Qin Shu, a top-tier agent from the 21st century, transmigrates into the body of the legitimate daughter of the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence in the Celestial Sun Nation. Raised in the southern border city of Southern Xiang with her military family, she spent her youth in freedom and luxury. Her father and elder brothers have long guarded the empire's borders with unwavering loyalty, deliberately cultivating an image of Qin Shu as a frail, sickly beauty to avoid imperial suspicion. Despite this, the new Emperor Xuan Yuan Che issues a direct decree summoning her to the Palace Selection, bypassing earlier rounds and effectively guaranteeing her selection.
During the Palace Selection, Qin Shu enters Ruyi Hall where she encounters Emperor Xuan Yuan Che behind his jade-beaded crown. Their eyes meet, and she senses an intense, unsettling gaze from the throne. The Empress Dowager praises her beauty, and the Emperor confirms her selection, granting her the rare rank of Consort Chen upon entry—a title that immediately draws the attention of the Imperial Harem's existing power structure. The Empress Wang Wan Ning and Noble Consort Lan Zheng Shiyao represent the two dominant factions, with the Empress viewing Qin Shu as a potential tool to balance Noble Consort Lan's influence.
Upon entering Yuehua Palace, Qin Shu maintains her sickly persona while secretly relying on her loyal maids Xin Lian and Xin Yi, who possess martial arts and medical skills. During her first audience with the Empress, Wei Meiren, a consort aligned with Noble Consort Lan, publicly insults Qin Shu's health and status. Qin Shu responds by invoking palace regulations, forcing Noble Consort Lan to punish Wei Meiren with fifty face slaps. That night, Qin Shu secretly sabotages the medicinal ointment Wei Meiren uses for her injuries, causing her face to fester and her to lose her mind, resulting in her confinement to the Cold Palace.
Emperor Xuan Yuan Che investigates the incident through his intelligence network and discovers that someone tampered with the medicine at Yuehua Palace, though he chooses not to expose Qin Shu. Instead, he visits her personally, observing her sleeping beneath the osmanthus trees. He notes her natural beauty and remarks that she is the only one he has chosen. Qin Shu remains guarded, unaware of his true intentions, while the Emperor struggles with his desire for her affection despite her apparent indifference.
The Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, bringing with it palace banquets and heightened tensions between the Empress and Noble Consort Lan. Qin Shu continues to navigate the treacherous waters of the Imperial Harem, using her frail appearance as both shield and weapon. The Emperor's growing attachment contrasts with the political machinations of the court, where the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence's military power remains a source of both protection and suspicion. As factions maneuver for position, Qin Shu must balance her desire for a quiet life against the inevitable conflicts that draw her deeper into palace intrigue.
