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

Xie Ning sat there watching the emperor change his clothes. She had never been good at serving during such occasions, and now that the emperor concerned about her physical condition, he did not allow her to assist. She smiled and held a fruit platter while eating some fruit. The emperor, with his hands outstretched, stood waiting for someone to fasten his belt. He cautioned her, "Don't eat too much fruit, it's time to dine soon."


Xie Ning had to hand the fruit platter over to a palace maid, but she kept the piece she had been holding in her hand. As soon as the emperor finished changing, he walked over to her, lifted her hand high, opened his mouth and ate the fruit that she had been holding.


Blushing, Xie Ning lowered her head. Fortunately, Qinghe and the others were particularly mindful and had left to attend to other matters and were not present to serve.


Seeking an Audience