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

On the way back from the banquet, Xie Ning also realized that something was wrong with her.


Xie Ning came back to her senses as Beauty Liang called out to her. She placed the back of her hand on her face, feeling the cool sensation relieve some discomfort.


Beauty Liang thought about how much Xie Ning had drunk at the table earlier. They were seated very close together. Each of them had a little begonia flowers wine pot of warm Zuiwan spring wine. Xie Ning only had a few cups that were shared among the others, and didn't touch her pot at all.


Just a few cups? Didn't she have two taels of wine at least? Definitely not.


Beauty Liang asked, "Is it because the wine was too strong tonight?"


Intoxicated