Storyline
Discover the story behind the screen.
Cheng Shaoshang, left behind by her parents who went off to war, faces challenges from a scheming aunt and struggles with estrangement from her family. Lacking love and security, she is cautious in choosing a marriage partner and meets three suitors: Ling Buyi, the emperor's adopted son; Yuan Shen, a talented figure from Bailu Mountain; and Lou Yao, an aristocrat. Despite a rocky path to love, Shaoshang remains steadfast. Her involvement with Ling Buyi leads them into a mystery surrounding his family and identity and together they confront a national crisis, growing through their experiences and upholding their ideals.
Cheng Shaoshang, left behind by her parents who went off to war, faces challenges from a scheming aunt and struggles with estrangement from her family. Lacking love and security, she is cautious in choosing a marriage partner and meets three suitors: Ling Buyi, the emperor's adopted son; Yuan Shen, a…
Top Billed Cast
Leo Wu
Ling Buyi
Zhao Lusi
Cheng Shaoshang
Guo Tao
Cheng Shi
Zeng Li
Xiao Yuanyi
Xu Jiao
Cheng Yang
Li Yunrui
Yuan Shen
Yu Chengen
Lou Yao
Estelle Chen
He Zhaojun
Sha Baoliang
Ling Yi
Peng Yang
Sang Shunhua
Zhang Tianyang
Cheng Zhi
Xu Di
Old Madame Cheng
Bao Jianfeng
Emperor Wen
Tong Lei
Empress Xuan
Episodes
Episode 1 · Victory Of War
General, Ling Buyi was victorious, and all the civil and military officials greeted him because of the victory of the war. After receiving the honour, he declined the invitation of accompanying the emperor for dinner and went to Chengjia Village to arrest the suspect.
Episode 2 · Separation
Madam Cheng learned that her younger brother had been arrested and threw a tantrum, accusing Shaoshang of being unfilial. However, the Cheng couple firmly supported their daughter. They recalled how, when she was born, Madam Cheng had insisted on keeping her at home based on a fortune teller's advice, leading to more than ten years of separation from her parents. Xiao Yuanyi, both distressed and worried, feared that her daughter had developed bad habits due to a lack of proper guidance. She resolved to strictly discipline Cheng Shaoshang.
Episode 3 · Farewell
Uncle Dong was assigned to the frontier, and Cheng Shaoshang was successful in assisting in handling the case so Ling Buyi allowed her family to bid farewell to Uncle Dong.
Episode 4 · Stand Up For Him
Madam Ge vents all her anger on her husband who is disabled. Xiao Yuanyi stood up for the uncle and exposed what Madame Ge had done over the years.
Episode 5 · Moving Into New House
The Cheng family moved into a new house, and the family was very happy. Cheng Shaoshang set up her own small courtyard and even started to make her own furniture. However her mother thinks she was addicted to entertainment.
Episode 6 · Confrontation
Cheng Cha's mother insisted that Lian Fang wanted to grab Cheng Cha's book, and then fought with Chang Pu. Cheng Shaoshang confronted Mrs. Fu and Changpu. Finally they found out the truth.
Episode 7 · Speak For Him
In order to humiliate Cheng Shaoshang, Wang Ling deliberately left an invitation card for the birthday banquet of Yuchang, hoping that Shaoshang would attend. When Shao Shang was choosing gifts for her, she was stopped by Yuan Shen again. Because she didn't want to be entangled with Yuan Shen, she had to promise to speak for Yuan Shen again.
Episode 8 · Get Trapped
When Cheng Shaoshang left, she heard Cheng Yang crying for help so she rushed to rescue her. But it turned out that Wang Ling wanted to play a trick on Cheng Shaoshang.
Episode 9 · Cheng Shaoshang's Plan
Cheng Shaoshang was having a great time with Qiqi. She is interested in architecture and began to study the bridges at Wan's. When she got to know there'd be a birthday party coming soon, she came up with a plan.
Episode 10 · Punishment
Cheng Shaoshang got her chance to take a revenge, but her plan was already known by the Old Madam Wan. Old Madam Wan told Xiao Yuanyi about Shaoshang's revenge. Yuanyi decided to punish her.
Episode 11 · Fight To The Death
While leaving Cheng Shaoshang was blocked by Lou Yao. Lou Yao hesitantly said that he knew that Cheng Shaoshang did the demolition of the bridge, but he felt that Cheng Shaoshang did nothing wrong.
Episode 12 · Save Shaoshang
Ling Buyi rescued Shao Shang who was besieged by the bandits. Shao Shang went to thank Ling Buyi, but found that he was arguing with his subordinates...
Episode 13 · Taking Good Care Of Her
As the granddaughter of Mr. Cheng was seriously injured, Cheng Shaoshang and Lou Yao went to take care of her.
Episode 14 · Confessing His Feeling
The granddaughter of Mr. Cheng didn't survive her injuries. Lou Yao confesses to Shaoshang, saying that Shaoshang was the most perfect and courageous girl he had ever seen.
Episode 15 · Bumping Into Ling Buyi
Without mother’s interruption, Shaoshang and Lou Yao were enjoying their time together. Shaoshang took Lou Yao to the countryside, where they found Huangfu Yi. Huangfu Yi got to know that Shaoshang is the niece of Sang Shunhua, and therefore took great care of her.
Episode 16 · The Concept of Love and Marriage
Ling Yi tried to persuade Ling Buyi to not interfere in Fan Chang’s case. But Ling Buyi was not convinced. Later on, they heard about Fan Chang’s prison break. Now Ling Buyi was in a big trouble.
Episode 17 · Heartbroken
Xiao Yuanyi was heartbroken because of her daughter's negative attitude towards marriage and love.
