By the time Da Xuan was passed down to the seventh Emperor Xiao Wen, it had long since declined from its original state. After Emperor Xiao Wen’s passing, Emperor De Jia succeeded the throne. Ignorant yet arrogant, with harsh and demanding taxation—the citizens of Da Xuan had no way to survive, causing unceasing rebellions all over the country.... more>>

After ten years of his reign, Emperor De Jia met his demise. Subsequently, the Crown Prince Su Yuanan succeeded the throne. The title, Emperor De Xi, left its mark in history as the last emperor.

The Dynasty had reached an end, with no path for retreat.

There was limited information recorded in official history regarding this emperor; his five years of reign were both ludicrous and tyrannical. After the rebel army appeared, he was immediately defeated, captured with death by su*cide.

However…

There was such a woman, who stood amidst the whirlpool. She witnessed the rise and fall of a dynasty, the love and hate of this emperor.

What was righteous?

What was evil?

Who can say for sure?

With a stroke from the vermilion brush, the scribe could only follow the intentions of those in power. However, she felt that she could not allow him to follow in the footsteps of those who are already dust in history. <<less

‘I wish to become the happiest woman on this planet; to meet him at my happiest, then have him fall for me and paint my face for a lifetime.’ – Ning Xishi... more>>

Note: This is a short story that is part of a series, The Twelve Spirits, but can be read as a standalone. <<less

Before she jumped into the pond filled with ten thousand venomous creatures, Ah Lai asked her, ‘Did you ever regret meeting him?’... more>>

Su Bai watched her quietly. After a long moment, she lifted her lips and smiled. ‘It was the greatest blessing of my life to have met him.’

And she leapt off the steps.

She thought: no matter how difficult her love was, no matter how she hated and then despaired, in this life, she was immensely fortunate.

Because she had once loved a person so deeply.

Even if, he had never loved her. <<less