In the final years of the Great Sheng dynasty, imperial power falls into the hands of others, and the emperor is placed under house arrest through the joint efforts of Chancellor Ji Huan and the deposed empress Shen Wanhua. Eighteen years ago, Consort Shu was falsely accused and died tragically, while the legitimate princess Xiao Yunshu was banished to the cold palace and raised by Nanny Lin, learning the art of discerning people's hearts through their words, actions, and posture. After Nanny Lin is murdered, Xiao Yunshu disguises herself to survive, rescues the mute guard Ying and the loyal minister Lu Changqing, and secretly builds up her strength. During eighteen years in the cold palace, she learns to bow her head and endure in silence. Only after mastering the art of judging character and distinguishing truth from falsehood through people's words and deeds does she dare to raise her head and claim her place. She neither competes for the harem's favor nor gets caught up in pointless struggles. Relying solely on her ability to read people and discern sincerity from deception, she proceeds cautiously at every step, rising from a lowly abandoned daughter confined to the cold palace to ascend the imperial throne.