She grew up among the common folk in a dye house. He was a disgraced imperial grandson, dependent on others in the palace’s Inner Court.
A bowl of wontons binds them for life, and he promises, “I will never let you down.”
He ascends the throne overnight, but the powerful Huo family pressures her to step aside. The entire court waits to see her make a fool of herself. What right does a woman from a dye shop have to be empress?
No one expects the new emperor, usually so restrained, to leave a line of undying affection for her at court: “I had an old sword from the days before I was crowned. Have any of you ever seen it?”
She is pushed onto the throne as empress, becoming a thorn in the eyes of every powerful noble.
Lady Huo smiles as she brings over a tonic. “Your Majesty, drink it while it’s hot.”
She takes one look, lifts the bowl, and drains it.
Later, someone asks the emperor, “What do you regret most in this life?”
He gazes toward the lonely tomb to the south and remains silent for a long time.
