Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Zhousheng Chen's childhood in the imperial palace and Cui Shiyi's noble upbringing set the foundation for their intertwined destinies.

Childhood in Palace — Zhousheng Chen raised by emperor brother Characters: Zhousheng Chen, Emperor Location: Imperial Palace
Leaving Palace — Zhousheng Chen leaves palace at age 13 Characters: Zhousheng Chen, Emperor Location: Imperial Palace Gates
Cui Shiyi's Upbringing — Cui Shiyi raised as daughter of esteemed family Characters: Cui Shiyi, Cui Guang Location: Noble Residence
Betrothal Arranged — Cui Shiyi betrothed to Crown Prince Characters: Cui Shiyi, Crown Prince, Cui Guang Location: Imperial Court

Zhousheng Chen leaves the palace to become a distinguished general, while Cui Shiyi prepares for her future as the Crown Prince's bride.

Military Career — Zhousheng Chen becomes distinguished general Characters: Zhousheng Chen, Liu Zixing, Xie Chong Location: Nation's Borders

Political turmoil rocks the empire, leading to Cui Shiyi's trauma and the Crown Prince's deposition, creating an uncertain future for all.

Political Turmoil — Political scheming and tragic events unfold Characters: Cui Shiyi, Crown Prince, Emperor, Xie Yun Location: Imperial Court
Cui Shiyi's Trauma — Cui Shiyi suffers trauma and becomes mute Characters: Cui Shiyi, Hong Xiaoyu, Feng Qiao Location: Unknown Location
Crown Prince Deposed — Crown Prince deposed and replaced by child Emperor Characters: Crown Prince, Emperor, Xing Hua Location: Imperial Court

Zhousheng Chen returns to the capital amidst the chaos, setting the stage for a reunion with Cui Shiyi and the resolution of their intertwined fates.

General's Return — Zhousheng Chen returns to capital amidst turmoil Characters: Zhousheng Chen, Qi Zhenzhen, Xie Chong Location: Capital Gates
Reunion — Zhousheng Chen and Cui Shiyi reunite Characters: Zhousheng Chen, Cui Shiyi, Feng Qiao, Hong Xiaoyu Location: Capital

Story Breakdown

Royal Beginnings — The early lives of the main characters in the imperial setting
- Zhousheng Chen's Childhood — Raised by emperor brother in palace
- Cui Shiyi's Noble Upbringing — Daughter of esteemed family
- Betrothal Arrangement — Cui Shiyi promised to Crown Prince
Separate Journeys — The characters follow different paths in their young adulthood
- Military Career — Zhousheng Chen becomes distinguished general
- Preparation for Marriage — Cui Shiyi prepares for role as future empress
Political Storm — The empire faces political upheaval that changes everyone's lives
- Cui Shiyi's Trauma — Suffers trauma and becomes mute
- Crown Prince's Deposition — Replaced by child Emperor
- Power Shift — New power dynamics emerge
Return and Reunion — Zhousheng Chen's return to the capital and potential reunion with Cui Shiyi
- General's Return — Zhousheng Chen comes back to capital
- Reunion — Zhousheng Chen and Cui Shiyi meet again
- New Beginnings — Characters face uncertain future together