Blurb:
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[Political intrigue and mind games + ensemble cast + powerful female lead + no romance + everyone is ruthless + no golden finger + gradual growth]
In the autumn of the twelfth year of Qinghe, Shen Changfeng returned to court undefeated after years of war.
There was no triumphant welcome or reward, only a decree accusing her of a crime and two corpses.
Her mother, the Empress Dowager, and her elder brother were falsely accused of treason and died in disgrace.
The powerful nobles of the court waited to see whether Daxia's brightest jewel would kneel and beg for mercy, or die alongside her family.
Under everyone's gaze, Shen Changfeng wiped away her blood and tears and gave a cool, indifferent smile.
"An eye for an eye. Only then will the debt be paid."
After that autumn night of rain, the Pearl Princess "died."
The one who survived was Shen Changfeng, the Grand Princess of the imperial capital, notorious for her debauchery, endless revelry, and keeping handsome male companions.
She abandoned her military honors and her good name, and became a laughingstock throughout the city.
The nobles she had once held in check sneered, "Even a phoenix in dire straits can only manage this much as a woman."
Everyone said the phoenix who had once lorded over the court had been stripped of every feather and now lived worse than a pig or a dog. Kicking the Grand Princess while she was down became the most fashionable pastime in the capital.
Shen Changfeng paid them no mind. Drunk and leaning against a beauty, she smiled and accepted every insult.
No one noticed that when she returned to her estate at night, she shed all her finery and calmly crossed one name after another off the list of enemies covering her wall.
"Don't rush. I'll personally send you all to the Yellow Springs to pay for my mother and brother's lives."
The turmoil grew, and the court was thrown into upheaval.
In the Golden Chime Hall, Shen Changfeng stood with her sword drawn, pointing it at the imperial throne, her voice cold to the bone.
"I respectfully ask Your Majesty to meet your end."
Even a tiger may devour its cubs, but a ruler who abandons all fatherly virtue and ruthlessly slaughters his own kin...
What is wrong with a child killing an unjust ruler?
In a chaotic age, all are pieces in a game of political intrigue.
Only the one who moves the pieces can claim supremacy.
[Reading Guide]
1. A satisfying revenge story with a powerful female lead, focused entirely on her career.
2. No romance, ensemble cast, everyone is ambitious, no golden finger, slow-burn growth and mind games.
3. Political intrigue, plenty of twists and foreshadowing, and a brisk pace.
4. Everyone is just passing through my life.
Blurb archived by screenshot on 2025.10.15
Theme: Even if you fall into the abyss, you must carve your own path through blood and seize your fate with your own hands.
