Catherine and the Black Emperor

In 1744 Russia, Zhou Mingrui, a history enthusiast, is transported back in time and meets a young Catherine the Great. This unexpected encounter sets off a chain of events that upends the historical landscape of 18th century Europe. As Catherine navigates the complexities of royal life, she finds herself drawn to Sergei Saltykov, a mysterious figure long relegated to the footnotes of history. But Sergei is more than just a romantic duke - he is the mastermind behind the Russian court, the instigator of peasant uprisings, and the enigmatic Black Emperor, feared and reviled by royalty and nobility across the continent. As their relationship deepens, the course of history begins to change, with Sergei's grand plans and ruthless ambition reshaping the trajectory of Europe. With the fate of empires hanging in the balance, one question remains: will Catherine's loyalty and love be enough to tame the unyielding Black Emperor, or will she succumb to the darkness that drives him?