I Am On Equal Footing With The Prince

Ming Yunzhi serves as the Crown Princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, married to the Crown Prince Pei Yu for three years. Their union is politically arranged and characterized by emotional distance; Pei Yu treats her with cold respect, viewing her role as a manager of household affairs rather than a romantic partner. Ming Yunzhi maintains a composed and virtuous demeanor, diligently overseeing palace administration after the Empress feigned illness and delegated authority to her. Despite her competence and the Crown Prince’s occasional displays of care, such as sending rare gifts, their relationship lacks intimacy, and she remains childless, a source of anxiety for her family and the court.

The narrative tension escalates during the wedding celebration of the Prince of Qi and his beloved Yao Yuzhu, whose passionate childhood sweetheart romance contrasts sharply with Ming Yunzhi’s sterile marriage. Following the banquet, Ming Yunzhi discovers a faint, unfamiliar fragrance on Pei Yu’s robes, identifying it as chalcedony incense, a rare tribute previously bestowed by herself. This scent leads her to suspect that Pei Yu has rekindled a connection with Miss Qi, the daughter of the Minister of Works, who was a childhood friend and former patient of the Crown Prince. Her mother, Madam Bai, reinforces these suspicions by revealing that Miss Qi has recovered from a severe illness and is now a prominent figure at court, implying that Pei Yu may eventually seek to elevate her status.

Concurrently, Ming Yunzhi faces internal palace challenges. She rigorously investigates corruption within the Shangfu Bureau, exposing a senior official who embezzled funds by substituting inferior materials in palace garments. Her decisive action demonstrates her political acumen and authority, yet it also highlights the solitary nature of her position. While she manages state and palace affairs with precision, her personal life remains stagnant. Pei Yu, meanwhile, is engaged in secret investigations regarding illegal firearm trafficking linked to the Yongchang Canal project, a major infrastructure initiative. His focus on state security and his hidden past create a barrier between him and his wife, further isolating her within the Eastern Palace.

A significant turning point occurs when Pei Yu experiences a vivid dream or memory of their wedding night, revealing a subconscious awareness of Ming Yunzhi’s past vulnerability and his own emotional detachment. Upon waking, he notices her resistance and distance, prompting him to attempt reconciliation. He visits her at Guangming Palace, bringing food from her hometown of Yizhou, and they share an intimate night together. However, this moment of closeness is complicated by Pei Yu’s lingering confusion and Ming Yunzhi’s guarded heart. She remains convinced that his affections belong to Miss Qi, whom he once saved and cherished.

The story also introduces a subplot involving Ming Yunzhi’s sister, Hanzhi, whose fiancé is dying of lung poison. Ming Yunzhi petitions Pei Yu to summon the reclusive Master Jingshan to treat him, showcasing her loyalty to her family despite her own marital struggles. Pei Yu agrees, but his motivation appears mixed, driven partly by duty and partly by a desire to understand the woman he shares a bed with. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the political landscape shifts with the discovery of seditious books and the ongoing investigation into the canal project. Ming Yunzhi continues to balance her duties as Crown Princess with the painful reality of her husband’s emotional absence, while Pei Yu begins to question his own feelings and the true nature of his relationship with her.

The narrative concludes with Ming Yunzhi still trapped in a cycle of hope and resignation. She acknowledges her inability to compete with the memory of Miss Qi and the Prince of Qi’s passionate love, yet she refuses to abandon her post or her dignity. Pei Yu, though initially indifferent, shows signs of growing curiosity and perhaps regret regarding his treatment of her. The central conflict remains unresolved: whether Ming Yunzhi can find love and recognition in a marriage built on duty, or if she must accept her role as a distant figure in the Crown Prince’s life. The story sets the stage for further political intrigue and emotional development as both characters navigate the complexities of power, family, and desire in the imperial court.