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 new style palace silk was for the enjoyment of the women, while the other items such as bamboo brushes, tribute inkstones, and newly commissioned books were for her uncles. Madam Lin couldn't carry all these things by herself, so naturally the palace sent someone to accompany her and bring the items back. The value of these items was not in their silver worth, but in their prestige.


Xie Ning didn't want Madam Lin to leave. She had never felt time pass so quickly before. They hadn't even had a chance to talk much, and already the sun was starting to set, and Madam Lin had to leave the palace.


Originally, Chief Palace Attendant Fang thought Beauty Xie might cry again when saying goodbye, but when Xie Ning saw Madam Lin off, she was still smiling.


Chief Palace Attendant Fang was still not at ease and found a book to give to Beauty Xie as an excuse to comfort her.


Into the Painting