The Maid
As the disregarded illegitimate daughter of the Duke's household, Shen Yuqing endures relentless cruelty after her mother, Lady Qin, is murdered. Burning for revenge, she disguises herself as Xiyan, a courtesan at Meixiang Pavilion, to approach the powerful Regent Pei Ji. Using charm and wit, she wins his trust and affection. While secretly unraveling conspiracies woven by the Duke's family and the Empress Dowager, she protects her son, Pei Zhao. Together, Xiyan and Pei Ji confront their enemies, surviving life-and-death trials. To shield Xiyan and Zhao, Pei Ji baits their foes into a trap at great personal cost. After his apparent death, Xiyan and her son flee to the borderlands, where she opens a medical clinic. But Pei Ji reappears, having faked his demise, and reunites with his family, finally embracing a peaceful life.