Longing Is Not the Only Joy

No one is reborn or transmigrates | A richly traditional historical drama | Female protagonist | Ensemble cast pursuing their ambitions

[Minor Royal Lineage + Aristocratic Military Clan = Two Political Maelstroms]

------------------- Blurb -------------------

Yuan Songyin's life got off to a disastrous start. Her father, the crown prince, failed in his coup and was sentenced to death by her grandfather. Her mother died of illness after giving birth to her and her younger brother. With no one willing to help, the two orphans fell into ruin, struggling through the mud just to survive.

The Yong Alley bordered the palace's inner quarters. Yuan Songyin would perch on the wall and watch the nobles, bedecked in gold and silver, devoutly worship the Buddha. One day, she unexpectedly met the Empress Dowager. A trip down memory lane finally reminded the old woman of her two grandchildren, who had been left to fend for themselves, and she brought them back to the palace to raise them.

The imperial city was a maze of palaces, its people separated by clearly defined ranks. There was a cousin whose life had been even more tragic than Yuan Songyin's, as well as the emperor's sprawling family.

The halls glittered with gold, beautiful women wafted past in clouds of fragrance, and dazzling dancers used their beauty to get their way. The court was murky, and political storms were brewing. Exposed to it all, Yuan Songyin's ambition awakened and took root deep within her.

At this time, the Prince of Guangling, who governed the northern frontier, arrived in the capital with his entire household. Yuan Songyin met the prince's son, Muyuzhi. Though born into an aristocratic family, he took life's ups and downs in stride, with the free spirit of a chivalrous hero. The young pair fell in love at first sight, but the palace was forbidden ground, and mountains and rivers stood between them. They could not confess their feelings.

Later, Yuan Songyin used her talents to gradually win the emperor's trust. She became a close aide, handling documents and advising on state affairs, and slowly established herself at court. Meanwhile, Muyuzhi distinguished himself in battle and was honored by the imperial court. After a long separation, they were delighted to see how much each had grown.

The world was vast, and life was full of twists and turns. The empress also admired Muyuzhi's promise as a young man and the standing of his family, and requested that he be granted a princess's hand in marriage. The two were unable to resist, and from then on, they gradually became parallel lines that could never meet. Yet no one knew that the secret affection that began in their youth would one day become the unspoken understanding they showed each other with such restraint, and a storm that would shake the imperial court.

An alternate history inspired by the Northern Dynasties, providing room for the female characters to make their mark;

A slow-burn plot with a long-running ensemble cast, featuring many characters from the inner palace to the imperial court to the frontier;

The heroine initially responds to each challenge as it comes, and suffers some major setbacks. She gradually grows stronger in the later story.

Theme: Snow falls over seas of flame and turns them cool; wherever my heart finds peace is my home