When the Tuberoses Bloom

When the flower blooms a pale white, its taste must be bitter.

Hua Tubai was originally called Bai Tu. After somehow transmigrating from the modern world to an alternate ancient era, he was still called Bai Tu. Unfortunately, before he could sort out his thoughts and come to terms with the fact that he had transmigrated, he was swapped with a “crown prince” amid blood-red skies and cries of anguish everywhere. In the final moment of Bai Tu’s life, he saw the father he had only just gained looking at him with a gaze both reluctant and resolute. His father stroked his head and moved his lips, but in the end said nothing, blocking out the last sliver of light above him.

Bai Tu received a new name: Hua Tubai. He also received a new identity: the third young master of the Hua family, the wealthiest merchants in Huaisu.

Years later, the third young master of the Hua family returns to his homeland. In public, he expands the family business; in secret, he investigates the Bai family’s massacre and seeks to clear their name, washing away the injustice done to that proud, unyielding man. But whether in the open or behind the scenes, an invisible hand always blocks his path. He cannot see clearly: who is real, and who is false?

These princes and nobles, these scheming ministers, are all far too good at putting on an act. There is Prince Xiang Xiao Rang, who always looks at him with a cold and complicated gaze; Prince Xin Xiao Qian, who smiles like peach blossoms at everyone; Prime Minister Xu Jiangqing, who is alternately distant and approachable, always courteous; Crown Prince Xiao Mu, arrogant and aloof, keeping everyone at a distance; and General Qiao Luoxing, half child and half demon...

Who was the mastermind behind it all back then? And who now holds the power to shape the world? What secrets lie behind the four great families: the Bai family, known for medicine; the Hua family, known for commerce; the Xu family, known for literature; and the Qiao family, known for military prowess? What are all these different people after when they approach a mere young merchant like him?