She was the celebrated young princess of Dazhao. Her father was a powerful prince of a different surname who held sway over the court, and her mother was a royal princess deeply favored by the empress dowager. She had been the center of attention since birth, and everyone said she would be the future empress. That was exactly how things turned out.
She married Xiao Ce, the third prince of the current dynasty. With her support, Xiao Ce eventually ascended the throne, and she became empress just as she had hoped. But once Xiao Ce had secured his throne with the help of her parents, he turned his weapons on them. He stripped her parents of their military authority and noble titles, then confined them at Qingliang Terrace, where they suffered terribly. He also deposed her as empress and sent her to the Cold Palace. The young princess, who had been cherished since childhood, was forced to taste the harshness of human nature.
Heartbroken and consumed with regret, she wished she could live her life over and make those who had betrayed her pay. But reality was no storybook, and there was never a second chance. Still, she was alive. If she could not start over, then she would settle every score in this life. The throne of empress had always belonged to her, Lin Wanyang. If he would not let her be empress, then she would replace him as emperor.
