Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, now in control of the prince's body, dismisses the two officials who tried to manipulate her.
• She starts practicing Internal Cultivation techniques, finding the body's cultivation speed considerable.
• The next day, she attends court, sitting in the seat below and to the left of the imperial throne, signaling her direct involvement in ruling.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She begins to assert her authority, showing no hesitation in dismissing officials and challenging Li Ying's decisions. She also discovers the body's cultivation ability.
• Li Ying: She starts to assert her power as the rightful emperor but is quickly put in her place by Su Qiao.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The struggle for power between Su Qiao and Li Ying is a central theme. Su Qiao's assertiveness challenges Li Ying's authority.
• Cultivation: The discovery of the body's cultivation ability introduces a new element of personal growth for Su Qiao.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Ying: Their interaction in court is tense, with Li Ying trying to assert her authority and Su Qiao challenging her at every turn.
• Su Qiao and the officials: The officials are wary of Su Qiao's growing influence, with some showing displeasure at her interference in state affairs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, now acting as Prince Rui, advises Li Ying to stop relying on her Imperial Uncle (the Emperor) for every decision, as she's almost old enough to marry and rule Huangming.
• Su Qiao proposes reducing and even exempting taxes for drought-stricken areas, contrary to the previously approved tax increase, to prevent unrest and enhance Li Ying's prestige.
• The ministers are surprised but agree with Su Qiao's proposal, understanding the political implications.

