The Empress Who Leaves No Trace in the Snow

Also known as How Deep Is the Palace?

Born into the imperial family by mistake, she was a girl, yet the whole world was deceived into accepting her as crown prince and raising her as a boy. She ascended the throne as emperor at the age of eight, a girl by birth. Once cold and ruthless, with nothing in her heart but the realm and the pursuit of power, she lived in darkness until she met a woman who changed her life. For her, she would conquer the realm, and for her, she would give it all up.

“I never understood why some emperors would choose a beautiful woman over their empire, until I met you.”

“But we're both women.”

“So what? Love is about two people being in love. Why must they be of opposite sexes?”

“Aren't you afraid the people will condemn you? Aren't you afraid Heaven will punish you?”

“What if the people condemn me? I love only you. Divine punishment? If meeting you means I must endure it, then I'm willing.”