Beautiful, devious imperial physician Lin Qingyu has reunited with his husband, Gu Fuzhou. That leaves Lin Qingyu plenty of time to work against his archenemy, Crown Prince Xiao Cheng. Soon, Lin Qingyu uncovers Xiao Cheng's deepest secret--one that could ruin the prince. Yet the only piece of evidence Lin Qingyu can put forward is a purple silk belt. Could such a humble item really interfere with an ascension to the throne, or will Lin Qingyu's loathing of Xiao Cheng lead him to overplay his hand?
Gu Fuzhou likewise faces a daunting choice as Great Yu continues to fight a war in the northwest, and the nation's troops face increasingly grueling and grim circumstances. Everyone in court--and in the northwest--understands that victory is only possible if Great General Gu returns to the front. But Gu Fuzhou barely survived his last tour of duty. Does he dare leave the capital for the northwest, knowing that Lin Qingyu could be widowed again?