The Rise and Fall of the Great Xiang Empire

Everyone says a high starting point gives you an advantage. Then take a look at Hai Yujiao, who started at the top. Born into a distinguished family, beautiful as a celestial maiden, gifted in both letters and arms, and virtuous in every way, how did she end up surrounded by enemies on all sides? Then there’s He Hongling. Though born to humble origins, she rose to prominence and became a goddess revered by all under heaven. The immortal maiden He Hongling, the empress dowager Leng Yueniang, and the imperial preceptor Dong Yuyao: the legendary founders of the Great Xiang Empire. The empress Hai Yujiao, the princess Zong Meiyu, and the prince regent’s consort Pu Yuying: which one is He Hongling reborn, which one carries on Leng Yueniang’s legacy, and which one is Dong Yuyao’s successor? Can Hai Yujiao, forced to become empress, finally be with her childhood sweetheart Huo Lingzheng? How will she escape the burden of the crown, and how will she restore the Great Xiang Empire? The story begins when the old emperor falls gravely ill. Hai Yujiao, the eighteen-year-old commander of the palace guards, is suddenly summoned to the palace and immediately named empress. But that very night, the emperor dies. With no heir, Hai Yujiao is acclaimed as empress dowager and honored as Her Majesty the Empress. Just as word spreads through the inner palace that the empress dowager Hai Yujiao is pregnant, she quietly flees the palace. Where has Hai Yujiao gone? And how will the crown prince return to court? Loyal ministers wait anxiously, while rebel kings hunt him down and block his way.