Publishing Date: January 1, 2022

King Rénlóng Jūn's niece has lived a harsh life, even surviving a fire meant for her that killed her mother. Because of a growing coup orchestrated by her father, Minister Chú Sōngshù, the king can do nothing. The only option he has to rescue her is to proclaim a marriage between Princess Mĕilì Xīng and someone willing to shoulder the burden of protecting her.

General Ānníng Zhànshì is loyal and dependable. Like his ancestors, he has sworn himself to the crown. He has no intention of marrying and bringing a family into his brutal and uncertain life. When the king calls on him to protect Mĕilì from her barbaric father, however, he will do as honor dictates to keep her safe.

After a life of torment and an unexpected tragedy on the journey to her husband's manor, Mĕilì fears the world. Everything seems a danger and everyone seems an enemy. It will take patience and compassion from Ānníng to feel safe and loved. 

Through recovered memories, Mĕilì is able to help the investigation into her mother's murder and expose a multitude of atrocities committed by her father and several corrupt officials. Before Minister Sōngshù can be brought to justice, he escapes, leaving his daughter vulnerable to his schemes.

By the time the Tiger General achieves a kinship with his young wife, he's called away for another battle. The rebellion has joined forces with invaders from northern tribes, and it will take a clever plan to end the war once and for all. He leaves an elite force of guards to watch over Mĕilì, but will they be enough?

In the midst of fending off the coup, the kingdom is under siege by a mysterious serial killer, one that seems determined to expose the corruption at court and seek vengeance for the weak.

How will Ānníng fulfill his promise to his friend and king when the enemy is at his gate? Will Mĕilì overcome her terrible memories and scars that will never heal? What does Xièzhì want, and what will happen when the identity of the mysterious vigilante is revealed?