I am the Empress, yet after six years of marriage, I remain untouched. The Emperor doesn’t love me, and honestly, I find it hard to love him either.

Our wedding night erupted into a real physical fight – actual slaps and punches. Why? Because he thought my wedding dress offended his true love, the late Empress. Before even lifting my veil, he started tearing at my clothes. He hurt me, so I fought back.

Servants, hearing the commotion, burst in to find the Emperor and me, clothes torn, locked in a struggle, neither giving way.

After they pulled us apart, the Emperor wiped blood from his lip, furious: “I will divorce you! You shrew!”

The servants looked at me like I was a joke. I was used to it; ever since entering the palace, I’d been their laughing stock.

**01**

I entered the palace at just 14. My father was the kingdom’s richest man, and he happened to donate a huge sum to save the country during a crisis. In return, the Emperor made me Empress.

But I was Empress in name only. The Emperor said I was too young to manage the imperial harem. I knew the real reason: he simply didn’t like me.

I’d seen the Emperor once before, from afar. He was much older than me, but very handsome – tall and striking.

I’d grown up sheltered, rarely seeing men, and certainly no childhood sweethearts. My father, seeing his only daughter as a prize, believed only the most powerful man deserved me.

Maybe I could have liked the Emperor if he treated me well. But his heart belonged to Consort He – beautiful, gentle, and universally praised in the palace.

He adored her. Not only did he let her manage the harem, he even spent the nights tradition demanded he spend with me, the Empress, in *her* palace instead.

So, everyone, masters and servants alike, saw me as useless decoration. They often treated me and my maid, Spring Peach, disrespectfully.

Only Consort He was different. She was the only one who followed the rules, visiting me daily to pay her respects.

It felt less like respect and more like she was looking after me for the Emperor. She brought me treats, shared the Emperor’s preferences, and punished any concubine who disrespected me.

She said she liked me from the moment she saw me and wanted to treat me like a younger sister. She told me not to blame the Emperor; he avoided my palace because he “cherished” me.

Such a beautiful, kind soul. No wonder the whole palace loved her.

Spring Peach agreed. She thought my lack of favor was just because I was too young. She often said, “Miss, once you turn fifteen and share the Emperor’s bed, you’ll be the rightful, most honored woman here!”

Finally, the Imperial Astronomers picked an “auspicious day” for the Emperor and Empress to consummate the marriage.

Early that morning, eunuchs draped my palace in red silk. Then, gifts arrived from every corner of the harem. Finally, came the Emperor’s own lavish presents, filling a room.

Consort He arrived last, bringing an exquisite red dress and personally dressing me. Staring at my reflection, she sighed, “Sister, you are truly radiant. Such a delicate flower! The Emperor will surely cherish you.”

I pretended to be shy, letting her place the bridal veil over my head before she left with a light laugh.

The dragon and phoenix candles burned brightly when the Emperor’s footsteps approached. Through the veil’s gap, I saw his gold-embroidered red boots. They paused briefly a few meters away, then rushed towards me.

**02**

I was trying to remember the auspicious greeting the matron taught me when my veil was ripped off. A sharp slap sent me sprawling.

The Emperor grabbed my collar, shouting, “How dare you! How dare you wear *her* fairy skirt and style your hair like *hers*?”

Her? Who? My cheek burned. Furious, I fought back. We brawled until servants pulled us apart.

Spring Peach knelt before me, trembling, shielding me with her body. “Your Majesty,” she wept, “my mistress is young and foolish! If she offended you, punish me! Take my life if you must!”

The Emperor sneered, “If she offended *me*, it might be forgiven. But she offended the *one* person she never should!” He ordered, “Chen Yuxian is shameless and has insulted the late Empress! Strip her of her title! Demote her to commoner!”

Honestly, I didn’t care about being Empress. Leaving the palace meant freedom, vast estates, and shops waiting for me. Anywhere was better than this cage.

I’d only come to please my father. He’d dreamed of this for me since I was little, and I couldn’t bear to disappoint him.

So, after the Emperor left, I told Spring Peach to pack my dowry.

Spring Peach wiped her tears. “Yes, Miss! Let’s go home! We won’t take this insult! But Consort He set you up! We can’t let that go!”

Exactly. I’d thought she was a friend, different from the others. Turns out she wore a mask for a year, just to trap me today.

