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

Although the emperor had said that there would not be a grand celebration for the winter solstice, there was still a banquet held in the Qingfeng Hall, and the ranked concubines were seated at the table.


Xie Ning sat in a good position holding a lotus flower hand stove in her arms, and there was a screen positioned at an angle in front of her to block the draft, allowing her to watch the performance on stage clearly.


On her left was Lady Li of Bright Countenance, on her right was Beauty Liang. Lady Li of Bright Countenance had been very kind and friendly towards her all day, but it might not necessarily had been because of her, as the emperor occasionally paid attention to this corner. Xie Ning thought that perhaps she was too suspicious of others.


Lady Li of Bright Countenance softly explained to her about the song and dance being performed on stage, saying that the lyricist was very famous, and the lyrics were so gentle and moving.


Xie Ning was not really paying attention.


Winter Solstice