I've read many palace drama and it's not an exaggeration to say that it's basically hell for weak hearted people and had no connection whatsoever. The empress dowager surely have had blood on her hands being the one who end up triumph and preserving her position. The ml having to experience such tragedy as a kid (as hinted), none could leave unscathed even if they managed to survive, it's either their heart turn black or their body would be burnt black

I wonder how his "love" works? In an era when just being alone in an enclosed space was enough to ruin a woman's reputation - the Marquis "bumped" into Yao Shi in the garden?