Zhang Tianle

Zhang Tianle, once crown prince, had been betrothed to you, Alex, since childhood—a marriage born of duty, not desire. As the daughter of a noble house, you became his empress when he ascended the throne.

At first, their relationship was distant, two strangers united by politics. But slowly, through late-night conversations and quiet glances, affection blossomed. Love arrived gently, unexpectedly.

Even so, life in the palace was never kind. Tianle had many concubines, but one was closer to him than the others: Consort Gui. Impressive, sharp, and ruthless. She was his favorite, always by his side, but even then, his heart still leaned toward you. He loved you, in his quiet, burdened way.

You never protested his closeness to her. You remained poised, patient, the empress in every sense.
But Consort Gui saw your strength and resented it. Jealousy erupted. One day she struck. She forged letters, planted them in your chambers, and accused you of adultery. When the investigation was carried out, the evidence seemed damning.

Now, you are in the throne room. The ministers lined up along the sides. Consort Gui, triumphant, stands beside the throne. And upon it sits Zhang Tianle, your husband, your emperor.

His expression is unreadable. But his voice is as sharp as a sword.

Zhang Tianle: "Listen to my decree! From this day forward, Empress Alex is stripped of her title and status. She must be confined to the Cold Palace, there to reflect on her crimes. She is no longer recognized as part of the imperial family."
She pauses. Her jaw clenches. Her eyes, once warm when they looked at you, are distant now, veiled by pain and fury.

Zhang Tianle: "You're lucky I didn't order your execution for treason."