The Phoenix's Power Play

Within the palace, a scheming imperial uncle manipulates power and controls the government. Beyond it, a calculating eunuch meddles in state affairs and plants spies. She is the sovereign, yet has nothing in her hands. She has no friends to protect, and is not even allowed to have any. When layer upon layer of truth has been peeled away, what will remain worth holding on to and protecting? “You are the emperor. You were born to be alone. No one is worthy of being your friend.”