The Beloved Consort of Two Emperors

[Historical Romance and Heartbreak + Devoted Husband + Strong Heroine and Hero + Mutual Devotion + Martial Arts + Harem Intrigue + Political Power Struggles] [Fei Zhen thinks: The emperor locked in this Hall of Diligent Governance must be his double, while my husband, the real emperor, has already escaped the palace, right?] The heroine, Fei Zhen, is descended from a distinguished family and is exceptionally intelligent. She marries into the Meng family at fifteen and later becomes the emperor’s favorite consort. In the inner palace, she matches wits with the Empress Dowager, while at court, powerful ministers covet the throne and repeatedly plot against the emperor. Fei Zhen fights alongside him, devising strategies to eliminate treacherous officials. She also urges him to promote literature, agriculture, and commerce, reduce taxes and forced labor, and develop the economy. Nearly twenty-five years later, Shu has become the wealthiest nation of its time. But Shu’s emphasis on civil arts at the expense of military strength leaves it utterly defeated beneath the Song army’s iron hooves. Meng Chang flees that night, leaving behind a double who is Fei Zhen’s sworn elder brother. Forced by the Song general, Fei Zhen travels to Kaifeng with her false husband, where Emperor Taizu takes her into his harem. She skillfully navigates palace life and preserves her virtue. With the help of those outside the palace who come to rescue her, she carries out a daring escape and successfully flees the court. After a long journey filled with countless hardships, she reunites with Meng Chang, and together they escape to a beautiful village in the Western Regions to spend the rest of their lives.