Character Developments

• Li Ying is taken aback by Su Qiao's sudden change in attitude and suspects she's not truly relinquishing power.
• Su Qiao demonstrates political acumen and assertiveness, showing she's not just a figurehead but a capable ruler.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering.
• The responsibility of rulers towards their people, especially in times of hardship.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao challenges Li Ying's reliance on her Imperial Uncle, hinting at a power struggle.
• Su Qiao asserts her authority over the ministers, who initially seem surprised but ultimately agree with her proposals.
• Minister Li, while surprised, aligns with Su Qiao's proposal, showing deference to her power.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Su Qiao, the Prince, challenges Li Ying's decision to increase taxes.
• She uses a metaphor about water to explain the importance of addressing common people's needs.
• The ministers, including Grand Tutor Wen, agree with Su Qiao's perspective.
• Li Ying is forced to agree to reduce local taxes due to overwhelming support for Su Qiao.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates her political acumen and gains respect from the ministers.
• Li Ying faces her first challenge as the Emperor and is forced to back down.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and addressing the common people's needs for a stable kingdom.
• The power dynamics between the Emperor and the Prince.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao asserts her authority over Li Ying, showing her that she cannot act unilaterally.
• The ministers show their support for Su Qiao, highlighting her growing influence.
• Li Ying struggles to maintain her authority in the face of Su Qiao's challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, now the Emperor, issues decrees directly, angering Minister Li.
• Su Qiao discovers that the monthly stipend for Hostage Prince Ye of Eastern Jin has been withheld.
• Minister Li is accused of dereliction of duty and ordered to investigate and compensate Prince Ye.
• Su Qiao leaves the court session early due to fatigue.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows assertiveness and concern for the welfare of Prince Ye, demonstrating her growth as a ruler.
• Minister Li: Reveals corruption and fear of Su Qiao's power, showing vulnerability and willingness to appease her.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Su Qiao's assertiveness challenges Minister Li's authority, highlighting the shifting balance of power.
• Corruption: The withholding of Prince Ye's stipend reflects the prevalence of corruption within the government.
• Justice: Su Qiao's intervention on behalf of Prince Ye underscores her commitment to fairness and justice.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Minister Li: Their tense interaction reveals Minister Li's fear of Su Qiao and her willingness to appease her to avoid further scrutiny.
• Su Qiao and Emperor Li Ying: Their interaction is brief but reveals Li Ying's discomfort with Su Qiao's assertiveness and her eagerness for her to leave the court session.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao is summoned by Li Fengjun, but she's hesitant due to her past experiences and 444's advice.
• 444 suggests she should pretend to be the same while secretly building her power, as the Original Owner never developed her own influence.
• Su Qiao learns that Li Fengjun is unwell again.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao shows determination to take revenge on those who wronged her and her brother.
• She decides to use her acting skills to deceive Li Sang and his daughter, playing along with their expectations while secretly planning.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and justice for past wrongdoings.
• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the imperial court.
• The theme of deception and manipulation, with Su Qiao planning to use Li Sang's own methods against him.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts with Xiao Xuan, Li Sang's personal attendant, who is wary of her but ultimately respects her authority.
• Su Qiao communicates with 444, seeking advice and strategizing her next moves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Prince (Su Qiao) visits the Phoenix Palace to check on the Phoenix Monarch (Li Sang), who is supposedly unwell.
• The Prince is calm and unhurried, unlike her usual worried self when the Phoenix Monarch is ill.
• The Phoenix Monarch, Li Sang, is revealed to be healthy, with no signs of illness.
• The Prince scolds Li Sang's attendants for not serving him well, instilling fear in them.
• Li Sang, upset, blames his bad mood and lack of appetite on his illness.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao (The Prince): She remains composed and assertive, displaying her authority and indifference towards Li Sang's supposed illness. She shows no signs of affection or concern, unlike before.
• Li Sang (The Phoenix Monarch): He appears healthy but pretends to be ill. He's angry and resentful, showing his true colors when his attendants are threatened.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Prince's authority is emphasized as she commands respect and fear from Li Sang's attendants.
• Manipulation and Deception: Both Li Sang and the Prince engage in deception, with Li Sang pretending to be ill and the Prince not revealing her true intentions.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their interaction is tense and filled with underlying tension. The Prince's indifference and Li Sang's resentment create a hostile atmosphere.
• Su Qiao and Li Sang's Attendants: The Prince instills fear in them, showing her power and authority. They, in turn, beg for mercy, highlighting the power imbalance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao visits Li Sang, who is ill, and threatens his attendants.
• Li Sang invites Su Qiao to discuss auspicious dates for marriages.
• Li Sang reveals that his niece Li Ruo is to marry Su Qiao's brother, Lan'er.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows cold indifference and threats towards Li Sang's attendants, but is surprised and bewildered when Li Sang mentions marriages.
• Li Sang: Maintains a calm and collected demeanor despite his illness, but feels suspicious about Su Qiao's behavior.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Su Qiao's threats towards Li Sang's attendants highlight her power and influence.
• Manipulation: Li Sang's proposal of marriage between Li Ruo and Lan'er suggests his intention to use Lan'er as a pawn to control Su Qiao.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their interaction is tense, with Su Qiao showing dominance and Li Sang maintaining a facade of calm.
• Li Sang and his attendants: Li Sang is annoyed by his attendants' poor service, but spares them due to Su Qiao's intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao learns about Huang Lan's tragic death in her previous life, which she caused.
• Li Sang tries to manipulate Su Qiao into helping him by reminiscing about the past and expressing regret.
• Su Qiao, now aware of Li Sang's schemes, proposes they fake his death and leave the Palace together to avoid an incompatible marriage between their children.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Becomes more suspicious of Li Sang's true intentions and starts to manipulate him instead.
• Li Sang: Struggles to maintain his facade as Su Qiao turns the tables on him.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Both characters attempt to manipulate each other for their own gain.
• Regret and consequences: Li Sang's regret over past actions and Su Qiao's determination to not repeat her mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their dynamic shifts as Su Qiao becomes more aware of Li Sang's schemes, leading to a tense and manipulative conversation.
• 444 and Su Qiao: 444 finds amusement in Su Qiao's handling of Li Sang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao offers to help Li Sang leave the palace in a year, misinterpreting his concern as worry.
• Li Sang misunderstands Su Qiao's plan, thinking she wants to let Ying'er (the Little Emperor) take over the government early.
• Su Qiao reveals her intention to let Ying'er take responsibility and rule, surprising Li Sang.
• Su Qiao plans to marry a female general into Aran's household to protect him, shocking Li Sang with her brutal approach to potential threats.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows strategic thinking and ruthlessness in her plans for the empire and her family. She's willing to use force to protect her loved ones, displaying a darker side.
• Li Sang: Reveals his jealousy of Aran's treatment and his own experiences in the palace. He's surprised by Su Qiao's brutal methods and fears her power.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and succession in the empire.
• Family loyalty and protection.
• Brutality and ruthlessness in politics.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their conversation reveals their differing views on power and protection. Li Sang is surprised and slightly fearful of Su Qiao's methods, while she remains calm and collected.
• Su Qiao and Aran: Su Qiao's plans for Aran show her deep love and protectiveness towards her younger brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao defends her brother's spoiled behavior and plans to bring a female general into their family as a potential spouse for him.
• Li Sang expresses concern about the potential gossip and harm to Lan'er's future spouse.
• Su Qiao insists that Lan'er will take a spouse, not marry out, and dismisses Li Sang's concerns.
• Li Sang's daughter, Huang Ying, arrives and questions Su Qiao's change of mind on tax issues.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows unwavering determination to protect and indulge her brother, demonstrating her strong maternal instincts and stubbornness.
• Li Sang: Struggles to maintain composure and patience while dealing with Su Qiao's changing decisions, revealing his growing frustration.
• Huang Ying: Shows political awareness and concern for her image as a ruler, questioning Su Qiao's change in stance on tax issues.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and sibling love: Su Qiao's unwavering support for her brother highlights the strong bond between them.
• Power struggle: The tension between Su Qiao and Li Sang reflects the power dynamics and manipulation within the royal court.
• Image and reputation: Huang Ying's concern for her image as a ruler emphasizes the importance of public perception in maintaining power.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their interaction is marked by tension and disagreement, with Su Qiao's stubbornness clashing with Li Sang's attempts to maintain diplomatic relations.
• Su Qiao and Huang Ying: Their interaction is brief but reveals a power dynamic, with Su Qiao asserting her influence over Huang Ying's political decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, the Imperial Uncle, shocks Li Sang and Li Ying by announcing she will no longer interfere in state affairs and will only provide necessary reminders.
• She also hints at the need to finalize the selection for the new Phoenix Monarch this year.
• Su Qiao leaves abruptly, leaving Li Sang suspicious and concerned.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She shows a sudden change in attitude, becoming more distant and cold towards Li Sang, hinting at a possible secret or event that has occurred.
• Li Sang: He is hurt and suspicious of Su Qiao's sudden change. He becomes more protective of his daughter's rule.
• Huang Ying (Li Ying): She is overjoyed at the prospect of ruling personally. She begins to suspect her father's intentions when he initially opposes her personal rule.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the power struggle between Su Qiao, Li Sang, and Huang Ying. It highlights the tension between personal rule and interference from the inner palace.
• Trust and Suspicion: The sudden change in Su Qiao's attitude causes Li Sang to become suspicious, leading to potential strain in their relationship. Huang Ying also begins to suspect her father's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Li Sang: Their interaction is tense and distant, with Li Sang trying to understand the reason behind Su Qiao's sudden change in behavior.
• Li Sang and Huang Ying: Their interaction is strained due to Li Sang's initial opposition to Huang Ying's personal rule. Huang Ying begins to suspect her father's intentions.
• Su Qiao and Huang Ying: Their interaction is brief but significant, with Su Qiao hinting at Huang Ying's impending personal rule and the need to select a new Phoenix Monarch.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Ying and Li Sang have a falling out due to Li Sang's interference in state affairs, sowing seeds for future conflict.
• Su Qiao decides to use Li Ruo to provoke Li Sang, hinting at a potential power play.
• Su Qiao promotes her brother, Huang Lan, directly to Prince (of the First Rank), an unprecedented move.

