The Palace

Chenxiang begins life in the Forbidden Palace and learns how to survive among palace politics. She forms early bonds and quietly watches the other residents, laying the groundwork for her future relationships. The environment teaches her strategies for navigating power, danger, and secrecy.

Chenxiang becomes close to fellow servant Liuli and the eunuch Chunshou, learning to rely on loyal allies inside the palace. She also observes Yinxiang's presence and the wheels of palace intrigue turning around her. The bonds will shape the later choices she makes to protect those she cares about.

During her time in the palace, Chenxiang meets Yinxiang, a prince raised by Consort De, and becomes acquainted with Yinzhen, the fourth prince. Yinxiang begins to search for the mysterious girl he met, while Liuli claims she is the one. These rumors set the stage for later conflicts and loyalties.

Liuli betrays Chenxiang to ascend as Yinxiang's official wife, creating deep heartbreak for Chenxiang. To protect Chunshou, Chenxiang reluctantly becomes Liuli's servant, enduring humiliation and watching Liuli's power grow. The shift marks a turning point in Chenxiang's loyalty and identity.

One night Chenxiang slips into Liuli's bedchamber and discovers that Liuli is having an affair with Yuntang, another prince. Liuli explodes with anger toward Chenxiang, and harsh punishments are increased as a result. The betrayal deepens the palace's web of secrets.

In a royal hunt, Yinxiang is blinded and loses his visions, and is confined as a potential threat to the throne. Chenxiang visits him daily in his prison, showing her loyalty, while Yinxiang mistakes her for Liuli. The separation fuels longing and unresolved love.

The Fourth Prince learns of Liuli's affair with the Ninth Prince and confronts her, unaware that the visitor is Chenxiang in disguise or simply misattributing identity. Yinxiang believes Liuli's innocence, and Chenxiang stops visiting him. The tension pushes the two closer to a hidden truth.

A fierce struggle for the throne unfolds among the princes following Kangxi's death. The Fourth Prince manipulates events, ultimately securing the throne as Yongzheng Emperor. The political shift reshapes the court and the fates of those inside it.

With Yinxiang's fate tied to the throne, the new Yongzheng Emperor orders Imperial Doctors to restore his visions. Yinxiang's sight returns, but he still does not realize that the mysterious woman visiting him has been Chenxiang all along. The truth remains hidden behind palace politics.

Liuli tries to escape the palace, promising to reveal the woman's true identity if Yinxiang helps. Yinxiang refuses to cooperate, and Liuli's ruse collapses, leading to her being shot to death on the Emperor's orders. This removes a key obstacle to the lovers but seals a painful fate.

As Chenxiang comes of age, the Emperor grants her 100 golden taels and permission to leave the palace. She prepares to exit but carries memories of Yinxiang and the bond that kept them hopeful. The moment marks a transition from courtiers to a life beyond the palace.

Chenxiang visits the abandoned section of the palace one last time, where Yinxiang awaits. He finally realizes that she has always been the woman he loves, and he declares his commitment to her. They vow to be together, even if it means leaving the palace behind, and ultimately reunite in happiness.