In the first year of entering the palace, she was just a Lady of Talents.
In the fifth year of entering the palace, she became a Handsome Fairness.
In the tenth year of entering the palace, she aspired to become the Empress, since it was the only way she could hold onto everything dear to her, never to be taken away.
 She could protect herself, her children, and most importantly, be with him.
This was a path with no retreat; stepping back would be an irreversible calamity.
The bright yellow silk umbrella advanced, and the Emperor's procession slowly entered the city gate. The yellow silk umbrella, the sun-and-moon fan, the purple banner... At that moment, the sunlight dazzled the eyes. Empress Xie's phoenix carriage moved forward along the imperial road, meeting him halfway.

Empress Xie

The morning sun shone through the grille window and cast fragmented beams of light into the room.


And that was how Xie Ning was awakened, with one beam of sunlight shining directly into her eyes.


She lifted her hand to shield her eyes and curled up under the covers.


But when she had curled up halfway, she was fully awake.


This wasn't Haunting Fragrance Pavilion, and the bed she was lying on wasn't her own. The bed in Haunting Fragrance Pavilion wasn't positioned next to a window, so it was impossible for her to wake up in the sunlight.


Last night, she had stayed in the emperor's bedchamber after serving him and slept until dawn.


After the first time, it became easier and easier to cross that line.


The palace attendant noticed she was awake and came over to assist her in getting up.


Encounter