Gu Zhenming, the Eastern Depot's Commander, wields power over the court and is ruthless in his methods.
After a military defeat, the Ye Dynasty must choose a princess to marry off to a foreign land beyond the frontier.
As the least favored princess in the palace, Lanzhou decides to strike a deal with Gu Zhenming.
At first, Gu Zhenming finds it amusing.
Everyone in the palace fears him, and she does, too.
But then he sees her fighting her fear as she says she wants to become his partner.
His heart softens for a moment.
Later, she falls into the water and develops a high fever. Near death, she hooks her little finger around his and says, "I'll give you my life, Commander, if you'll... save my life in return."
His heart softens again.
Later still, he holds her hand and teaches her to draft imperial edicts and write imperial decrees, drawing her into the exercise of power.
He tells her that love, favor, and promises are all unreliable. Only power endures, even after being soaked in blood.
To Gu Zhenming, love is desire, a luxury. Once he disdained the thought of having it; later, he stopped hoping he ever would.
She is the finest girl, a bright and spotless star.
Step by step, he tempts and guides her, raising her above all others, to the very pinnacle of power and wealth.
He never tells her he loves her. Then one day, his little princess draws a dagger and slices one of her little fingers in half.
Gu Zhenming is so furious he nearly loses his mind, but she cradles his face and smiles. "Look, Commander. From now on, I'm incomplete, too. I'll be here with you."
A little scene:
"The censor-in-chief has submitted a memorial accusing me of corrupting the palace and undermining the court. Princess, what do you think we should do?"
Beneath the lamplight, the little princess looks at him timidly and softly says, "Kill him?"
Theme: One must stand strong in life
