Their relationship revolves around “pretending to compete for favor, while serving as each other’s armor.” Empress Su Xi and Noble Consort Shen Ying: one sits upon the phoenix throne, in charge of the entire imperial harem; the other reigns supreme in the emperor’s affections, radiant and charming. Before others, they perform the drama of rivals fighting for favor. In private, they are each other’s strongest support and sharpest blade.
Su Xi: The empress, dignified, wise, steady, and magnanimous. She is not only the emperor’s wife, but also the symbol of the Su clan in the palace, and she understands the weight of her family’s honor and disgrace. The broken needle in her sleeve is a token of her pact with Shen Ying, as well as the sharp edge she keeps carefully concealed.
Shen Ying: The noble consort, radiant, lively, resilient, and decisive. As the daughter of Shen Yuan, the general who guards the north, she may seem charmingly spoiled, but in truth she is keenly observant. The short dagger in her sleeve once took a fatal blow for Su Xi. It is her silent protection and unspoken vow.
