Liu Danniang has a graceful figure and a slender waist so delicate it could be encircled in one hand. She is truly a beauty.
The son of the Cishi of Beizhou is one of the many men under her spell.
But as the daughter of a humble teacher, she could never marry into the Cishi's household, and she died young.
Reborn into a new life, of course she will keep climbing higher.
The empress has just ascended the throne and established the women's imperial examinations.
Her first step is to use the Cishi's son to secure a place in the provincial exams and make her way to the capital.
After that, in Chang'an, the heart of power, one influential man after another enters her life...
The best hunters often pose as prey. By putting on an appearance as pure and innocent as water, she wins the pity of the most arrogant man of all. Using the resources at his disposal, she finally reaches the empress's side. Just as she is about to proclaim that she herself is a high-born lady...
Beneath the red palace walls, Li Yuqing grips Liu Xingxing's chin, gazing at her oval face, so lovely whether she is pouting or smiling. His thin lips curl slightly. "Lady Liu, no, I should call you Assistant Secretary Liu now."
Liu Xingxing is dressed in a bright red court gown, tightly bound at the chest.
Her already voluptuous figure rises and falls like a mountain range.
It stands high between them.
Even without looking down, he can glimpse the expanse of pale skin revealed by her low-cut dress. Li Yuqing's phoenix eyes narrow, passing over the deep shadow against her snowy skin. "You once said you disliked how revealing court gowns are. Then wear men's clothes to court."
Years later, the empress dies of old age and returns the throne to her husband's family.
In the golden hall, Liu Xingxing stands tall in her crimson official robe, head bowed as she looks at the polished black tiles on the floor.
Seated on the throne in his imperial robes, Li Yuqing does not even glance at the attendant below him. Without lifting his head from the memorials, he says, "Go change into your court dress first, then come back."
In short, this is the story of a woman who climbs the ranks on the strength of her beauty and learning, and with the help of powerful men. But then one day, the most powerful man of all finally realizes what is going on...
Theme: Even heroes cannot resist a beautiful woman.
