The world is divided into four kingdoms: Chu, Meng, Lin, and Qiu.
The story revolves around the Kingdom of Chu. Gu Qixun is the eldest son of Gu Can, the emperor of Chu. After an accident, he is sent to the Western Regions to find a way to increase grain production. His journey lasts six years. In that time, the tides of power shift, and the court of Chu undergoes a complete upheaval. The only thing that doesn't change is his resolve to govern the country well after returning home. He goes from an unfulfilled regent prince to an unfulfilled emperor. He wants to govern the country and bring peace to its people, becoming a wise ruler, but Heaven never seems willing to grant his wish. Before one crisis is over, another arises.
He still remembers how, when he was outside the palace, he often thought he might as well travel the world with the person he loved. Now that he has returned to the palace, he spends every day scheming against others at court. He finally manages to bring his beloved into the palace, only for it all to amount to a fleeting dream granted to him by Heaven. When he wakes, everyone is gone, and the tower is no more.
"How much sorrow, all in last night's dream.
As in the old days, I wandered through the imperial gardens, with carriages flowing like water and horses like dragons.
Flowers and moonlight, spring breeze."
Theme: Nowhere is there less affection than in an emperor's family.