Character Developments

• Huang Ying begins to resent Li Sang for meddling in state affairs, leading to a rift between them.
• Su Qiao demonstrates her ambition and strategic thinking, showing she won't tolerate Li Sang's interference.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle: The tension between Su Qiao and Li Sang highlights the theme of power struggle within the palace.
• Ambition: Su Qiao's actions show her growing ambition and determination to secure her position.
• Trust and betrayal: The breakdown of trust between Huang Ying and Li Sang foreshadows potential betrayals.

Character Interactions

• Huang Ying and Li Sang: Their interaction reveals their growing mistrust and resentment towards each other.
• Su Qiao and 444: Their interaction shows Su Qiao's strategic thinking and determination.
• Su Qiao and Li Ruo: Though not directly interacting, Su Qiao's decision to use Li Ruo against Li Sang hints at a potential conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao instructs Mu Jin to deliver the Imperial Decree and spread news of the Little Emperor's intent to raise taxes.
• She decides to hand over court affairs to the Little Emperor, aiming to make her rival's reputation suffer.
• Su Qiao orders the Shadow Guard Camp to investigate every court official's movements and secrets.
• She hints at her intention to move to the Imperial Palace, where there's a larger hot spring pool.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao shows strategic cunning by using the Little Emperor's actions against her and planning to expose court officials' secrets.
• Mu Rong reveals her excitement and support for Su Qiao's decisions, showing her loyalty and eagerness to carry out orders.
• Huang Ying, Su Qiao's younger brother, is introduced as a lively, curious, and innocent teenager.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle: Su Qiao manipulates the Little Emperor's decisions to her advantage, aiming to maintain her power and influence.
• Loyalty: Mu Rong's excitement and eagerness to carry out Su Qiao's orders highlight her loyalty and dedication to her cause.
• Family dynamics: Su Qiao's affection for her younger brother and concern for his well-being contrast with her cold and calculating demeanor in political matters.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Mu Rong: Their interaction shows Su Qiao's trust in Mu Rong and her eagerness to carry out her plans, while Mu Rong's excitement reveals her loyalty and support.
• Su Qiao and Huang Ying: Their interaction shows Su Qiao's affection and concern for her younger brother, as well as her protective instincts towards him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Lan visits Su Qiao after avoiding her for days due to anger over a potential marriage arrangement.
• Su Qiao reveals that she has no intention of marrying Huang Lan off to Li Ruo and that he won't be marrying out but rather marrying in, as is the custom for Princes of the First Rank in their kingdom.
• Su Qiao hints at an upcoming Imperial Decree that will promote Huang Lan to Prince of the First Rank.

