Princess Dexin, whose husband died five years after their political marriage, has returned. At Taiye Lake, the emperor personally announces that he will arrange a marriage for this princess, whose fame is unrivaled, and that she may choose from all the eligible young men in the capital.
But her status is unusual. As her gaze sweeps over the young men at the banquet, they all shrink away from her.
Those who know the truth remain calm: they would stake their lives on Princess Dexin choosing Xue Minglin, Prince of Shang.
Born into a merchant family, Xue Minglin never took the imperial examinations or fought on the battlefield, yet he became the emperor's most trusted minister, and the sharpest blade in the emperor's hand.
He was also Princess Dexin's childhood sweetheart. It was said that they had been very close before her political marriage. Moreover, Xue Minglin still has not taken a principal wife.
Whether for the sake of their old affection or to gain power, he is the best choice.
She smiles and petitions the emperor: "Your subject has been in love with Jiang Wei, heir to the Duke of Zhenbei, for many years. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish."
The crowd erupts in an uproar.
--
Princess Dexin was once the daughter of a powerful minister, born to nobility and looking down on everyone around her.
At a family banquet, she met a handsome young boy with red lips and pearly teeth. Unfortunately, he was the son of a merchant. When she learned that her father intended to betroth her to him, she flew into a rage, taunting and humiliating the boy in every way.
Then her family fell from power, and she plunged from the heights of privilege into the mud.
He remained a wealthy young master with jade ornaments at his waist, while she sank into the dirt.
Consumed by humiliation, she entered the Xue household as a servant, prepared for Xue Minglin to take revenge. But the one who came to her was a refined, gentle young man who treated her like family.
That first glimpse in their youth had left a lasting impression on Xue Minglin. Even though he had been publicly rebuked and harbored resentment, he could not forget his earliest feelings. When their positions were reversed, he did not seize the chance to take revenge. A gentleman with self-restraint, he did not exploit his kindness to pursue a private relationship, either.
Waking as if from a great dream, she realizes that she and Xue Minglin are merely supporting characters in a book. According to the established plot, they will both die in the second year of the new emperor's reign. In the end, it all comes down to two words: power.
Caught in the vortex of power without enough power to protect themselves, neither of them can save the other.
If that is the case, then they must talk about power first, before they can discuss anything else.
Years later, she has returned from her political marriage as a princess laden with honors, and he has become the emperor's most trusted minister.
In the depths of the palace and at court, everything is only just beginning.
Theme: Striving to change one's fate
