bloody intrigues?
She wins the palace maids over and makes them her confidantes, builds her family into a powerful backer, counters the consorts' schemes with gentle tactics, and feigns weakness to lull her enemies before striking a fatal blow.
When she rises from Lowly Attendant to Noble Consort and takes sole command of the Six Palaces' phoenix seal, those who once looked down on her finally realize that this seemingly fragile woman has been playing an enormous game of chess since the very day she entered the palace.
With the emperor's favor, the empress dowager's approval, and the support of the court, does she hold the emperor's affection, or half the power of the empire?
