The Imperial Palace Is Dust Beneath My Feet

As noble as a phoenix's feathers, adored by countless powerful nobles, she proudly strides to the pinnacle of the imperial court.

Such a heaven-blessed child, yet born a girl: Jiu Ranling, the royal family's only princess.

She lives in the palace, hearing the harem's assessment of her as "spoiled and reckless, arrogant and domineering." She says nothing, putting away her boisterous laughter and offering a gentle smile.

But however radiant her smile, it is all a disguise.

The harem's fortunes change overnight, while turmoil simmers in the court.

Twelve years ago, a great fire at Qianying Palace took the lives of two favored consorts. The battle for the empress's position was settled, and the three children the consorts left behind faced different fates. Every last bit of it was a scheme.

Twelve years later, the princess who had left returned with the greatest surprise the imperial palace had ever seen. But fate played its hand, and after learning the truth, the two could only smile faintly and release their tightly clasped hands. Every last bit of it was fate's cruel design.

She said, "Do you still remember the great fire at Qianying Palace twelve years ago?"

He said nothing.

She said, "I never wanted to understand this filthy, sordid royal family either. These are all my sins. I know that."

He was gone.

She said, "Fengling, I am a feather bound in chains. In this world, who could become my wings and fly at my side?"

He smiled softly.

When a blank sheet of paper reveals the final conspiracy, and two pairs of exquisite eyes meet,

Perhaps all the answers have already been found.