Character Developments

• Huang Lan: Realizes his sister's affection and care for him, understands his new status as Prince of the First Rank, and begins to appreciate his sister's decisions.
• Su Qiao: Shows her protective and caring side towards her brother, demonstrating her power and influence as the ruler.

Significant Themes

• Family and sibling bonds: Su Qiao's actions highlight her love and protection for her brother, despite their differing views on his marriage.
• Power dynamics: The chapter explores the power struggle within the royal family and Su Qiao's use of power to protect her brother's interests.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Huang Lan: Their interaction reveals Su Qiao's affection and Huang Lan's initial anger and later gratitude towards his sister.
• Huang Lan and his old attendant: The old attendant's mention of Huang Lan's delayed promotion hints at the power dynamics within the royal family and the old attendant's awareness of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Lan, the Prince, is promoted to Prince of the First Rank, causing him to boast about his status.
• Su Qiao advises Huang Lan to learn and grow up, leading him to agree to study seriously.
• Huang Lan affectionately interacts with Su Qiao, making up for their past misunderstandings.
• Su Qiao and Little Four discuss the ideal man, with Su Qiao preferring Huang Lan's straightforward nature.
• Ye Lihan arrives at the Su residence for a visit.

Character Developments

• Huang Lan shows growth and maturity by agreeing to study and acknowledging Su Qiao's good intentions.
• Su Qiao demonstrates her affection and care for Huang Lan, showing she's a responsible and loving sister.
• Ye Lihan's arrival indicates his continued interest in Su Qiao and his role as a suitor.

Significant Themes

• Family and sibling relationships: Su Qiao and Huang Lan's bond strengthens as they overcome past misunderstandings.
• Personal growth: Huang Lan's decision to study shows his willingness to mature and improve himself.
• Ideal man: Su Qiao's preference for Huang Lan's straightforward nature over effeminate men highlights her values in a partner.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Huang Lan: Their playful and affectionate interaction showcases their growing bond and sibling love.
• Su Qiao and Little Four: Their conversation reveals Su Qiao's preferences in a partner and her disapproval of overly affected men.
• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan: Though not present in this chapter, Ye Lihan's arrival sets the stage for their continued interaction and potential romantic development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prince Ye Lihan, who previously seemed uninterested in interacting with Su Qiao, visits her manor unannounced.
• He brings gifts to thank her for saving him from a dangerous situation the previous day.
• Su Qiao, despite her initial confusion about his sudden visit, welcomes him warmly and orders the best tea and pastries to be served.
• Ye Lihan, after waiting for a quarter of an hour, decides to leave as he believes they are too busy to attend to him.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She shows maturity and hospitality by welcoming Ye Lihan despite her initial confusion. She understands the importance of diplomacy and maintaining good relations.
• Ye Lihan: He displays a mix of pride, stinginess, and impatience. Despite his initial reluctance to visit, he comes to express his gratitude, indicating a sense of honor. However, his decision to leave after a short wait shows his lack of patience and understanding of social norms.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and Hospitality: Su Qiao's actions highlight the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring kingdoms, even if they have had little interaction in the past.
• Pride and Impatience: Ye Lihan's behavior showcases his pride and impatience, which may hinder his ability to build and maintain relationships.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan: Their interaction is brief but significant. Su Qiao's warmth contrasts with Ye Lihan's impatience, setting up potential dynamics between them.
• Ye Lihan and Xiao Yuzi: Their interaction reveals Ye Lihan's stinginess and Xiao Yuzi's exasperation with his master's behavior. Despite this, Xiao Yuzi remains loyal and tries to guide Ye Lihan's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Lihan, a prince, refuses to buy new clothes despite Xiao Yuzi's urging, showing his frugality and disregard for appearances.
• Su Qiao, another prince, visits Ye Lihan to thank him for saving her. They have an awkward conversation, with Ye Lihan showing little interest in pleasantries.
• Su Qiao offers Ye Lihan tea and pastries, which he accepts and enjoys despite his initial reluctance.

