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

Bai Hongqi followed from a distance, watching the emperor holding Handsome Fairness Xie's hand as they walked slowly around the pond. Moving forward, there were night-blooming jasmine plants on the other side of the pond. The evening breeze carried the rich fragrance that wafted over their faces.


Fortunately, the two masters circled around and strolled back slowly. Qingmei led the servants in preparing hot water and collected the clothes and skirts that the masters had changed out of. Because they had taken a walk in the bamboo grove earlier, the cloaks and skirts needed to be ironed and washed.


Xie Ning leaned against the edge of the bathtub; her cheeks flushed from the steam. Princess Yuyao had already been taken away by Cihef Palace Attendant Fang to be coaxed to sleep. When Xie Ning came out after her bath, she was wearing a light apricot-red nightgown. She thought for a moment and added a thin jacket before coming out.


Inquiring