1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or "golden lilies," are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry, and even bloodline. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant - a muizai - to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery. When scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens her life - the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her?