Gaoshan, capital of Zhao Region

    If some were to talk about the most influential state, Zhao Region, the state of warrior, was in the front-rank. The war between states was ongoing for decades, continued to this day. Among the ruling clans, the Yang was deemed the most prestigious. Yang Gong began his life as a low-ranking soldier without a place to call home, fighting through battles with flesh and blood to amass glory, fame, and wealth. His strategy of survival through betrayal and stepping over corpses allowed him to climb higher and higher... a cruel tactic that eventually brought him power.

    By the age of sixty, Yang Gong had risen to become the Grand Chancellor of Zhao Region.

    His eldest son held the dual roles of Right General and Commander of The Royal Guard. His second son was the royal’s son-in-law, controlling the salt trade which deemed the military supplies. And his third son took care of palace affairs. Together, the three brothers held sway over half the realm.

    In a year marked by a long winter, where many perished from starvation, furen of the eldest son was pregnant. She dreamt of visiting a celestial palace, admiring the moonlight amidst blooming flowers out of season, feeling elated until she awoke. This good news brought immense joy to Yang Gong, who vowed that if the child were a boy, he would build a legacy for him to ascend the throne.

    Yet, can human calculations outmatch fate? The soothsayers predicted that furen would give birth to a daughter, blessed with intelligence and destined to bring the highest honor to the family. She was born during the clan's prosperous times and was bestowed the name Jiurong by the Empress Dowager, meaning fortune and glory, unaware that this name would alter her destiny forever.

    "This grandchild of yours is truly adorable with delicate features. Surely, she will grow up to be absolutely beautiful. Take good care of her, for I intend to marry her to Prince Zhao Lu."

    The Empress Dowager stated gently. She was one of the Yang Clan. She must support her granddaughter to ascend to power. However, Yang Gong, the Empress Dowager's brother, was somewhat reluctant.

    " Qi Guifei is from the Sima family. If we marry Jiurong to Prince Zhao Lu, wouldn't it elevate the Sima clan even more?"

    "Prince Zhao Lu is the emperor's true son and will undoubtedly become the crown prince."

    The Empress Dowager replied succinctly, shedding light for Yang Gong, "You are right, Empress Dowager. My vision is clouded by age, neglecting this critical matter."

    Because the Empress had no son, she feared of losing power to Qi Guifei. She adopted the emperor’s nephew to be raised as a royal son from a young age. The issue created longstanding conflicts within the royal court since the rightful heir should have been Prince Zhao Lu, but the emperor was hesitant to appoint him.

    "The Empress's health has always been frail, and now Qi Guifei dominates the inner palace. Although she doesn't openly challenge me, I know every day she wishes for me to die. It's better to win her over and exploit her before disposing of her when she's no longer useful. Don’t you think this bet is worth risking."

    "And what if the emperor appoints the adopted prince as the crown prince instead of Prince Zhao Lu?"

    "When the time comes, there will be a confrontation between two parties, but I will support Prince Zhao Lu, for he is my own flesh and blood. Nourish Jiu Rong well. I shall have her inherit the power of the inner palace."

    "As you wish, Empress Dowager. I wholeheartedly accept your command."

    A son may leave the house, yet still belong to the family, but a daughter forsakes her family name with a single night under a new roof. Despite Yang Gong's irritation at wanting a grandson, holding the sweet-faced infant altered his valuation toward this treasure. Thus, began Yang Jiurong's journey toward becoming the Empress, the love story between the Grand Chancellor's niece and the prince of Zhao Region must be one of the most enchanting and ideal unions.

    Yet, in reality, it was stained with blood and tears.