As the gate slowly closed, the fate of this favored concubine came to an end.

Lu Shen looked at Jian Ruoxi's acting skills with admiration.

He had no idea that her acting skills were so superb.

She was so confident and poised, so radiant during her performance.

The character seamlessly switches between nobility and ruthlessness, demonstrating impeccable control over the role.

It seems as if this role was tailor-made for her.

He was proud of her, but also heartbroken at having imprisoned her.

She was originally a radiant sun, but she hid herself in darkness, and that brilliance gradually faded away year by year.

The emperor was waiting for her outside the palace. When she came out, he took her hand.

"Look at your hands, they're so cold. Go back and warm yourself up."

She followed him in silence.

"She drank arsenic and died."

Before entering the palace gates, she knelt down and slowly spoke.

"You still resent me in the end."

The Emperor gave the Empress a deep look, closed his eyes and sighed, then left somewhat unsteadily.

"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty."

She lowered her eyes, showing no emotional fluctuation.

Upon entering the room, she sat on the couch, holding a jade pendant in her hand.

"The fragrance of flowers fills my clothes, but the night is desolate as I brush against the blossoms."

She looked forlorn as she gazed at the palace walls, reminiscing about the past.

That kind-hearted girl may have truly been that naive.

But amidst the constant deceit and treachery, she changed.

Now that he wields immense power, she can no longer feel the joy of the past.

She was tired of having to fight for love, tired of having to carefully please him.