Character Developments

• Ye Lihan: Shows his arrogance and lack of concern for appearances, but also displays a simple, honest nature, enjoying good food without pretenses.
• Su Qiao: Demonstrates patience and understanding, using her kindness to put Ye Lihan at ease despite his initial indifference.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance vs. Honesty: Ye Lihan's arrogance is shown through his disregard for appearances and social norms, but his honesty and lack of pretenses are also highlighted.
• Kindness and Patience: Su Qiao's kindness and patience help to ease the tension between her and Ye Lihan, showing the power of understanding and acceptance.

Character Interactions

• Ye Lihan and Xiao Yuzi: Xiao Yuzi tries to persuade Ye Lihan to buy new clothes, showing their close relationship and Xiao Yuzi's concern for Ye Lihan's image.
• Ye Lihan and Su Qiao: Their interaction is initially awkward, with Ye Lihan showing little interest in social niceties. However, Su Qiao's kindness and understanding help to ease the tension, showing a potential for friendship or mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan have a conversation over tea.
• Su Qiao asks Ye Lihan if he wants to return to Eastern Jin.
• Ye Lihan reveals he can't return due to his long absence and the current political climate in Eastern Jin.
• Su Qiao expresses she doesn't want him to leave Huangming.
• Su Qiao warns Ye Lihan about the danger he might face if he returns to Eastern Jin.
• Ye Lihan expresses his skepticism about Su Qiao's sudden kindness.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows concern for Ye Lihan's safety and well-being, indicating a shift in her attitude towards him.
• Ye Lihan: Reveals his past struggles in Huangming and his complicated feelings towards Eastern Jin. He remains guarded against Su Qiao's intentions.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of national and familial loyalties.
• The consequences of past actions and the impossibility of returning to the past.
• The struggle between trust and suspicion in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan: Their conversation reveals their shared assertiveness and subtlety. Despite their initial tension, they begin to understand and respect each other more.
• Su Qiao's offer of help to Ye Lihan hints at a potential alliance or friendship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, the Prince of Huangming, invites Ye Lihan, a hostage prince from Eastern Jin, to move into the estate next to hers, citing safety concerns.
• Ye Lihan is initially shocked and offended by the suggestion, as it's considered improper in their culture.
• Su Qiao's advisors, Li Jue and Xiao Yuzi, are also taken aback and try to clarify if she misspoke.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows unexpected concern for Ye Lihan's safety, hinting at a change in her attitude towards him.
• Ye Lihan: Maintains a calm and composed demeanor despite the unexpected and potentially offensive suggestion, revealing his strategic thinking and self-control.

Significant Themes

• Cultural norms and expectations in their society, particularly regarding interactions between men and women.
• Power dynamics and political maneuvering, as hinted by Ye Lihan's suspicion of Su Qiao's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan: Their interaction is tense and awkward, with Ye Lihan being cautious and Su Qiao struggling to express her intentions clearly.
• Su Qiao and her advisors (Li Jue and Xiao Yuzi): They are surprised and concerned about Su Qiao's suggestion, trying to intervene and clarify her intentions.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Su Qiao suggests Ye Lihan move next door to her for safety, but he's skeptical of her intentions.
• Su Qiao warns Ye Lihan about the Eastern Jin Crown Prince's potential threat.
• Su Qiao reveals she's planning to step down as regent, surprising Ye Lihan.

Character Developments

• Ye Lihan: Starts to see Su Qiao's genuine concern for his safety but remains cautious.
• Su Qiao: Demonstrates her unique perspective on power and her willingness to step down as regent.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Su Qiao's disinterest in maintaining power challenges the norm.
• Trust and Betrayal: Ye Lihan struggles to trust Su Qiao due to past experiences.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Ye Lihan: Their dynamic shifts as Su Qiao shows concern for Ye Lihan's safety, while he remains wary of her true intentions.
• Su Qiao and the Eastern Jin Crown Prince: Indirectly mentioned, their potential conflict looms.