Nikolai Skuratov uncovers a conspiracy in the highest circles of the aristocracy and learns the terrible truth about why the White City is called the forbidden city. He must also celebrate his seventeenth birthday, carry out his plan during the New Year celebrations at the imperial palace, and fight new opponents who do not like his inexorable rise in the social ladder. And also decide whether to accept the invitation to become one of His Majesty’s guardsmen.