She is the beloved younger sister of a top-ranking general, famed for her extraordinary beauty. At sixteen, she met a handsome, quiet young man. They loved each other deeply, and were meant to spend their lives together, but an imperial edict forced her into the palace as a concubine. She spent her life consumed by longing and resentment. In the harem, where was the bright, lively girl she had once been?
He was the ruler of the empire. Ten years into his reign, while traveling in Nanxun, he saw by the Qinhuai River a vivacious girl whose smile bloomed like spring flowers. Power, schemes, and ruthless ambition tore them apart. Her heart, however, had never been his.
In the deep palace, some were consumed by longing and resentment, while others stayed true to themselves. At the emperor's side, jade steps and a tower in the desert remained.
