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.

[Two female leads + same-sex marriage is legal in the setting] Enter at your own risk if you mind.

In a simple marriage partnership, neither Shen Qing nor Jiang Chumian believed they could go the distance.

But in the days and nights they spent together after marriage, Shen Qing unexpectedly found himself falling in love with that stubborn yet gentle girl.

The girl appears aloof and unapproachable, but in reality, she is carefully concealing her vulnerability.

She was always so tactful, in her interactions with others.

Shen Qing also inadvertently learned the secret his young wife was hiding.

She has someone she likes, her childhood sweetheart.

However, his young wife was too cautious and never even uttered her feelings of affection.

Since that's the case, Shen Qing thought she didn't need to be polite anymore; his wife naturally belonged only to her.

From as far back as she can remember, Jiang Chumian has always been the one who is never chosen.

Her mother only saw her as a cash cow.

Her biological father never loved her.

Even with the person he likes, she's not his first choice.

But to Shen Qingye, she was always number one.

Such a virtuous and upright person gave her a place to belong.

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.