The Sheng Kingdom recognizes female heirs, and the throne chooses its phoenix sovereign.
Dongfang Qingli is invested as Crown Princess in her youth, bearing the fate of a vast realm and the turbulent currents of court. Along the path to becoming the heir, she reforms outdated practices and introduces new policies, balances the forces at court, calms the flames of war on the borders, cares for the people, carries forward the foundations of a golden age, and ushers in lasting peace.
Pei Shen serves as her chief advisor, planning from the heart of the court and sharing the burden of ruling with his sovereign. Others, too, are drawn into the game: Xu Qiawen, a disciplined and courteous gentleman from an aristocratic family; Kou Xiao, a battle-hardened general guarding the northern frontier; the mysterious master of the Eastern Palace's shadow guards; Wei Yiming, an unruly hostage prince; and Li Zhongming, intense and possessive. Power plays and romance become tightly entangled.
The realm is her responsibility, and love is but a side chapter. She weathers every storm, uncovers the hidden troubles beneath the golden age, and ultimately ascends the throne to rule the world. This is an epic tale of a sovereign woman expanding her realm and bringing prosperity to the nine provinces.
Theme: Hidden beneath a golden age are deep-rooted afflictions. True stability is never about simply enjoying peace; it means preparing for danger in times of safety and reforming the old to build the new. This story follows Dongfang Qingli as she shoulders the responsibility of ruling the realm as a woman. In a time of peace, she roots out accumulated abuses and introduces new policies, staying true to herself amid power struggles and protecting the people through reason and foresight to secure lasting peace. Power is not solely about controlling everything, and companionship does not mean total dependence. Amid the storms of court, she meets a circle of confidants and worthy companions. Her grand ambitions form the foundation, and the bonds of affection are a side chapter. She will not abandon her country for love, nor let power erode her humanity. The story explores the responsibilities, choices, and vision required of a woman who rules the world, and asks what makes a wise sovereign, a true confidant, and a worthy sacrifice.
