Kill to Love

Prince Xiao Shu He wants to maintain his distance from the political theatre of his nation as orchestrated by prime minister Gu Xiang and the Crown Prince, but one night his home is invaded by an assassin. He soon runs into an injured Duan Ziang, his former childhood friend, but Duan Ziang seems to have his own objectives that may or may not involve the Nan Hui Kingdom.

Xiao Shu He and Duan Ziang become closer through music, but news of someone staying in the Sixth Prince's residence slowly spreads throughout the court. The Crown Prince secretly orders Huo Ying to assassinate the Sixth Prince within seven days.

Xiao Shu He meets with the Crown Prince, where brotherly respect masks hidden doubts and distance. Afterwards, Shu He drinks with Duan Zi Ang, confessing his conflicted feelings toward the Crown Prince, while Duan Zi Ang comforts him.

Xiao Shu He confides in Duan Ziang about his doubts before entering court, wearing royal garments given to him by his father, the emperor. The Crown Prince feigns congratulations but secretly orders Huo Ying to kill Shu He within 3 days.

The Emperor announces that Prince Xiao Shu He will marry the Princess of Jibei to secure peace between the North and South, assigning Prince Xiao Shu Qian to oversee the matter. The Crown Prince grows resentful, and Prime Minister Gu warns that this move favors Shu He. The Crown Prince then plots to frame Xiao Shu He.

The Crown Prince suspects Duan Ziang as a Red Shadow and orders a raid on the Sixth Prince's residence. Xiao Shu He scolds him, yet Ziang entrusts a dagger to him, vowing to protect him. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince and Chancellor Gu plot to eliminate Shu He.

Duan Ziang reunites with his long-lost younger brother and vows never to be separated again. Xiao Shu He witnesses their reunion with quiet concern, suspecting Jibei's hidden schemes. Meanwhile, Ziang's true identity is revealed, putting his deep bond with Shu He to the test once more.

Duan Ziang and Xiao Shu He dream of leaving behind their royal ties to live freely together in the mountains. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince clashes with the Emperor, leading a rebellion and confronting Shu He in a fierce standoff. Amidst chaos, the bond between Ziang and Shu He is once again tested between court strife and the struggle between two nations.

Xiao Shu He confronts Duan Ziang while pursuing Ji Bei assassins, leaving their bond fractured. After the Ji Bei Emperor's death, Ziang is honored for his deeds, rising as commander and later crowned Emperor. Vowing to unify the land, he must choose between love and loyalty. Meanwhile, Shu He is captured and imprisoned in the Ji Bei palace, where the two meet again.

Duan Ziang and Xiao Shu He are bound by love and hate, clashing repeatedly. Even as Ziang admits Shu He is the only one he cares for, Shu He cannot forgive his actions. Meanwhile, Huo Ying is captured in Ji Bei but secretly informs Shu He of a rescue plan during the Lantern Festival.

Xiao Shu He struggles between restoring his homeland and love, admitting that without the hatred of a fallen nation, he could have truly loved Duan Ziang. During the Lantern Festival, Ziang takes Shu He to the night market, lost in affection. Meanwhile, a rescue plan unfolds, but Shu He's escape attempt is exposed, leaving Ziang to suspect he has been betrayed all along.

The secret of the Red Shadow guards' short lives is revealed, and Duan Ziang falls ill from overwork, yet still longs for Xiao Shu He. Shu He confesses his torment between love and vengeance, hating both Ziang and himself. Sharing nuptial wine and cutting their hair as an oath, they vow that even if life began anew, they would still choose each other.