I pulled out a large gold nugget and signaled Spring Peach: “Tell Lai Xi to find out everything.”

Lai Xi was the head eunuch in my palace, quite capable. I’d never tried to win him over before, so he’d been unreliable. But I never worried about loyalty; money talks.

Spring Peach took the gold and left. I poured myself wine, snacked, and thought about my years in the palace. I’d been too passive.

I knew everyone looked down on my merchant origins. And I despised palace politics and cliques.

Consort He probably saw that – thought I was helpless, easy to bully. She didn’t realize that someone who avoids cliques might be strong enough to stand alone.

Lai Xi returned quickly with Spring Peach. She whispered he’d been talking urgently to an unfamiliar young eunuch when she arrived.

Lai Xi beamed, half from the gold that could buy land, half from news he could use to win my favor.

He bowed deeply: “Long live the Empress!” as if praying in a temple.

I looked at him innocently: “Eunuch Lai Xi, tell Yuxian everything you know. That way, I can avoid trouble later.”

Lai Xi straightened his sleeves, smiling as he stood. “I just learned that after leaving here, the Emperor went straight to Consort He’s palace. She came out smiling to greet him. He kicked her in the chest, knocking her down! Then he smashed things, pointed at her nose and yelled: ‘He Qingyue! I’ve tolerated you long enough! Who gave you your position? Do you really think you can replace *her*? Let me tell you, my Empress, my wife, can only ever be *her*!'”

Lai Xi mimicked the Emperor perfectly. Remembering who I was, he quickly fell silent.

I waved my hand. It didn’t matter. Like it or not, I *was* Empress. And frankly, I didn’t crave the position like they thought. But him punishing Consort He first… was it a preemptive strike?

“Before leaving,” Lai Xi continued, “the Emperor stripped Consort He of her title, demoted her to a lowly ‘Cainü’, and confined her to her palace. The decree arrived within half an hour. Her palace is in mourning now.”

It sounded harsh, but it was just the Emperor’s word. He could demote her today, promote her tomorrow. Maybe it was all an act between them. Everyone knew the Emperor delayed our wedding night, forcing the Astronomers to pick a date!

But I was more curious: How did Consort He rise so high just by being the late Empress’s friend? Just how remarkable *was* the late Empress?

I glanced at Spring Peach and told Lai Xi: “The Emperor also said he’d demote me. Where’s that decree? Maybe run and see when it’s coming?”

Lai Xi, seeing no sadness on my face, knelt again. “Empress, deposing an Empress concerns the whole court! How could a lowly servant question it?”

“Fine,” I said. “We’ll wait. Since we’re idle, and no outsiders are here, tell me about the late Empress.”

Lai Xi kept his head down, mumbling, “I entered the palace late. I only know the late Empress knew the Emperor since childhood. They were very close after marriage. Maybe… maybe wait? I’ll arrange for you to meet Cainü He. She was the late Empress’s close friend.”

I nodded, letting him leave. I didn’t believe Lai Xi knew nothing; he just didn’t dare speak. But it seemed the Emperor couldn’t depose me alone. I told Spring Peach to put the bags away. Time for bed.

**03**

The decree deposing me never came. Instead, the Emperor sent me the authority to manage the harem – taken back from Consort He – along with the Empress’s seal.

Spring Peach relaxed. This meant the Emperor officially recognized me.

Lai Xi, thinking I was easygoing, eagerly told me what he’d learned about recent events. The Emperor had ordered my deposition drafted. But before issuing it, his senior ministers unanimously opposed it.

Why? Easy to guess. The war against the Northern Rong was ongoing. Win or lose, the cost was immense. And my family, the Chen merchants, were the main military suppliers. Touching me was unwise.

Worse, deposing me would brand the Emperor “ungrateful.” No one dared say it outright, but the Emperor was smart enough to understand.

Furious, the Emperor overturned his table, yelling at them to leave. He refused to believe his vast kingdom couldn’t supply the army without us.

The ministers knelt: “The treasury is empty, Your Majesty! Please reconsider!”

The treasury *was* empty. The Emperor’s wasteful father had spent wildly on palaces and temples before passing the bankrupt crown to his son and dying shortly after.

When this Emperor took the throne, the treasury held almost nothing. Officials were paid in cloth and grain. Bad harvests made those valuable, but taxes were impossible – the people, crushed by years of heavy taxes, had nothing left.

