The Ye family of the capital was renowned for two extraordinary people: the eldest son, Shangguan Lin, a young man of high rank and power, and the second daughter, Shangguan Ning, whose astonishing talent had made her famous throughout the land.
Over three years, Shangguan Ning wrote ninety poems and essays mocking the debauched Sixth Prince, Lu Wuxie, for his extravagance and cruel taxation.
Fortunes shifted.
The emperor and the crown prince died in the same year, and Lu Wuxie ascended the throne.
When the new emperor took the throne, Shangguan Lin, who had supported the former crown prince, was demoted.
To regain the family's former glory, the Shangguan family sent their second daughter, Shangguan Ning, into court.
Shangguan Ning worked conscientiously and climbed the ranks, all to bring her brother back to the capital so she could retire in triumph and go home to live a lazy life.
During Shangguan Ning's ten years in court:
Every time she rose one rank, her brother returned to the capital.
Whenever her brother was demoted, she rose another rank, and her brother came back to the capital. The cycle went on.
Until Shangguan Ning became deputy chancellor.
Shangguan Lin was demoted and sent to Jiangnan again. Shangguan Ning was close to tears. If she climbed any higher, she'd have to sit on the throne or climb into the emperor's bed.
Scene 1:
Three years into Lu Wuxie's reign, the imperial harem was still empty.
The officials petitioned the emperor to take more consorts and have an heir.
The emperor on the throne gave a cold laugh. "I wouldn't dare. I'm afraid Minister Shangguan will write another ten-thousand-character poem calling me debauched."
Shangguan Ning, kneeling among the officials, didn't dare say a word.
Scene 2:
On the matter of climbing into the emperor's bed.
After careful consideration, Shangguan Lin wrote back that treason was punishable by death, and advised her to enter the palace as a consort. Perhaps there'd be a chance to turn things around.
Shangguan Ning didn't dare. She wouldn't pass the palace's body inspection.
Because she really had climbed into Lu Wuxie's bed when he wasn't in his right mind.
*
Theme: Never forget your original purpose.
