As the daughter of a low-ranking fifth-grade official, I became cannon fodder in the palace intrigue.
The Noble Consort framed me? I turned the tables and played along. The Empress suppressed me? I used her strength against her. Everyone thought I was weak and easy to bully, until I turned the entire court into my chessboard.
Xie Heng, the most powerful minister, wanted to kill me at first. Later, he bowed his head in submission. “Your Highness, I am willing to cleave a path through this chaotic empire for you.”
