The fifth year after leaving the palace

Liang Ying returns to the Wei imperial palace after five years, her body scarred by past trauma and her throat damaged, rendering her mute. Once the favored concubine of Emperor Wei Yan, she was betrayed and abandoned during a palace rebellion, left to suffer under the cruelty of Consort Xiao. Now living in obscurity as the wife of Zhou Huailin, a stern but deeply caring military official from Junzhou, she has found a fragile peace. Her return is prompted by a summons from Empress Xue Ning, the woman Wei Yan now loves and has elevated to the throne. The Empress, whose family rose to power through political maneuvering, meets Liang Ying with a complex mix of gratitude and resentment, acknowledging a debt Liang Ying never sought to repay.

During her visit, Liang Ying encounters Wei Yan in the palace courtyard. The reunion is tense and silent; he catches her as she stumbles on icy ground, his touch familiar yet painful. Wei Yan, now an absolute ruler, offers her medical care and apologies, driven by a guilt that he cannot fully articulate. Liang Ying feels no hatred, only a profound detachment, recognizing that the woman she once loved with her entire being is gone. Her husband, Zhou Huailin, arrives to escort her home, carrying her with protective tenderness. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and quiet understanding, contrasts sharply with the toxic devotion Liang Ying once held for the Emperor. Zhou Huailin’s unwavering support helps her heal, transforming her from a broken pawn into a woman capable of experiencing genuine happiness.

Liang Ying’s past is further explored through her interactions with her son, Wei Wenqi, now the Crown Prince. Raised by the Empress but personally overseen by Wei Yan, the boy is distant from his mother. Liang Ying initially harbored resentment toward him, viewing him as a symbol of her betrayal, but Zhou Huailin’s love helps her reconcile with her maternal feelings. Their meetings are formal and polite, lacking warmth, yet Liang Ying recognizes the boy’s genuine desire for her approval. She struggles with the knowledge that she cannot provide him with the motherly affection he needs, especially given his strained relationship with the Empress.

The narrative shifts to Liang Ying’s social life in the capital, where she reconnects with Zhou Qingzhi, her cousin by marriage. During a shopping trip, they encounter Xue Min, the Empress’s arrogant younger sister, who insults Liang Ying, calling her a mute. Du Linzhi, the daughter of Grand Tutor Du, Liang Ying’s former foster father, intervenes and slaps Xue Min. This incident triggers a confrontation at court, where Du Linzhi is ordered to apologize by Wei Yan. She refuses, citing the insult to Liang Ying, which reveals the depth of her guilt and regret over past betrayals. Du Linzhi’s actions highlight the lingering consequences of Liang Ying’s sacrifice for the Du family, a debt that was never truly repaid.

Wei Yan’s reaction to the incident exposes his internal conflict. While he maintains a facade of impartiality, his anger is evident when he breaks his writing brush. He continues to provide for Liang Ying, sending doctors and gifts, but his actions are driven more by a need to alleviate his own guilt than by genuine affection. Liang Ying remains indifferent to his gestures, focusing instead on her life with Zhou Huailin. Their bond deepens, and she begins to accept that she deserves love without condition or sacrifice.

The story culminates in Wei Yan’s personal visit to the Zhou residence, where he brings a renowned physician to treat Liang Ying. The doctor confirms that her voice may never return, but her leg condition can be improved. Wei Yan promises to cure her, echoing his past vows, but Liang Ying sees through his words. She realizes that his love was always conditional, tied to her utility and status. In contrast, Zhou Huailin’s love is unconditional, offering her a sanctuary from the political machinations of the palace. Liang Ying chooses to remain in her current life, finding strength in the simplicity and sincerity of her marriage, while letting go of the past that once defined her existence.