The Lingering Scent of Dust

Pure palace intrigue, with piles of bones forming the steps to the summit.

Luo Yunxing's father had a stubborn, upright temperament. After offending the late emperor, he was banished from the capital for over a decade.

When the new emperor ascended the throne, an imperial edict summoned him back and appointed him Left Reminder.

To put it nicely, he was a “remonstrating official,” there to help the emperor reflect on himself. In reality, he was a scapegoat, an imperial lapdog who did whatever he was told.

Having heard of Luo Yunxing's good reputation, the emperor also took him into the imperial harem and made him a consort.

At the same time, he arranged marriages for Luo Yunxing's fiance and a close friend from his maiden days.

Only after entering the palace did Luo Yunxing learn that the empress came from a distinguished family and was the empress dowager's own niece, with a powerful clan behind her.

The Noble Consort had grown up with the emperor, and the two shared deep affection. She was also about to give birth.

Had the empress dowager not intervened, the empress's position might well have gone to someone else. The two factions were clearly divided, and everyone else had to choose a side.

There was also the granddaughter of a three-dynasty veteran official, so elegant she hardly seemed human, who spent her days either playing the qin or blowing the xiao.

And word was that a princess sent from a neighboring kingdom for a political marriage had arrived in the capital and was waiting at the post station.

Entering a harem like this,

there was no need for more words.

It was all about fighting, fighting, fighting.

What you think is his affection is nothing but his scheme.

What you think is devotion is nothing but ulterior motives.

What you think is companionship is only his deliberate attempt to bind you to him.

Alone in a harem surrounded by wolves and tigers,

he moves carefully, one step at a time.

Day after day, he avoids the endless schemes.

Bit by bit, he climbs to the summit of power.

The ranks of the imperial harem, in order:

Empress, Imperial Noble Consort, Noble Consort, Consort, Concubine, Zhaoyi, Jieyu, Beauty

Theme: Whether life brings good fortune or hardship, always keep hope in your heart. As long as you live, there's a chance to turn the tide.