Born as a daughter of a minor provincial clerk, Seolseok has always been sharp-witted and perceptive—traits that caught the eye of Madam Wi, the formidable top wife of the local Governor. When Madam Wi offers Seolseok the position of concubine to her adopted heir, Jin Hyo, the girl’s heart races at the thought of becoming the wife of the man she’s long adored.

But Hyo’s heart belongs to another, his childhood sweetheart, Pil Nami.

To make matters worse, Seolseok is selected as a candidate maiden, thrust into the viper’s nest of the imperial harem’s ruthless politics. Amidst the cutthroat schemes of the rear palace, a tempest of power and love unfolds—where every alliance is a double-edged sword, and desire dances with betrayal.