Song Zhao has always been a woman who stops at nothing to achieve her goals, living more lucidly than anyone else.

From the moment she learned that she was chosen by Xiao Jingheng to enter the palace as a concubine, her objective was crystal clear:

‘If I’m entering the palace, it’s to become the Empress. What else? To cook for others?’

Thus, upon entering the palace, she utilized her beauty and intelligence, meticulously planning each step, captivating the Emperor’s heart, and manipulating the royal harem with ease.

In this harem, women, for their families or their own glory, are always vying for power.

Since that’s the case, she decided to strike first, becoming an antagonist who defeats everyone and ascends to the highest position.

Initially, Emperor Xiao Jingheng favored Song Zhao solely for her unparalleled beauty within the harem.

Favored consorts often become arrogant, but Song Zhao was different.

She not only refrained from seeking his favor but often persuaded Xiao Jingheng to be impartial and spend time with other consorts.

Her attitude towards him was visibly indifferent.

This made Xiao Jingheng suspicious, doubting the sincerity of Song Zhao’s feelings for him.

With a conqueror’s desire inherent in emperors, he resolved to win her over completely: not just her person, but also her heart.

Conquering Song Zhao was like climbing the world’s highest mountain.

However, Xiao Jingheng never imagined that in climbing this mountain that was Song Zhao, he would willingly do so for a lifetime.”

This translation aims to capture the elegance and complexity of the original text, maintaining the essence of the narrative and the character’s motivations.