To help the people recover, the new Emperor had exempted many areas from taxes for three years. His vast kingdom gave him little real power right now.

Then, the Northern Rong invaded, aiming to exploit the new Emperor’s shaky hold.

The Northern Rong threat had haunted him since his days as Crown Prince. Determined to drive them out forever, he launched a northern campaign. Only the desperate need for war funds forced him, the Son of Heaven, to marry a merchant’s daughter like me.

I heard the Emperor’s study burned bright for days. Ministers petitioned, arguing that changing Empresses twice in two years was bad for the realm’s stability.

So, the Emperor took the easy way out and sent me the Empress’s seal.

Right after receiving the seal, I learned my father was coming to the palace. He’d finished making the soldiers’ winter clothes and needed imperial permission to transport them. He also wanted to see his youngest daughter.

**04**

Oh, I forgot to mention. I’m the only daughter, but I have three older brothers. They married wives from powerful families – one civil official, one military, one royal clan. My brothers weren’t officials themselves, but they were successful in their fields.

I set up tables in the courtyard.

Lai Xi was confused. “Your father is coming! Shouldn’t we prepare food? What are empty tables for?”

Spring Peach pulled him aside: “Just wait and see.”

Soon, my father arrived, followed by maids carrying food boxes. Moments later, the tables in my courtyard groaned under a feast of famous dishes from the servants’ home regions.

My father invited the palace staff to eat: “My daughter tells me you’ve all been kind to her. And today is her special day! So, I prepared dishes from your hometowns to thank you.”

The servants stared, stunned, as the dishes were revealed. Even back home, they probably couldn’t afford such delicacies.

After he finished, I tugged his sleeve eagerly: “Where’s mine?”

He patted my head. “Daughter, I heard about what happened. Today, I’m taking the liberty of hosting a dinner for my imperial son-in-law. *Your* meal,” he winked, “needs to be fresh.” He signaled his steward and cooks to head to the palace kitchens.

Spring Peach sent Lai Xi to invite the Emperor immediately.

“Come,” my father said, “let’s talk.” Inside the hall, his voice softened: “Xian’er, does it still hurt?”

Seeing silver in his hair, I smiled. “Father, I’m fine. Your daughter is tough.”

He looked at me seriously. “Xian’er, this is my fault. I only thought about giving you the world’s greatest wealth *and* honor. I pushed you onto the throne, never imagining you’d suffer like this.”

I shook my head. “It’s not suffering, Father, not at all…”

His eyes reddened. “I thought… if he deposed you, I’d bring you home. But your mother made me see: once an Empress, who would dare marry you? My daughter cannot grow old alone! So you *must* remain Empress. Not just remain, but do it well…”

I nodded.

“Here,” he handed me a small, exquisite box. “Keep this. Use it tonight. Let Spring Peach sprinkle some in the incense burner before bed.” He looked at me lovingly. “My daughter is finally becoming a woman.”

I understood. He feared he couldn’t protect me forever and that I’d be hurt again. I took the box. “Don’t worry, Father. A Chen daughter won’t be bullied for nothing.”

**05**

That night, the Emperor stayed. We consummated the marriage. After that, he visited on the 1st and 15th of each month. Three months later, I was pregnant.

The Emperor, nearly thirty, focused on governing, not the harem. The late Empress’s long monopoly on his favor hadn’t produced an heir. He had only one young daughter.

So, my pregnancy was the heir the whole kingdom awaited. Even a daughter would be a great joy. By tradition, the Emperor would reward my family with titles and wealth.

These rewards could be real power or empty honors. By now, the Emperor and ministers should have decided.

So, pregnant, I took food to the Emperor’s study.

He didn’t hesitate, showing me the draft decree. Honestly, since my pregnancy, he’d started acting more like a husband, visiting often and overseeing my needs.

As expected, mostly empty honors. My father became a “First-Class Duke,” a title. My eldest brother got a low-ranking post in the finance ministry. My second brother got a minor city patrol position, slightly related to our family business. My third brother, likely helped by his military father-in-law, got a deputy commander post near the Northern Rong battlefield.

Wow. This was clearly meant to split my family apart.

I skimmed it and handed it back. “It gives me a headache. I don’t understand it.”

