On the day of the grand wedding, the ninth prince, Xiao Jingce, forced his fiancée, Gu Zhiwei, to kneel and offer tea to a pregnant maid, subjecting her to all sorts of humiliation. Gu Zhiwei publicly requested to break off the engagement, declaring that whoever sought her hand in sincere marriage would be married right on the spot. Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng stepped forward to propose to her. Proficient in medical arts and accounting ledgers, Gu Zhiwei helped the Crown Prince treat his leg ailment, uncovered corruption cases, resisted the princes' framing, and pacified the rebellion. The two supported each other until the Crown Prince ascended the throne and Gu Zhiwei claimed the position of Empress.