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 didn't know how people outside saw her or what they said about her. 


In just two short years, she had gone from a mere young lady to being promoted to Noble Consort. Whether this speed of promotion was unprecedented or not, it was certainly exceptional.


Bai Hongqi personally led the people from the Needlework Bureau, bringing various fabrics and patterns for her to examine. He explained respectfully, "When a consort is promoted, there's usually a grand celebration. Relatives from the imperial clan and noble families with third-rank or higher bestowed titles must come to offer their congratulations. However, Your Highness, as you know, unexpected events have occurred one after another this year. Especially with the recent passing of the Virtuous Consort, His Majesty has ordered to keep things simple. We hope Your Highness will understand."


Xie Ning understood the reasoning behind it all.


Until now, she still felt a bit dazed and unsettled. 


Resentment