The Empress's Plight

She enters the palace to visit her aunt, never expecting to stumble upon a shocking secret. From then on, she is forced to become empress. Virtuous and gracious, dignified and poised, she does everything to hold on to the phoenix throne and live freely. But she never imagined that, even after becoming empress and mother of the realm, she would have to endure so much bitterness and hardship before her position was secure. As empress, she must be magnanimous and choose beautiful women for the royal selection. It is for the emperor’s sake, and for the sake of the royal heirs! As empress, she must risk provoking the emperor’s anger to persuade him to distribute his favor equally. It is for the sake of the consorts, and for peace in the harem! As empress, she must put her own safety aside and stand steadfastly by the emperor’s side. It is for the sake of the realm! As empress, she bears a secret she cannot tell anyone. She must pretend to know nothing and help bring things to pass. It is for her aunt’s sake, and for the royal family’s reputation! But though she wants to be a good empress, she cannot do what is best for herself.