Ruyi’s life unfolds like a brilliant yet weighty painting across the court of the Qing dynasty. Born into a distinguished family and gifted with exceptional talent, she is nevertheless beset by misfortune and drawn into a vortex of power struggles. As empress, she uses her wits to navigate the shifting tides of court politics, but the lure of power leads her astray. She interferes in state affairs to secure her position. In the end, her ambition and greed are exposed, and she is forced to abdicate, becoming a casualty of the struggle. Ruyi’s story reflects on love, morality, and human nature, reminding us not to lose sight of our original purpose or abandon our moral principles in the pursuit of power, if we wish to preserve our peace of mind and happiness. Her warning lives on in the history books, reminding us to remain clear-headed and steadfast when confronted with the temptation of power.
