The Phoenix Rises Within the Palace Walls

[A high-IQ, growth-oriented emperor with real power + an independent, clear-minded empress] A sequel to The Empty Pavilions of Spring River, Flowers, and Moonlight. The love and hatred between Emperor Wucheng of Southern Chu and Empress Wanqing: They grew up together, from youthful dreams to adulthood. He was a graceful young emperor, and she was a gentle, lovely daughter of a high official. They fell for each other, their feelings quietly blossoming. Those sweet days were like brilliant stars, illuminating their youth. But fate had other plans. As the sweetness of love gave way to the cruelty of reality, they went from loving one another to becoming enemies. The tangled affairs of the inner palace and the court closed around them like an invisible net. Power struggles between rival factions and the conflict of interests between the harem and the court left their relationship adrift in the storm.