The Song Dynasty's First Empress

Life's ups and downs don't get much more dramatic than this

The good news: Zhao Duan was reborn as a princess.

The bad news: her brother was Zhao Gou.

At first, Zhao Duan just wanted to enjoy the historical gossip and stay alive.

But after the Jingkang Incident, the people were destitute and the new emperor was a coward who cared only about saving his own skin. The court sought only to cling to the southeastern half of the realm, while calls for peace negotiations grew louder.

Though Zhao Duan was a princess, she was also a true-blooded member of the imperial family.

Gradually, the renowned ministers and military commanders who had no way to serve their country began to look at her differently.

“Your servant has come to escort the princess to Bianjing...”

That was Zong Ze, governor of the Eastern Capital, wholly devoted to restoring the fallen dynasty.

“Your subordinate Yue Fei was too late to protect Your Highness...”

That was Yue Fei, commander of the resistance against the Jin and a staunch advocate of a northern campaign.

“I'd rather die than remain married to him...”

That was Li Qingzhao. Oh my god, the legendary poetess Yi An!

“Little sister, are you going to kill me?”

That was... Emperor Zhao Gou.

Who had time for historical gossip now!?

Zhao Duan swiftly put on the imperial robes, kicked her good-for-nothing imperial brother aside, and got ready to take the throne herself.

*

Later generations said: “Emperor Wen Zhao Duan killed her father and brother and imprisoned her nephew. She was disloyal, unfilial, and a bad sister, lacking in virtue, deceitful, and cruel.”

But the people said: “Emperor Wen Zhao Duan's virtue covered the land. She cared for the people and brought peace and prosperity, so all under heaven enjoyed her benevolence.”

Which was the real Zhao Duan?

Zhao Duan didn't care.

Even at the heart of the era's storms, Zhao Duan remained as unshakable as a mountain.

She never once turned back from anything she set out to do.

Heaven's mandate is to benefit the people. I shall take it upon myself!

“If they can sit on this dragon throne, so can I.”

“If Heaven will not help me, then the people must help themselves!”

★ A coming-of-age story about a powerful female lead, a slow-burn epic,

chronicling one woman's journey from princess to empress.

Theme: Study hard, fight wars, and strive to become emperor