I Handed Over the Phoenix Seal, Then Took the Imperial Jade Seal

I am the Empress. I have exhausted myself pretending to be virtuous and kind, pretending that the Emperor and I are a loving couple.

The consorts in the harem played along with me, too, and life was fairly peaceful.

Then the Emperor brought back a woman, praising her courage and freedom, saying she refused to be bound by convention and should be a role model for the women of our dynasty.

That is, until she sent the harem into turmoil and the Emperor forced me to give up my throne.

As he wished, I presented the imperial phoenix seal with both hands.

Then I turned around and took up the imperial jade seal.