The Emperor smiled, pleased, and explained each reward. “Your father and brothers have no official experience. Granting too much power too soon could harm their reputations.”

I nearly laughed. Since ancient times, Emperors rewarded the Empress’s family to strengthen their own power. His fear was painfully obvious.

I waved my hand. “Political matters are your decision, Your Majesty. But my third brother and his wife are deeply in love. She’s pregnant and can’t follow him to the border. Separating them feels cruel.”

“Who does the Empress suggest go instead?”

I paused. “My father. I heard disease is spreading in the army. Wasn’t he tasked with gathering medicine? Let him deliver it to the border. As the Emperor’s father-in-law, the grandfather of your heir, his presence will boost morale.”

The Emperor’s eyes flickered. “The journey is long. Your father is old. Is he strong enough?”

He feared my father would refuse. In his eyes, my three brothers combined weren’t as influential in the capital as my father alone. Hence, only giving him a title.

I looked down. “He loves me most. If *you* ask him, Father will surely do it well.”

“Good!” The Emperor laughed. “Then I name him ‘Guardian General of the North,’ acting as my Imperial Envoy to reward the troops!”

Guardian General of the North – a high-ranking military post with real command authority. But the Emperor clearly thought my father knew nothing of war. Reward or punishment later would be his choice.

He likely didn’t know the famed “Four Seas Manor,” gathering place for talented individuals, was actually funded by my family. During the previous Emperor’s reign, many disgraced officials and generals found refuge there through the Chens.

Before leaving, I casually mentioned my third brother loved military gadgets. “Perhaps Your Majesty could let him manage the capital garrison’s armory?”

I knew he wouldn’t refuse; my third brother’s father-in-law commanded the capital garrison.

After the decree was issued, I was allowed home to see my father off. This time, his look held no worry.

He was trying on his new armor, looking strong and spirited. Taking my hand, he said, “I won’t return until my daughter needs me. But my precious girl has grown up. She doesn’t need her father worrying.”

He was pleased with my solution.

Our last talk, though unspoken, made it clear: Be a good Empress, bear a son quickly. He and my brothers would be my strongest support.

**06**

Winter arrived. My belly was large. After a heavy snowfall, Spring Peach took me walking in the palace gardens to see early-blooming crabapple flowers under a protective canopy.

Servants had cleared the paths and laid down rugs to prevent slipping. Yet, on the way, trouble nearly found me.

The cause was Consort He – no, Cainü He – whom I hadn’t seen in ages. Rumor said she’d waited in her palace, hoping for the Emperor’s forgiveness, slowly losing her mind. She mimicked the late Empress’s clothes and makeup, singing and dancing wildly.

Amazingly, even mad, she remembered her enemy. A moment of inattention, and she rushed out, spotting me in the garden. She charged and knocked me down.

Luckily, Lai Xi reacted fast, cushioning my fall. I wasn’t hurt. Cainü He, however, flew over me, hitting the hard stone path, bloodying her mouth.

Lai Xi didn’t recognize her and raised a hand to strike. I stopped him. We took her back, cleaned her up, and de-loused her. The Emperor had truly abandoned her; the servants had treated her poorly.

Visiting her, I found her eating ravenously. Seeing me, her eyes turned cold. She threw down a chicken leg and lunged, but servants held her back.

Spring Peach scolded her: “Cainü, you set up my mistress! She was generous not to punish you! Now you attack her and the imperial heir? That’s a death sentence! Behave!”

Spring Peach was wrong. I’d just been too busy to deal with her. I figured if the Emperor wanted to protect her, fine. I’d handle her later, once secure.

Cainü He spat. “Stop pretending! If not for *her*, would I be like this?”

Spring Peach and I exchanged a look. There was more to this. I sat down, cracking melon seeds, waiting for her story.

It turned out the Emperor *had* planned to restore her position later. She’d even willingly given up managing the harem. But a secret letter destroyed her.

It started when my father planned my entry into the palace.

When the Northern Rong invaded fiercely, nearing the capital, panic spread. The Emperor knew the empty treasury and lack of supplies caused the army’s defeats. He followed advice to seek funds from the people.

My father stepped forward. He offered to fund the entire campaign – on condition I entered the harem.

The Emperor agreed instantly, sending a decree to bring me in as a low-ranking concubine. My father, unsatisfied, claimed I was ill and sent the envoy away.

