The Dog Blood Saga in the Deep Palace

The story is set in ancient China and revolves around the power struggles and intrigues in the imperial palace. The main character is a young girl named Xiao Yanzi who enters the palace as a maidservant. She gets caught up in the competition between different concubines vying for the emperor's favor.

Xiao Yanzi serves different masters and learns to navigate the treacherous politics of the harem. She witnesses plots and assassinations. Two main opposing factions emerge - the cunning Consort Yang who wants her son to become the crown prince, versus the virtuous Consort Shufei.

After many twists and turns, Consort Yang successfully secures the throne for her son. But she is haunted by the death of Xiao Yanzi and eventually realizes the impermanence of power. She transforms into a benevolent empress dowager. In the end, harmony is restored to the palace.