She is the empress of the Great Zhou, but in the emperor's story of becoming a benevolent ruler, she is nothing but a tool. On the night she is reborn, she smashes the nuptial cup and refuses to offer gentle advice. A plot prompt warns her: “Those who defy the story will die.” When heavenly lightning strikes, she offers herself as a sacrifice and awakens her defiant nature. A bloodstained handkerchief is unearthed in the cold palace, a tiger tally comes to light, and the imperial guards change sides. The Empress Dowager burns incense to conceal poison, and the emperor grows crazed with obsession. She alone tears apart the fate set for her. When the phoenix seal cracks and a blood-written letter is revealed, the three armies kneel to welcome their new ruler. In this life, she will not be a virtuous empress. She will rule.