More decrees followed, offering higher ranks. My father held firm until the late Empress died suddenly. Grieving, the Emperor finally decreed me Empress.

The late Empress’s funeral, originally simple, became lavish, showcasing the Emperor’s “deep love.”

I knew none of this, thinking the late Empress died conveniently, and the first decree made me Empress. But from Cainü He’s tone and the Emperor’s coldness, it seemed he blamed me for his beloved’s death.

She laughed coldly. “Your innocent face is so deceiving! No wonder the Emperor thought you easy to control, ordering me to keep you in check.”

So my guess about the wedding night setup was right. They *had* planned it together. I kept cracking seeds. “So what went wrong?”

Her eyes blazed. “Stop playing innocent! I know *you* sent that letter exposing me for poisoning the late Empress!”

Ah. Now it made sense. Her downfall *was* linked to me. Otherwise, with her alliance to the Emperor, who would dare send such a letter?

How ironic. Best friends in the Emperor’s eyes, yet one poisoned the other for power and position. And even dead, she remained his untouchable love. Then I barged in like an unexpected rival.

Just then, the baby kicked. I rubbed my belly. “Any last wishes? For telling me this story?”

She stared at my belly, then laughed – a long, harsh, breathless sound.

Frowning, I signaled Spring Peach to help me leave. At the door, her ghostly voice followed: “Do you think he’ll let you birth that child safely? To be your support?”

**07**

Cainü He died that night, back in her palace. She hanged herself with her belt.

Instantly, rumors spread: She attacked me, and I drove her to suicide.

The Emperor found me sitting silently, watching fiery red plum blossoms in my garden. I remembered Cainü He at our first meeting, her splendid robes embroidered with plum blossoms.

The Emperor looked genuinely sad, confusing me. Wasn’t she his wife’s murderer? He asked softly, “Are you alright? Military reports came yesterday. I was with ministers… ordered no interruptions…”

Meaning he didn’t know about the attack, or knew too late to come. “I’m fine,” I said. “Just startled. The doctor checked; the baby’s fine. But Cainü He…” What would he do about her?

By law, suicide was a crime, plus attacking the heir. Her family could be punished.

He looked away. “Qingyue entered my household the same day as Shishi. Shishi was my main wife, Qingyue my secondary. But Shishi and I knew each other since childhood, so I favored her more. Qingyue never complained, just quietly helped Shishi manage things.”

Shishi was the late Empress’s name.

“Back then, I was an unfavored prince, often bullied. No matter how late I returned, someone waited. It was the warmest time since my mother died. But slowly, things changed. I don’t know when – as Crown Prince, or after becoming Emperor… Open bullying turned into hidden schemes. Many eyes watched the throne.”

He looked exhausted, weary deep inside.

I watched him silently, almost amused. Wasn’t it always like this? Only one Emperor, yet everyone craves supreme power.

He continued, “I punished her, but never wanted her dead. Now she’s gone… I have no one left to talk to.”

You didn’t want her dead; you wanted her to suffer. He Qingyue was so proud. Locking her up like that, suffering… if it weren’t unbearable, why come to me seeking death?

“The dead deserve respect. Bury her properly, for her years of service.” I smiled, granting his unspoken wish.

He looked surprised, then approached. His warm, dry hand touched my cheek; his breath smelled of wine. “Empress… can I share my thoughts with you from now on?”

I’d never seen him so gentle. My heart fluttered. “Of course,” I whispered.

After Cainü He’s death, the harem felt emptier. Soon, I arranged for the Emperor to select new consorts. The new arrivals were very proper, never missing their daily visits.

When I sent the Emperor the consort plaques, he sometimes summoned them, if energetic. But more often, he stayed with me. We slept in separate quilts, just talking.

**08**

The war against the Northern Rong progressed steadily. After my father arrived, they won several small victories.

The Emperor was delighted. He said the tide could turn by next spring. Once, he even picked me up before servants, laughing loudly that my baby and I were his lucky stars.

Tales of the Emperor and Empress’s harmony spread again.

Spring arrived. As peach blossoms fell, the final battle against the Northern Rong began. The Emperor personally ordered my father to command the entire northern army and pursue the enemy.

On the last day of April, I went into labor.

