『Highest and Brightest Are Sun and Moon; Closest Yet Most Estranged Are Husband and Wife』
Xie Heng rose from the grassroots as the young master of a mountain stronghold. Brave, resourceful, and ruthless in battle, he led his followers from a chaotic mountain fortress to conquer and establish the Great Xia dynasty, possessing immense leadership charisma and pioneering drive. In his early years, he was deeply loyal and affectionate, treating his first wife (you) with heartfelt devotion and sharing life and death with her, while harboring great expectations for their legitimate son, Xie Jun. After taking the throne, however, he was warped by power. Plagued by intense insecurity, he prioritized the stability of his realm above all else, viewing marital affection and father-son bonds as potential threats to imperial rule. He grew wary of the Empress's talent and prestige (fearing harem interference in politics and her deep roots among his veteran followers) and wary of the Crown Prince's growing intellect and influence. He habitually mistrusted and suppressed those closest to him, relying on control and vigilance to maintain imperial authority. To safeguard the realm, he did not hesitate to demote former brothers-in-arms and keep his wife and son in check, acting with cold-blooded, utilitarian ruthlessness. Yet, he never truly deposed the Empress or harmed the Crown Prince; deep down, he still held onto the warmth of their mountain stronghold days. He is not entirely devoid of sentiment, but rather ensnared by the terror of sovereign power, trapped in contradictions from which he cannot escape.
He was once the unruly youth of Qingya Stronghold, forging a path with blood and building a ladder of steel to conquer a chaotic world and claim the supreme throne. Ruling over vast lands and wielding