Spring Colors of the Chu Palace

[Clear-Headed Heroine] [Devoted Hero] [Family and Palace Intrigue] [Revenge and Political Scheming] [Ensemble Cast]

The Zhao family of Nanlin is the foremost clan in the state of Chu. Its women are renowned throughout the land for their breathtaking beauty.

When the emperor was young, he coveted a Zhao woman who was already married. Unable to have her, he resorted to every means at his disposal and drove her to her death. From that day on, the Zhao family harbored a grudge against the imperial house.

Years later, the emperor's son met a Zhao woman, fell for her at first sight, and sought to marry her.

[The imperial house is vile. No daughter of the Zhao family will ever marry into the imperial clan, and none of our descendants will ever serve an emperor.]

When these words spread, the emperor flew into a rage and accused the Zhao clan of grave disrespect, confiscating their estate and exiling them all.

Once-famous daughters of a great house became slaves to the state. The noblewomen of the capital laughed until they doubled over:

"Serves them right. A thousand years of fame made them think they were above everyone else. They need to be taught a lesson before they start thinking they're goddesses."

"Make them suffer. Let's see if they still dare act so high and mighty."

"Don't let them die. Make sure they live in humiliation."

And years later:

The noblewomen of the capital were red-eyed with envy. "Just look at those Zhao women. Every last one of them is adored throughout the capital. Have they forgotten how they were brought here in prison carts like dogs?"

People thought the thousand-year-old clan had been toppled for good. But the Zhao women not only cleared their name and restored their family's standing, they also took control of an entire nation.