Who Rules the Golden Bough?

She dons a phoenix robe and paints her face red, as lanterns light up the palace. Forced to enter the palace, she only wants to keep to herself, yet finds herself surrounded by deadly threats. He, sovereign over all, moves the pieces on the board and commands the world, bestowing countless splendors. He, a man of humble birth, enters officialdom to stand by her and promises her a lifetime of tenderness. A king’s schemes, a beauty’s heart. Within the ninefold palace, who will claim the throne?