Zhuang Yunlan is a woman who has transmigrated into the body of a low-ranking concubine, a Cairen, in the Eastern Palace of the Jing Dynasty. Possessing memories of her past life as a modern office worker exploited by a harsh boss, she views the feudal imperial power with terror and resignation. Her primary goal is not power or favor, but survival and early retirement in the Huiluan Palace. The story opens with the sudden downfall of Jieyu Chu, the principal concubine of the hall, who is exiled to the Inner Anle Hall after offending the Crown Princess. This event serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of life in the palace. Zhuang Yunlan, alongside her maid Shaoyao, adopts a strategy of extreme prudence, burning her writings to destroy evidence and keeping her head down to avoid implicating herself in the political fallout.
The Crown Prince, currently under pressure from his father the Emperor regarding the Eastern Palace's loss of face, wanders into Zhuang Yunlan's quarters. Unlike other concubines who might perform elaborate displays of virtue or beauty, Zhuang Yunlan is caught eating a humble hot pot and later roasting sweet potatoes. Her candid, unpretentious demeanor and open discussion about her financial struggles with her allowance catch the Crown Prince's attention. He finds her refreshingly real compared to the calculated women around him. This interaction leads to a series of encounters where he visits her, shares meals, and eventually gifts her silver and gold, signaling the beginning of her rise in favor. Their relationship develops through shared moments of simplicity, such as walking in the garden and discussing the hardships of common people, revealing the Crown Prince's own burdens regarding court politics and natural disasters.
A significant turning point occurs when the Empress, concerned about the Crown Princess's health and her inability to manage the palace affairs due to a difficult pregnancy, asks the Crown Prince for assistance. The Crown Prince recommends Zhuang Yunlan, praising her suitability and reliability. Despite Zhuang Yunlan's initial reluctance to take on more responsibility, fearing she might become a scapegoat, her maid Shaoyao advises her to accept the role but to focus on avoiding mistakes rather than seeking merit. Zhuang Yunlan is summoned by the Crown Princess and tasked with assisting in the management of the Eastern Palace, particularly regarding the upcoming New Year preparations. The Crown Princess, though kind, is anxious about her standing and the perception of her管理能力. Zhuang Yunlan approaches her duties with a bureaucratic mindset, carefully following protocols and minimizing her visibility while ensuring tasks are completed correctly. This marks the beginning of her transition from an invisible concubine to a key assistant in the Eastern Palace, setting the stage for further political and personal challenges as she navigates the complex hierarchy and her growing relationship with the Crown Prince.
