Shen Zhi, the top courtesan in the capital, is the only survivor of General Shen's family, which was executed ten years ago.
The emperor has set his sights on bringing her into the palace. Once that move is made, there will be no turning back.
But the fatal move that comes before the palace's white silk is Xiao Che, the Prince Regent.
In her first life, she died after drinking a silent, swift-acting poison.
In her second, she escaped certain death, only to be pierced through the heart by a cold arrow at the city gates.
In her third life, Shen Zhi stops running.
Right in front of Xiao Che, she drains the cup of poisoned wine. Blood at her lips, she smiles with chilling resolve. “Your Highness has sent me to my death three times. The wronged souls of the Shen family are watching, you know.”
But she doesn't die.
When she opens her eyes again, she's locked in the deepest underground chamber of the Prince Regent's residence.
Xiao Che grips her chin, his eyes filled with a madness and despair she cannot understand.
“The realm is a dead end. My golden cage is the only way you can survive.”
In this life, he would rather bear the name of a tyrant and keep her imprisoned in his arms than let her perish. Amid this crumbling court, he will carve out a path for her to live.
Theme: Breaking the deadlock takes more than retreat or dependence. Only by entering the game and meeting one another with honesty can they join hands to pierce the darkness of political intrigue and fate's cycles, and welcome the spring's return.
