After the death of the former emperor, the throne was passed to Fu Wei, with the late emperor entrusting the governance of the realm to the young empress under the guidance of three key ministers: Chief Minister Yan Xiangru and two other prominent officials. Over the years, Yan Xiangru, through careful maneuvering, eliminated his political rivals, becoming the most powerful figure in court. Empress Fu Wei, having been raised under Yan Xiangru’s tutelage, initially appeared obedient and compliant. However, as she matured, she grew increasingly dissatisfied with the Chief Minister’s overwhelming control over the court and began plotting to reclaim her authority.... more>>

At sixteen, the traditional age for a royal wedding, Fu Wei planned to use the occasion of her marriage to assert her independence and force Yan Xiangru to relinquish his power. The Grand Tutor once asked the empress: “How will you handle it if the Chief Minister disrespects you, mocks you, avoids you, or despises you?”

The empress replied: “I shall endure him, intimidate him, tease him, pursue him, and seduce him. Wait a few more years, and you’ll see—he’ll marry me and even bear children for me.”

In the treacherous world of palace politics, he is her first and greatest faith. Yet in the arena of courtly power struggles, he is also her ultimate adversary. <<less

The profession of an executioner may sound frightening, but in reality, it’s just a way to make a living.... more>>

When Wen Dingyi, the eldest daughter of the Wen family, was young, her father committed a crime, and overnight, their prosperous life collapsed as if it were nothing more than a dream. Family members either died or were exiled, leaving only her behind, saved by her wet nurse.

To survive, Dingyi disguised herself as a boy and apprenticed under Wu Changgeng, the most famous executioner in Shuntian Prefecture. Through the changing seasons, she grew to the age of seventeen.

One day, without consulting the almanac, she accidentally offended the Seventh Prince. As a member of the royal family, he viewed her as nothing more than an ant. Just as Dingyi was about to be dragged away and executed, a man strolled over and with a few casual words, saved her life.

He wore a stone-blue official robe embroidered with coiled dragons, his figure tall and elegant, his profile like finely carved jade. His air of superiority left an indelible impression on her.

Much later, Dingyi once asked him about his first impression of her. He raised an eyebrow and said, “Short, effeminate, standing under the scorching sun tilting your head and squinting like a fool.”

Dingyi: “...” <<less