The Emperor wasn’t in the palace. He’d gone with the Imperial Astronomers to pray at a northern temple. Only his head eunuch, Huo Quan, stayed with midwives and doctors.

The midwives reported difficult labor. “Save the mother or the baby?” they asked Huo Quan.

His voice shrill with panic, he cried, “How should I know? The Empress or the Imperial Heir? Both are sacred! If either dies, our heads roll!”

The midwives froze, afraid to act. They just offered ginseng soup, but I trembled too much to drink.

Spring Peach screamed herself hoarse. Weakly, I grabbed her hand. “Send them out. Only you and Lai Xi stay. Now… it’s up to fate!”

When the chamber doors opened, thunder cracked. Lightning lit up unfamiliar, cold faces.

Cainü He’s voice echoed: “Do you think he’ll let you birth that child safely? To be your support?” It felt like a curse.

She was right. The Emperor deliberately chose this time to pray. Only he could decide: mother or child?

If he were here, he’d have no choice but to save *me* – my father commanded 300,000 troops. Or maybe… removing the mother, keeping the child… was his plan all along. All that loving act… just a show.

I laughed coldly.

Spring Peach and Lai Xi knelt beside me, terrified. “Your Majesty! What’s wrong? Don’t scare us!”

I waved my hand. “Listen. I rule here now. Save the mother. Understand? As long as I live, you live!” They stared, then nodded frantically.

“Spring Peach, get some ginseng roots. Have Fu An bring the small stove; watch her make strong soup. Lai Xi, go to the Imperial Hospital. Find the gatekeeper, Little Shenzi. Before entering service, he studied with an old doctor. Tell him my situation; ask for a solution.”

I’d once helped Little Shenzi when he was punished. He was a sincere young man.

New soup arrived. Drinking it, I felt the baby gain strength; fresh pain surged. Spring Peach screamed: “Hand! Hand! Your Majesty, the baby’s hand is coming first!”

Breech birth. Definitely.

Thinking of those outside leaving my fate to chance… I’d have to disappoint the Emperor hoping for “remove mother, keep child,” still wanting to use the Chen family’s wealth.

“More soup,” I ordered, forcing calm. *Baby*, I thought, *if you help me through this, I’ll cherish you!*

Lai Xi returned, chilled. He knelt, kowtowing hard. “Your Majesty, forgive me! Spring Peach, prepare salt water!”

He washed his hands, took a deep breath, and moved to the foot of the bed…

As dawn’s first light touched the window, a baby’s cry shattered the silence outside.

Spring Peach sobbed: “Your Majesty, a little prince! All fingers and toes! Listen, crying strong!”

The doors opened. Servants ran everywhere with the news.

Looking at the pink baby, I breathed a long sigh of relief.

**09**

The Emperor returned soon after, bringing urgent war reports. He beamed: “Empress! Double joy! Victory at the border! And a precious son!”

His joy seemed genuine.

I didn’t mention the near-fatal birth. I knew someone would tell him.

The next day, as the birth of the imperial heir was announced, petitions flooded the Emperor’s desk.

Ministers declared the victory over the Northern Rong cavalry and their expulsion northward was an auspicious sign brought by the prince’s birth. Unanimously, they requested he be named Crown Prince.

The Emperor agreed instantly. Showing his favor, he named the baby “Chen” – the Emperor’s Guiding Star, symbol of the realm’s master.

The decree arrived just as Little Shenzi smelled “Chicken Blood Vine” – known to cause fatal bleeding after birth – in the ginseng soup from the hospital. Expressionless, I accepted the decree for the Crown Prince, watching the wet nurse take him to his father. Casually, I told Huo Quan: “I miss my family. Please ask the Emperor if my brothers and their wives can visit?”

Huo Quan, feeling guilty, agreed instantly. “I will tell him, Your Majesty.”

I knew he’d make it happen. Normally, besides parents, I couldn’t summon family, especially not while recovering.

Soon, my third brother and sisters-in-law arrived.

The Emperor visited briefly. He said my other brothers were away on duty. “But when your father returns victorious,” he promised, “I’ll let you visit them.”

I smiled, thanking him.

Leaving, he mentioned a new crossbow design. Hearing my third brother knew weapons, he invited him to examine it.

I calmly bid him farewell, watching his tall figure vanish into the rainy spring twilight.

