The Zhao sisters had brought chaos to the imperial harem, like swallows pecking at the emperor's descendants. Emperor Cheng of Han was left without an heir, so he had to find an imperial successor from a collateral branch of the family.
And the heir he chose was none other than Liu Xin, the grandson of the ultimate villain, Fu Yao.
This Liu Xin was historically known as Emperor Ai of Han, famous for his "cut-sleeve" affection.
After Liu Xin was made crown prince, Emperor Cheng of Han believed he had solved the succession issue and could focus on other matters, indulging even more in pleasure.
However, years of unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures had already hollowed out his already not-so-robust body, and his sexual performance became increasingly weak.
For this, Emperor Cheng of Han specially ordered the refinement of potent elixirs to replenish the kidneys and strengthen yang.
As a result, his immoderate consumption of the medicine, excessive dosage, and excessive indulgence led to his death in Zhao Hede's bed.
Before he died, Emperor Cheng of Han was still desperately pleading with Wang Zhengjun, asking her not to trouble Hede after his death.
Wang Zhengjun hated Zhao Hede to the bone and refused to agree.
Emperor Cheng of Han said that if the Empress Dowager did not agree, he would die with his eyes wide open.
Wang Zhengjun, helpless, had no choice but to agree tearfully. Only then did Emperor Cheng of Han breathe his last.
Many viewers, upon seeing this scene, were moved to tears by Emperor Cheng of Han's devotion.
Despite Emperor Cheng of Han's many faults, his love for Zhao Hede was true. Even though he died because of her, he still worried about her being retaliated against after his death.
Such a man, let alone in ancient times when imperial power was supreme and women were treated as playthings, is rare even in modern society.
Then there was Zhao Hede, portrayed by Jiang Ling. Upon hearing that the emperor was dying, she showed a hint of emotion in her eyes as he thought of her.
But this hint of emotion flashed and vanished, quickly returning to the coldness of a vixen.
Although she was crying with her head down, she was not crying for the emperor, but for her own future.
With the emperor dead, how could they, these two bewitching enchantresses, escape retribution?
Even if Wang Zhengjun had promised the emperor not to trouble them, how could others let them off the hook?
On one side was the emperor's sincere affection and unwavering devotion until death; on the other was Zhao Hede's icy indifference. The contrast was stark.
Seeing Zhao Hede's utter lack of concern, the audience couldn't help but send barrage messages, scolding Zhao Hede.
The emperor had such genuine feelings for you, willing to die for you, and even at death's door, he remembered to plead for you, asking the Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun to spare your life. How could you be so cold-blooded, so heartless?
After Emperor Cheng of Han's death, the Zhao sisters lost their protector and immediately became the target of everyone's anger.
"Sister, something terrible has happened!"
Zhao Feiyan, her face ashen, rushed into Zhao Hede's palace in a flurry.
Zhao Hede leaned back on a soft chair, smiling lazily, and said, "What happened that makes you so flustered, sister?"
Zhao Feiyan: "I just received news that the Commandant of the Sili, Xie Guang, has impeached us before the Empress Dowager, bringing up everything about harming Empress Xu and Concubine Ban, and killing the prince. He has also gathered a host of witnesses and evidence. We are in great danger now."
Zhao Hede lowered her head and caressed the gold and jeweled twisted bracelet on her hand. The dazzling luster of pearls and gems reflected a cold, superficial brilliance.
She said indifferently, "As soon as the Emperor breathed his last, they couldn't wait to see us dead. Very well, let them come. At worst, it will be a fight to the death!"
Zhao Feiyan walked over and sat beside Zhao Hede, saying in a low voice, "Sister, at this moment, we cannot contend with them. A wise man knows when to retreat. Let's quickly leave the palace."