As the first chill of winter descended, Zhuang Hanyan, the Zhuang family's third daughter, collapsed before their home, her body marred with wounds. Fu Yunxi, the Vice Minister of Judicial Review, arrived to inquire about the circumstances.…

Fu Yunxi perceived the artifice behind Zhuang Hanyan’s facade, understanding her intentions with unsettling clarity. Sensing a potential danger in Fu Yunxi's presence, Zhuang Hanyan dispatched her confidante, Chai Jing, to observe him discr…

Taoist Duan maneuvered Zhuang Hanyan into a precarious predicament. Yet, Zhuang Hanyan did not succumb to alarm; instead, he advanced steadily, compelling Taoist Duan to confess his deceitful act of falsely accusing an innocent person.

Chai Jing sought out Fu Yunxi with the intent to kill him, but the target evaded capture. Following this failure, Chai Jing proceeded to set fire to Fu’s dwelling.

A late-night encounter between Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi ignited a fresh wave of jealousy in Zhuang Yushan. Driven by this resentment, she secretly dispatched someone to retrieve the bedding of a smallpox patient, harboring a malicious int…

Driven by a desire to uncover her mother’s hidden past, Zhuang Hanyan consented to remain at the Zhuang Residence, gathering information for Fu Yunxi.

Confined to the Jianjia Chamber, Ruan Xiwen received a visit from Zhuang Hanyan, who had come to safeguard her mother. Touched by the gesture, she nonetheless maintained an air of detachment.

Consumed by envy of Zhuang Hanyan’s rising prominence within the Yinan Guild Hall, Zhou Ruyin and her son devised a scheme to bolster Zhuang Yuchi’s standing.

Driven by a shared intent, Zhou Ruyin joined forces with Yang Ping, plotting to revive the dormant investigation into Zhang Youchang and his wife in Danzhou.

Released from captivity, Zhuang Hanyan found no sign of Chai Jing.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, officials typically proceed to the palace to greet the emperor; however, Zhuang Shiyang and his twelve colleagues were held within its walls.

Zhuang Hanyan resolved to mend the troubles facing her family. She persuaded her relatives to unite behind her, then directly confronted Yuwen Changan, demanding answers.

Zhuang Hanyan made her way into the prison to find Zhuang Shiyang, and from him gleaned a possible connection between the hidden passage and the disappearance of Prince Wu Youzhi.

Zhuang Hanyan perceived the hollowness beneath her father’s pronouncements. With a deliberate resolve, she offered to assume the responsibility of managing the Zhuang family affairs, a calculated move to strengthen their position.

During the Lantern Festival celebrations, Zhuang Yushan, flushed with wine, loosened the reins of a spirited horse. Zhuang Hanyan attempted to subdue the animal, and Fu Yunxi swiftly joined in the effort.

Ruan Xiwen intends to secure Zhuang Hanyan’s marriage before her departure from the Zhuang household. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan endeavors to discern the genuine sentiments of Fu Yunxi.

A shadow of uncertainty lingered in Zhuang Hanyan's mind regarding Fu Yunxi's trustworthiness. After thoughtful deliberation, she articulated a series of stipulations for him.

The revelation of Fu Yunxi’s deceit ignited a fierce anger within Zhuang Hanyan. She resolved to depart the capital city with her mother.

Knowing of Fu Yunxi's troubles, Zhuang Hanyan resolved to marry him. Together, they made a solemn promise to reveal the truth about Zhuang Shiyang's identity.

Zhuang Hanyan found no welcome within the Fu household; she was a target of both open hostility and insidious whispers.

Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan learned that Deng Chan harbored a love for the impoverished scholar, Cheng Lei. Yet, Deng Chan was already promised to another. Observing their affection, Fu Yunxi and Zhuang Hanyan sensed a deeper secret veiled b…

To earn Official Yao’s confidence, Zhuang Hanyan resolved to assist in the rescue of his daughter, Yao Wangshu.

Zhuang Hanyan sought Noble Consort Miao’s assistance in lifting the stringent military guard surrounding Zhuang Shiyang. She pressed a hairpin against the woman’s throat, demanding a solemn vow.

Understanding Zhuang Shiyang’s plot, Zhuang Hanyan resolved to enter the palace alone and resolve the crisis. Before she went, she carefully concealed a letter of divorce, intending to safeguard the Fu family.

Zhuang Hanyan sought an explanation from her grandmother, Wei, regarding the error of Zhuang Shiyang. To that end, she returned to the Zhuang Residence for Wei’s birthday celebration.

Zhuang Shiyang delivered Zhou Ruyin into the hands of a slave merchant. During the journey, Zhou Ruyin encountered an assassin dispatched by Zhuang Shiyang, and Zhuang Hanyan hastened to her aid.

Fu Yunxi lay gravely ill, the effects of poison taking hold. In a moment of clarity, he confided in Zhuang Hanyan, urging her to abandon any hope of saving him.

It was Zhuang Shiyang who had poisoned Fu Yunxi. He had coerced Fu, holding the antidote over his head, demanding that his life be spared.

Fu Yunxi was determined to enter the Palace and reveal the truth. Zhuang Hanyan hastened back to the capital to intercept him, but was pursued by the men of Duke Qi as she traveled.

Following Zhuang Shiyang’s instructions, Zhuang Hanyan managed to concoct an antidote. Fu Yunxi’s condition stabilized, though the poison remained within him, undiminished.