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

Madam Lin was quite surprised. Despite facing a little girl of the same age as her grandson, she remained courteous and respectful as she said, "Minsheng has to study and practice martial arts every day, so he didn't come to the palace today." 


Entering the palace involved many rules. While adults could adapt to them, children would find it difficult to follow. Madam Lin didn't want them to be burdened with these formalities at such a young age. 


As Madam Lin prepared to leave the palace, Xie Ning handed her a pair of red gold filigree hairpins with embedded gemstones. If everything was settled, there couldn't be a more appropriate reward than this. It was necessary and a gift from the palace, which would surely make the Fang family look good. 


Madam Lin was indeed delighted, "The in-laws will be pleased. I guess on the day they marry, they'll surely invite a lot of guests and show off." 


Birthday Gift