Episode 18 · Escort
When Cheng Shaoshang went back home with her mother, they met Ling Buyi. In order to ensure her safety, he escorts them to their home.
Episode 19 · The Last Goodbye
Cheng Shaoshang sneaked out to meet Ling Buyi. Buyi bid his farewell, saying that this could be the last time they meet. He Zhaojun's father He Yong died in battle. He Yong’s last wish was to resume the engagement of his daughter Zhaojun and Lou Yao.
Episode 20 · Dilemma
The Cheng’s and the Lou’s are now in a dilemma. They could not decide whether to continue or to cancel their wedding. Shaoshang was furious that the Lou’s would consider Lou Yao marrying He Zhaojun. However, Yuan Shen explained to her that this was the only way to protect He's inheritance, and advised Shaoshang to understand the current situation.
Episode 21 · Breaking Off
Cheng Shaoshang knew that she should choose to break off the engagement with Lou Yao.
Episode 22 · Revealing The Secret
Shaoshang is upset about the broken enagement so she walked to the Yanhui Tower alone. However, she overheard something she shouldn't have.
Episode 23 · Visiting The Sick
Ling Buyi was happy that Shaoshang came to visit him but he was diappointed when he knew Shaoshang coming with her father.
Episode 24 · Teasing Shaoshang
During the banquet, the princess was playing trick on Shaoshang intentionally. Fortunately, Ling Buyi stuck up for her and let her sit next to him.
Episode 25 · Lou Yao's Wedding
Ling Buyi misunderstood Shaoshang who was still loving Lou Yao so he requested her to join Lou Yao's wedding with him. However, she was reluctant to join and also angry at him.
Episode 26 · Give Betrothal Gifts
Shaoshang was out of sorts when they back home. Ling Buyi disturbed her to eat snack so she got angry with finally. He wanted to comfort her but he need to rush to Western Village therefore he asked Lord Ruyang to help giving betrothal gifts to Cheng family.
Episode 27 · Morning Exercise
Ling Buyi requested Cheng's family to do exercise every morning for becoming stronger. However, Cheng Family thinks it was so harsh with them, especially Shaoshang. She slipped out quietly and asked Qiqi to drink.
Episode 28 · Summon Shaoshang
The emperor thought Ling Buyi got hurt because of Shaoshang and therefore he summoned Shaoshang come to palace and also make a match for them.
Episode 29 · Learn Etiquette
Cheng Shaoshang was taught manners and etiquette by the queen and studied in the palace. The Queen also indulged Shaoshang to make her own invention. Therefore, Shaoshang thought the Queen was gentler than her mother and liked getting along with her gradually.
Episode 30 · Promise
Ling Buyi discovered that Shaoshang got hurt but she reluctant to tell him about it. Shaoshang expressed she would be his wife in the future and didn't rely on him mostly so she need to adapt to live in the palace. Ling Buyi was touched and promised to take good care of her.
Episode 31 · Bully Shaoshang
During the sacrificial ceremony, the Third Princess originally intended to bully Cheng Shaoshang, but Shaoshang turned the tables on her. While offering incense, the Third Princess’s robe suddenly caught fire, burning away the outer garment and revealing the colorful dress underneath.
Episode 32 · Ling Buyi Reminds Shaoshang
Ling Buyi was puzzled by Emperor Wen's sudden change in attitude. Upon inquiry, he discovered that it was Shaoshang who had been secretly mediating matters. Ling Buyi urged Shaoshang not to get involved in matters of the Eastern Palace anymore, but Shaoshang disliked others restricting her under the guise of "acting in her best interest."
Episode 33 · Contradiction
Shaoshang talked with Wan Qiqi and Cheng Yang about Ling Buyi. She felt conflicted—touched by Ling Buyi’s protection but unhappy about being constrained. After being reminded by Qiqi, Shaoshang figured out that Ling Buyi devoted a lot for her so she wanted to apologize first.
Episode 34 · Ling Buyi's Parents
In the Apricot Blossom Courtyard, Shaoshang and Ling Buyi talked about their parents' past. Shaoshang, feeling deeply moved, promised to treat Ling Buyi even better in the future.
Episode 35 · The Truth
Wang Ling went to see her mother, but Lady Wen showed no remorse and cared nothing for the life or death of the Wang family father and daughter, thinking only of the Qian'an royal line. Deeply disappointed, Wang Ling broke all ties with her mother.
Episode 36 · The Birthday Banquet
When the Fifth Princess learned that the task of organizing the birthday banquet had been assigned to Shaoshang, she became jealous and resentful. Using the excuse of performing a dance at the banquet, she led a group of noblewomen into the palace. The Empress instructed Shaoshang to temporarily arrange for them to stay in Consort Yue's Yongle Palace. However, on the way, the Fifth Princess seized a moment when Shaoshang was unprepared, pushing her into the river.
Episode 37 · Revenge For Shaoshang
The Fifth Princess wanted to hold Shaoshang accountable, but Shaoshang firmly claimed that she had merely come across the Fifth Prince in the water by chance and had rescued him out of goodwill.
Episode 38 · Plead For Ling Buyi
The emperor punished Ling Buyi who punished the official secretly. Shaoshang pleaded him to forgive Ling Buyi but The Third Prince insisted to punished Ling Buyi strictly.
Episode 39 · Investigation
The Emperor ordered Ling Buyi to investigate the case related to the Crown Prince's old flame, Qu Ling Jun who was suspected that she might kill her husband. Shaoshang asked Ling Buyi for investigating the case with her.
Episode 40 · The Murderer
Shaoshang was held by Liang Xia. While Ling Buyi saved her, Liang Xia's brother Liang Wuji killed him and claimed that he protected the reputation for his family so he killed his brother.
