Zhiyi is the personal maid of a duke's daughter.
The young lady is often seen with her fiance, Xie Shiyan, the eldest grandson of a family with a century of history.
Young and destined to wield power, the noble young lord is aloof and refined, observing propriety and self-discipline to the utmost. He seems perfect, but at heart he is distant and cold.
Everyone says that the young lady and he make a perfect pair. They wonder how splendid and happy their future will be, a match beyond reproach.
Until the young lady sets Zhiyi up, making her drink a potent wine. By a twist of fate, Zhiyi is sent to her fiance's bed.
Only later does she learn that it was Master Xie's first time.
She knows that in his eyes, she is a scheming woman who has cast aside her dignity to climb the social ladder. Zhiyi is honest and proper, and never covets what does not belong to her.
Even if she became the young lady's attendant after marriage and managed to rise to the position of concubine, no one would think highly of her.
After cautiously navigating the situation for a while, Zhiyi decides to return to her hometown with her cousin and marry him. They know each other well, and she would have someone to rely on.
On the day of the young lady and Xie Shiyan's engagement banquet, the entire city celebrates their union and wishes them a harmonious life together.
Before the banquet is even halfway over, Master Xie is seen putting on his crane-cloak and leaving.
He leaves midway and orders the imperial guards to apprehend two people at the city gate.
Though his clan has placed great hopes in him as their heir, he abandons the many honored guests and races through the snow and cold in a dark cloak. He pays no heed to disturbing the people, his handsome features clouded with anger and gloom.
His slender, jade-white fingers grip her chin as he whispers in her ear.
“Your contract of service will be in my hands from now on.”
Xie Shiyan has always been proud and dignified, letting no one close to his heart.
Until one night, Zhiyi joins him.
As he rises, she gently hooks a finger around his belt. With tear-bright eyes and a sweet, timid, beautiful voice, she says,
“Don't light the lamp. I'm afraid.”
1. They are each other's only partner. The engagement is called off, and the young lady is not a good person.
Theme: Undecided.
