Nine Daughters Vie for the Throne

[Nine Women Fight for the Throne]

A kill-happy female general vs. a ruthless, beautiful, strong, and tragic eldest princess

The eldest princess, Ling Ping, is ruthless and wields tremendous power at court. She may even be plotting a rebellion.

The entire kingdom is gripped by fear.

To wipe out the princess's faction, the puppet emperor sends out the elite secret guards he has secretly raised.

Their leader is Qi Chi, a female general who helped found the dynasty.

From the western tower, Ling Ping sees the people who have come to surround and attack her.

Blood stains the flagstones, leaving behind a sinister trail.

With flames of war raging all around her, she suddenly curls her lips into a smile.

Her striking features are set off by the cold glint of her blade, sharp as a knife.

Qi Chi's sword hand falters. She, who had never missed her mark, loses herself in that smile.

After three days and nights of relentless fighting, the clear ring of a gong sounds beneath the western tower.

The female general, undefeated in a hundred battles since the founding of the dynasty, has suffered a defeat in this clash.

Everyone at court is on edge, and calls to suppress the princess grow ever louder.

Qi Chi once again leads an army into battle.

But in a place no one knows about, there is none of the bloodshed the world expects.

The figures entwined atop the western tower are not enemies, but lovers.

After losing yet again, Qi Chi does not return to report, but by then no one cares.

For at this moment, the eldest princess Ling Ping has led her troops through the palace gates and ascended the throne.

The old court has a new ruler.

Ling Ping sits upon the throne, gazing down at the kneeling officials. Her eyes pause when they reach the person still standing.

Her indifferent gaze is like the deep sea, with waves rising beneath the surface.

Their eyes meet.

Qi Chi suddenly remembers that Ling Ping was only seven when they first met atop the western tower.

The "caged beast," once locked up and trampled by others, has finally gained the power to rule over everything.

Just as she had when first putting on armor, Qi Chi reverently kneels on one knee before Ling Ping.

Word by word, she declares her oath and her true feelings in a clear voice:

"Your Highness, I am willing to die a thousand deaths for you."

Everyone at court believes Ling Ping will never forgive Qi Chi for leading troops against her time and again.

But the new ruler, her expression unreadable, slowly descends from the dais and walks up to Qi Chi.

With slender, pale fingers, Ling Ping lifts Qi Chi's chin and curls her red lips.

"Granted."

Theme: I am your sharpest blade.