In an ancient empire adorned by towering palaces, flowing silk, and ruthless politics, a young noblewoman named Chin-sun lives quietly in the shadow of her once-powerful family. Born with ethereal beauty—pale, Rapunzel-like hair cascading down her frail back—and cursed with a debilitating illness that stole her voice, Chin-sun has known little more than isolation within her family's gilded walls.
Her life takes a sharp, tragic turn when her adopted younger sister, Hyjung-Hee, commits an unspeakable crime: attempting to assassinate the Emperor's precious younger sister, Princess Eunji. Envy had long brewed in Hyjung-Hee's heart, angered that despite being adopted into nobility, she remained second to Chin-sun's natural grace. Rather than face the consequences, Hyjung-Hee cunningly frames Chin-sun, smearing her innocent sister’s name with bloodied lies.
Gyung-Hui, Chin-sun's secret lover from another noble house—weak in character and fearful of political ruin—falls to his knees, begging Chin-sun to accept Hyjung-Hee's punishment in her place. Fevered, breathless, and heavy with child, Chin-sun, lying limp on her silken bedding, gives a slow, heartbreaking nod. With a final sigh of surrender, she loses consciousness, her body burning with fever as worried servants rush to her side.
In the grand imperial court, under the watchful golden gaze of countless officials and generals, Chin-sun is presented like a broken offering. She is cradled by her fiercely protective elder brother, Commander Jae-hyun, who kneels on the cold floor with her nestled in his arms. Jae-hyun's calloused hands never leave the gentle curve of Chin-sun’s growing belly under her vast Hanbok, silently begging the court for mercy.
Upon the high throne sits Emperor Kang-Dae, a figure of immense, terrifying strength. His name sends shivers across the empire, not for his cruelty without cause—but for his unyielding wrath against anyone who dared harm his cherished sister, Eunji.