Chen Gong, born into a family of officials, has always been aloof and cold. His one little hobby is wearing incense-scented clothes.
As the Assistant Prefect of Lin'an, he is known by the charming nicknames "the living Rakshasa of the prefectural jail" and "the life-taking ghost of the pleasure quarters."
His outstanding looks catch the Crown Princess's eye, and she chooses him as her younger sister's husband, bringing to light his childhood betrothal to Cha Ying.
Cha Ying, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, used to be carefree and spend her days at pleasure quarters and theaters, happily earning her living as a storyteller.
When her elder brother suddenly dies, she has no choice but to risk investigating the case alone, desperate to uncover the truth.
Unexpectedly, she gets swept up in a strange and dangerous storm. Her family's fortune vanishes without a trace, and her property is confiscated. To protect herself, she has to scheme her way into marrying the male lead, becoming the Assistant Prefect's wife.
From then on, she is granted special permission to enter the prefectural offices and investigate cases alongside her husband.
Did the beautiful proprietress perish in the flames willingly, or was she forced into it?
Why does the young woman in the cave weep tears of blood: is she lost in lovesick obsession, or has she been cruelly abused?
Did the restaurant manager mysteriously disappear to escape like a cicada shedding its shell, or to set up a murder?
The male lead, born to an official family, seems cold and arrogant, but is softhearted inside and utterly devoted to his wife.
The female lead, born among common folk, seems innocent and fragile, but dares to love and hate, and is no lovesick fool.
[Married First, Love Later]
Before their wedding, Assistant Prefect Chen laughs coldly in the street: "Break off the engagement! Break it off! I'm marrying no one."
After their wedding, Assistant Prefect Chen knocks on her door in the dead of night: "My lady, be bold and let me in."
Theme: Girls should bravely charge ahead.
