The story takes place in the fictional Chinese kingdom of Caiyun. According to legend, a young man, aided by the power of the Eight Immortals, founded Caiyun. Consequently, Caiyun's territory was divided into eight provinces: Hongzhou, Huangzhou, Bizhou, Lanzhou, Zizhou, Heizhou, Baizhou, and Chazhou. Approximately 600 years ago, the king of the time ordered the nobles of each province to adopt one of these eight colors as their surnames (for example, the Marquis of Lanzhou became Lan, the Marquis of Hongzhou became Hong, and so on). Commoners were prohibited from sharing surnames with these eight marquises. Consequently, those bearing these eight colors were considered the most aristocratic of the nobles. Furthermore, because the Marquis of Zizhou, where the capital was located, also served as king, the Zi family became the royal family's surname. Despite being born into the prestigious Hong family, Hong Xiuli lived in poverty. She had to work extensively to support her family. Having experienced the turmoil of the throne struggle as a child, she deeply understood the suffering of the people. From a young age, she diligently studied, hoping to pass the imperial examination, become an official, assist the king, and build a prosperous and peaceful nation. However, as a woman, she cannot take the imperial examination. One day, Xiu Li accepts a high-paying commission from Grand Tutor Xiao and enters the harem as a noble concubine to teach and assist the incompetent emperor. This opportunity leads Xiu Li to a career as an official, and she encounters a variety of people.

Once the gears of fate begin to turn, love and hate intertwine into an impenetrable net. Turning to Ashoka's "The One I Loved Most Was the Murderer," the male and female protagonists embark on a perilous and fraught journey to uncover the truth behind the unexpected death of the male protagonist's wife.

COVID-19, disease, hardship, misfortune, workplace struggles, love and hate, life and death… They persevered through countless difficulties, and they embraced new life amidst despair. This book celebrates the steadfastness and devotion of love, showcases the resilience and brilliance of humanity, and takes you deep into the labyrinth of human nature to explore the true meaning of love and redemption.

In this battle between love and sin, can they uncover the truth? The book features both thrilling mystery and delicate, moving emotions; it depicts a love story that transcends life and death, and also reveals the ugliness and justice of the world.

After Shen Qingfeng perished together with the zombie king in the apocalypse, he transmigrated to a fictional dynasty called the Great Chu Kingdom and became a child named Gou Dan in Ning'an Village who suffered from congenital deficiencies and a heart ailment.

Fortunately, he had a famous name: Shen Yu'an.

Shen Yu'an studied with his elders for several months, but when he wanted to take the imperial examination, he discovered that his ancestors, who had been exiled for three generations, were not allowed to take the exam.

What an catastrophic start!

Upon learning that his family had been exiled, Shen Yu'an asked tremblingly, "Grandma, if three generations of your family are barred from taking the imperial examinations, does that mean I can't take them either?"

"It's okay, it's okay," Shen Yu'an comforted himself. He could still do business, even glass soap.

Seeing her grandson looking distraught, Madam Wang quickly comforted him, "It's true that the third generation cannot take the imperial examinations, but don't worry, grandson, you are the fourth generation, so you can take the exams, you can take the exams."

Shen Yu'an: ...

I always felt that when his grandma called him with a northern accent, it sounded like she was cursing.

After learning the approximate location of Ning'an Village, Shen Yu'an thought, "So this is where Ningguta was exiled to."

Although it's not the real Ningguta, it's pretty close.

According to the law, Shen Yu'an was allowed to take the imperial examination, but he encountered many difficulties along the way.

[Mine Clearance]

1. It wasn't a real exile to Ningguta; it was a cold and harsh place, also in the north.

2. I will not write harem stories, regardless of whether there is a romantic pairing or not.

3. Reading novels is a way to relax. Don't get too hung up on the details. It's okay to criticize the author (but I won't see it unless you specifically tag me).

4. To be continued (I will add this if I remember to ask a reader about it.)