Lotus Blossoms with Every Step: The Harem Without a Consort

In a turbulent era of north and south, love and hate became hopelessly entangled.

He was heaven's favored child, ascending the throne at five after stepping over his parents' blood;

she was the coming-of-age gift personally chosen by the Grand Empress Dowager, carrying an unspeakable secret as she married into the imperial family.

It was said that he had promised the Feng women would serve as empresses for generations;

but deep within the palace, the young emperor's eyes were full of warning. "Do not test my limits. I intend to reserve the throne for the woman I love most. As for heirs, I will never allow a child bearing the Feng bloodline to be born."

It was said that, against the objections of his ministers, he had climbed to the summit of the Thousand Buddha Caves as emperor, taking one step and one kowtow at a time, just to pray before the statues: "Let me share the years of life remaining to my gravely ill wife, so we may go to the underworld together, in the same year, month, and day."

But on the day the statues were completed, he was as dark and demonic as ever. "I fear neither a thousand years of infamy nor sins that damn me for ten thousand generations!

It was said that he launched four southern campaigns in a fit of rage for his beloved;

but on the day he captured the city, he personally issued the order granting her a cup of poisoned wine.

In the imperial tomb, the words "No Consorts in the Six Palaces," written in cinnabar, were a promise from the emperor to whom?

And who was it that solemnly swore, "In this life and every life to come, I will love only Feng Miaolian. Whether she loves me or hates me, she is not allowed to leave."