My third sister-in-law teased: “Your Majesty and the Emperor are so close! Missing him already?”

I laughed, asking to see her baby son, only a month older than Chen – plump, soft, and white.

Playing with him, I told Spring Peach: “Bring one of the little blankets blessed by the temple master the Emperor brought back. This strong little boy deserves the one embroidered with the King of Beasts.”

Spring Peach brought it. I replaced the baby’s swaddle myself. The little boy gurgled happily.

After my family left, dusk fell, the rain stopped. “The weather is changing,” I told Spring Peach. “Father’s journey back to the capital will be smoother.”

10

The Dragon Boat Festival arrived. Coincidentally, Prince Rui, the Emperor’s only surviving close brother, returned to the capital. The Emperor invited him to a small family dinner – just me, the Emperor, and Prince Rui.

As the Emperor said, their mothers were gone. I was his wife. We three were his closest kin.

Prince Rui, twenty-two and unmarried, was stunningly handsome – like a painting, inheriting his mother Consort Li’s legendary beauty. Consort Li had been the most favored concubine for thirteen years.

Frankly, even as a wife and mother, I was momentarily stunned.

The Emperor genuinely liked his brother. “Empress,” he laughed, “my brother looks like a god! Countless admire him, yet no woman catches his eye. As the elder sister-wife, finding him a match is your task now!”

Covering a cough with my handkerchief, I said, “I will try my best, Your Majesty. Tomorrow, I can order portraits of eligible noble daughters. What kind does Prince Rui prefer?”

Prince Rui met my gaze openly. “Sister-in-law, perhaps gather the portraits first.”

The Emperor agreed. “Yes! Empress, order the portraits. Mu’en” (Prince Rui’s name) “will stay in the palace. He can come review them with you. Then host a flower-viewing or poetry party to meet them. Though,” he chuckled, “beware they might overwhelm your palace!”

It felt rare and warm.

After Prince Rui left, all the women in my palace seemed dazed. Even Spring Peach pulled my hair while removing my makeup.

I sighed. “I thought the Emperor was handsome. But Prince Rui… truly like a god.”

Spring Peach agreed. “Indeed. Which lucky girl will he choose?”

I looked at her. “Do you really think the Emperor wants Prince Rui to marry? Or that Prince Rui has any real choice?”

Spring Peach was confused. “Miss? What do you mean?”

I laughed. “He’s the Emperor’s only surviving brother, a prince, over twenty, unmarried, not even a concubine… normal? Remember, when the late Emperor chose an heir, his first choice wasn’t *this* Emperor, it was Prince Rui!”

The late Emperor chose differently because he wanted to remain “Retired Emperor.” Prince Rui’s powerful maternal family and supporters threatened that.

If the Emperor truly loved his brother, he wouldn’t have weakened Consort Li’s family after taking the throne, repeatedly demoting officials who supported them.

“Sister-in-law means… the Emperor already has someone in mind?”

I smiled slightly. “Yes. Someone unexpected. A woman who can help him achieve his dream of being a legendary wise ruler. So Prince Rui isn’t here to marry. He’s a knife, sent to kill that person!”

Spring Peach gasped. “Who could she be?”

11

After that, the Emperor busied himself with government, rarely visiting. I focused on Prince Rui’s “matchmaking,” ordering portraits as instructed.

True to the Emperor’s word, portraits piled high, filling tables in my study.

Prince Rui and I spent days reviewing them. We picked twenty, then debated whether to host a flower party or a poetry party.

Finally, on the 15th day of the 5th month (Grand Dragon Boat Festival), noble daughters were invited to view lotus blossoms.

My part done, I relaxed, drank too much realgar wine, felt dizzy, and went to rest in a pavilion by the lake.

Half-asleep, I felt someone loosening my sash. Opening my eyes, I saw Prince Rui’s beautiful face. I grabbed his wrist. “Prince! Do you know what you’re doing?”

His cheeks flushed, enhancing his beauty. His gaze seemed sincere. “Sister-in-law, truthfully, I find those ordinary girls dull. Sister-in-law… I only like *you*. Since our first meeting, I’ve longed for you! Please… help me…” His hands moved urgently to my robe.

My eyes turned cold. “You *should* ask for my help. Because whatever your brother promised you, once he walks through that door with witnesses, we *both* die!”

He froze, shocked. “You knew?”

