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

Qinghe came out of the tearoom and was greeted by Hu Rong with a smile. "Qinghe Jiejie."


Qinghe nodded towards him. "Just back? Lady rewarded us with a plate of fruits, but neither Qingmei nor I like them. Take it and share it with them."


She went back to her room, opened the cupboard and took out some pastries wrapped in paper boxes, passing it to Hu Rong.


Hu Rong quickly brushed his hands on his pants and took the pastry box. "Jiejie, when I was returning the items, I met my fellow villager, Gao halfway. He works as a servant in the Imperial Household Bureau, and we chatted for a bit."


"What did you talk about?" Qinghe asked.


Chief Palace Attendant