My father and mother were childhood sweethearts who supported each other for many years.
Later, my father believed slander, persecuted loyal officials, and shielded his royal relatives, stirring up widespread resentment. My mother tried to admonish him.
He stripped her of her title and sent her to the Cold Palace, where she was tormented until she was a shadow of her former self.
Looking at my mother's wretched state, my father asked her: “The harem must not meddle in state affairs. Will you still dare interfere in my empire?”
Later, dressed in splendid robes, my mother looked down at my father as he lay in bed, barely drawing breath, and said, each word clear and deliberate: “I will rule this empire!”