Yes. I’d known. When “remove mother, keep child” failed, the Emperor would try again. I just didn’t expect him to be so desperate, using his own brother to trap his wife.

Caught in bed, Empress disgraced. Even my father’s war merits couldn’t outweigh that crime.

12

The Emperor arrived to find Prince Rui and me, robes scattered, seemingly entangled on the couch.

He rushed forward, hand raised to strike me. “You trai—” Before he finished, I rolled up, pressing a small crossbow against his side.

He startled, tried to grab it. “Stop!” I hissed. “My third brother improved this. You saw it pierce a boar easily.”

“You… you’re awake? I smelled the smoke outside!” The Emperor stopped his guards.

I smiled coldly. “Same scent, different recipe. So *he’s* still asleep!” I kicked the unconscious Prince Rui. “Know what? He gave me the antidote. Because I promised him he’d be Regent when Chen becomes Emperor. Faced with that… or your deal… he trusted *me*. An Empress and young son need a prince’s support, right? Thanks for letting me catch you both!”

“Madwoman!” the Emperor spat. “Huo Quan! The Empress rebels! Call the palace guards!” He threw his command token outside.

I didn’t move. No one stopped Huo Quan. I just held my hostage. He thought I was desperate.

While waiting, we talked.

He said after Shishi died, forcing him to make me Empress, he decided to kill me. He couldn’t allow an Empress’s family to grow too strong. Powerful in-laws were always a threat to the throne.

I said he was hypocritical. “My father gave you a huge dowry! I shared your bed! Bore your child! Yet you always saw me as a tool. You’re despicable! Failed once, try again? I became like this *because* of you. If not for myself, I must protect my family. People have limits; you can’t be utterly heartless!”

He laughed grimly. “Well said! For that, I’ll grant you a whole corpse. You think holding me hostage wins? Don’t be naive! I have thirty thousand palace guards!”

I stayed silent. Running footsteps sounded outside. Huo Quan rushed in with palace guards. The Emperor smiled.

But Huo Quan looked terrified. “Your Majesty! Disaster! The palace guard armory is ablaze! Fire everywhere! When I arrived, the palace guards and city defense troops were fighting! Probably… probably why no one stopped… General Chen… leading twenty thousand northern troops into the palace! Claiming… claiming the Empress’s order…”

The Emperor paled. “What order?”

“Prince Rui plots rebellion! Emperor and Empress held hostage! Commanding General Chen to rescue the throne!” I answered for Huo Quan.

By law, if the Emperor is endangered, the Empress can order a general to mobilize troops. The general decides whether to obey.

General Chen would obey. He was my father.

“Impossible! Spies reported yesterday he was at least half a month away! And I watched you! Even your brother’s visit – I watched! How… how did the order get out?” The Emperor looked shattered.

“Ever heard of an ‘Edict Hidden in Clothes’?” I said. “That decree was sewn into the blanket I gave my nephew. As for my father’s sudden arrival… you’re smart. You know. Fifty thousand troops came for the victory ceremony. My father brought only twenty thousand inside.”

By law, after major wars, honored soldiers returned to the capital for rewards before reassignment. The timing was perfect. His plot failed utterly.

**Epilogue**

In the tenth year of Emperor Fengcheng’s reign, the Emperor died. His three-year-old son, Chen, ascended as Emperor, beginning the Qinghe era. Empress Dowager Chen Yuxian ruled behind the curtain.

I wasn’t foolish enough to kill the Emperor immediately. I poisoned him, leaving him bedridden. Using his authority, I executed the “rebel” Prince Rui and other officials who threatened us.

So when he died, the people believed the shock of his brother’s betrayal killed him.

Only I knew the final poison dose was mine.

I told him a secret before he went: “Women are rarely the obstacle to a man’s power. Men are. Many emperors died from their own suspicion. Oh, and this poison? Imperial Doctor Xu made it. The same kind you fed your beloved Shishi.”

After the Emperor died, I lit incense for He Qingyue. Sitting before her memorial tablet, I mused: “You were right. He never loved anyone else. Only himself, and his dream of being a wise emperor. He wanted to be the hero who expelled the Northern Rong. So when you drugged Shishi… he finished her with poison.”

And I kept my word. My honor, Chen Yuxian’s honor, never needed a man’s gift. Especially not from a man who never loved me.