In the turbulent year of 1636, as Joseon teeters on the brink of war with the Qing barbarians, Lee Seung, a formidable commander and master of espionage, finds himself ensnared in a web of treachery and deception. Tasked with defending the strategic island of Ganghwa, Seung confronts enemies both seen and unseen. As secrets from his past resurface, including the truth behind his father's death, Seung is torn between his unwavering duty to his country and his forbidden love for Kim Minjae. When his estranged wife, Choi Ji-na, suddenly reappears, seeking reconciliation, Seung's world is thrown into further chaos. In the midst of political intrigue and family betrayal in Joseon-era Korea, Kim Minjae, a skilled physician with a hidden past, finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that could shatter her world. As she navigates the dangerous machinations of shadowy figures conspiring against her, Minjae must reconcile her love for Lee Seung, a man torn between his duty and his heart, and the haunting truths of her past. Amidst the backdrop of a looming war and the strictures of a society that demands obedience, Minjae faces impossible choices that will test her courage, redefine her destiny, and challenge the depth of her love. In this sweeping historical saga, loyalties are questioned, love is tested, and the lines between truth and deception blur. As Minjae and Seung struggle to protect those they love, they must confront the demons of their past and the forces that threaten to tear them apart. In a society where obedience is paramount, and betrayal lurks in every shadow, their love must endure the ultimate trials.  Prepare to be immersed in a tale of passion, love, honour, and sacrifice where every choice could mean the difference between life and death.[Participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] Contains sensitive content