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

Qingmei was now a prominent palace maid and was not supposed to do menial tasks like washing clothes and bedding. However, many people in the Jinfeng Garden Qingbi Hall wanted to flatter her. When Chief Palace Attendant Fang fell ill, none of these people complained. They were not afraid of having nothing to do, but rather of missing opportunities to show themselves. As Qingmei came out with the clothes, two people came forward to take the work from her, assuring her that the clothes would be washed and ironed by tomorrow morning without delay.


Qingmei thanked them graciously. She knew what these people were thinking. She had encountered many flatterers like them in the palace, all hoping to gain her favour.


Hu Rong brought over another food box, and Qingmei asked him, "What is this?"


Invitation