Sole Sovereign of the Phoenix’s Ashes

Phoenix Ashes, the One and Only

Zhao Ling, a lonely girl from a humble family, was born extraordinary, with literary talent and military prowess honed to perfection. Her brilliance dazzled the streets, and her courage and talent won the emperor’s favor. One imperial decree brought her into the inner palace. She had no interest in fighting for his favor and relied on her virtue and abilities to earn her place. Little did she know that the dragon eyes surveying the realm had already settled on her alone. In the quiet of Qianqing Palace, they shared whispered words and nights of passion, and love took root. The emperor loved her fiercely, without reason or restraint. His thunderous methods swept away the beauties of the six palaces, leaving only her. “My empire has room for only one crowned empress.”

He abolished the six palaces, sending shock waves through the court, and used an iron hand to pave the way for her. Zhao Ling accepted his favor without becoming arrogant, using her unmatched wisdom to bring peace and prosperity to the realm. She took part in the silkworm rites and accompanied him on autumn hunts, becoming the very model of an empress. She was no delicate flower, but a parasol tree standing shoulder to shoulder with him. As emperor and empress joined hands and planted a tree of intertwined branches in the palace garden, the mountains and rivers bore witness: in this life, there would be only one. Phoenix Ashes, the One and Only: the emperor and empress, united in heart.