Cheng Yunxiang transmigrates into a high-born noble girl whose elder sister is the emperor’s favored empress, and she initially rejoices, believing immense wealth and privilege have finally fallen into her hands.
The reality is far less reassuring. Powerful enemies threaten from the north, aristocratic clans dominate the court, and the emperor neglects governance, spending his days absorbed in the empress’s affection. Though he sits on the throne, he does not shoulder its burdens, and the empire is already on the path to decline.
Unable to remain idle, Cheng Yunxiang begins to act. After encountering a scholar skilled in finance, she secures him a post in the Ministry of Revenue through her sister. She then recommends a fair and decisive young noble from a declining prime minister’s family to the Court of Judicial Review. One by one, she promotes capable officials in an effort to steady the state.
Yet because those she advances are mostly refined young nobles, rumors spread that she favors handsome men and that powerful officials rise through her patronage.
While trying to support a faltering empire, Cheng Yunxiang instead gains an undeserved reputation, leaving her in an increasingly difficult position as both court politics and scrutiny close in.
Amid this, the grandson of a great general falsely accused of treason begins to take notice of her.
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