Shen Weiyan is a concubine-born daughter of the Shen family of the Ministry of Personnel. Her birth mother died early, and she was raised by her father's principal wife.
In the sprawling mansion, the distinction between legitimate and concubine-born children is clear. The sisters each have their own schemes, the servants spread gossip, and undercurrents run everywhere. She doesn't act on impulse or crave empty fame. Keeping her head down and her wits about her, she asks only to live in peace.
Marriage is a woman's second chance at fate. She seeks neither an illustrious family nor a husband who dotes on her in every way. She only hopes to find a man of upright character, avoid conflict, and live a stable life.
By a twist of fate, she marries into a military family renowned for its achievements.
The patience and discernment she learned in the Shen household become her support as she settles into her new home. Faced with difficult in-laws and tangled household affairs, she proceeds cautiously and handles everything with care.
She asks for no lavish splendor, only an ordinary life, and to carve out a peaceful existence of her own amid the daily chores and small necessities.
Theme: Striving to stay alive
