Lin Xiu, a blind embroiderer from Songyang County, learned that her daughter An Lingrong had died in the palace. She was so overcome that she passed away soon after.
When she opened her eyes again, she had become Empress Ulanara Yixiu of Jingren Palace.
Before her lay the selection roster, and her daughter's name stood out among the candidates.
In her previous life, An Lingrong had been the most useful pawn in Yixiu's hands, discarded as soon as she was no longer needed.
In this life, Lin Xiu stroked her daughter's name on the roster, her fingertips trembling.
"This time, Mother will walk this road in your place."
Later, the people of the harem realized that the Empress had become someone else entirely.
When Consort Hua acted arrogantly, she smiled. "So young and spirited, just like my little girl used to be."
When Zhen Huan showed her cleverness, she sighed. "I wish my daughter had your talent."
On the night the Emperor favored Attendant An, she stood beneath the corridor listening, clutching the half-finished embroidered sachet in her hand so tightly it nearly tore.
Everyone thought the Empress had changed her ways. Only she knew the truth.
She just wanted to hear her daughter call her "Mother" one more time.
