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 Emperor accompanied her on a horse ride for a while, allowing the horses to run freely for a couple of laps. The evening breeze caressed their faces as they gazed at the horizon where the vermilion clouds resembled a blazing fire. The tightness in their chests seemed to dissipate with the wind. Looking back, Xie Ning was still carefully riding the horse, guided by a eunuch who led the horse around the training ground in slow circles.


The Emperor halted, waiting for them to catch up from behind.


Xie Ning's cheeks were slightly flushed, and her forehead glistened with sweat. Riding a horse seemed more strenuous than walking the same distance. Observing the Emperor's ease and grace on the horse, she both admired him and felt embarrassed about lagging behind.


The Emperor dismounted and lifted her down from the horse. Only when her feet were planted on solid ground did she heave a sigh of relief. Her legs had gone stiff, and even standing now made her feel sore and weak.


Horseback Riding