In the twenty-seventh year of the Pingyuan era, Xie Ruofu was Wan Jieyu, a concubine in the late emperor's harem who never competed for favor, yet was the most favored of them all.
In the first year of the Wujia era, Xie Ruofu became Wan Taijieyu, an inconspicuous woman in Changxin Palace.
Afu had just turned seventeen, at the age when she was more beautiful than flowers and outshone every other woman. She did not want to spend a long life in the Imperial Nunnery.
By chance, the new emperor secretly fell for her, and Afu began to make plans. She set her sights on the young, promising emperor.
The new emperor was peerlessly handsome and kindhearted, a sage ruler praised by everyone. He made her Lady Xie and granted her boundless favor.
But the eunuch by the new emperor's side was no good man.
In Afu's eyes, Lan Heng was a reckless, lecherous mad dog through and through.
And a mad dog without roots!
Lan Heng was ruthless and cruel. Everyone in the palace knew he was a blade the new emperor kept hidden from the light.
After an accident, he became useless and could only find a corner to wait for death.
As he lay dying, a handkerchief embroidered with simple, elegant orchids fell into his hands and took him away to be treated and nursed back to health.
From then on, the mad dog had a new master. Reckless and lecherous, he helped conceal the undergarment embroidered with peonies that Jieyu wore.
Leaning close to her ear, he spoke each word with devotion: "If Your Highness wishes to become the most powerful person in the land, then this servant will help you ascend to the position of Empress."
Later, Xie Ruofu got her wish and took the throne as Empress Dowager.
**
From the time Afu was Lady Xie, then Consort Rou, and eventually Noble Consort Ming, there was only one Lan Heng in her heart.
From the very first day she became Lady Xie, she knew the emperor was the true executioner.
Only her little dog would remain forever loyal.
Reader's guide:
The male and female leads initially cooperate and use each other for power. They later break with the emperor, and only truly get together after she becomes Empress Dowager and takes sole control of the court.
Theme: Love yourself first, then love others.
It's my fault that I love watching serials. . . 😭