At her grandfather's funeral, Wen Shiran burned the betrothal papers and called off her engagement.
All of the capital said the Wen family's legitimate daughter had gone mad. No one knew she'd already died once, and no one knew her grandfather's death was suspicious.
She sought out Shen Yungui, the Northern Shuo War God whose hands shook at the sight of blood.
To investigate the inner household, she went straight into the most dangerous places. To investigate the court, she used herself as bait. The secret network of the Ink Owl Guard reached deeper and deeper, while the people around her fell one by one. Outsiders could see how deeply she grieved, but assumed it was only the pain of losing a loved one.
Only Shen Yungui could see the truth: to protect the people she wanted to protect and uncover what had happened, she was willing to trade her life.
She had died once, and then watched the people around her disappear one by one. She pursued the truth so relentlessly because she trusted him: even if she couldn't go on, he would see the path through for her.
He didn't know how far she could keep searching. He only knew that every time she took another step toward certain death, he would be there behind her to catch her.
Reader's Guide
• The main plot centers on court intrigue and defending the nation, with romance as a secondary plotline. This is neither fluffy doting romance nor a fast-paced power fantasy.
• An ensemble story with supporting characters who each have their own arcs, told from more than one protagonist's perspective.
• Tense political maneuvering, balanced by lighthearted everyday moments among the ensemble.
• Important characters will make sacrifices and be lost.
• Both leads are strong and independent, fighting side by side.
Theme: Protection comes at a cost, yet people still step forward one after another.
