The real Wei Zifu obtained the Emperor's love for decades until his late reign when he favored younger consorts such as Lady Li and Lady Gouyi and listened to conspirators. As a result, her son, Crown PrinceLiu Ju was killed, along with his whole family except for his infant grandson, Liu Bingyi. Her second daughter Princess Zhuyi was also executed, and Wei Zifu committed suicide in response. Liu Che later found out the truth and was extremely regretful, killing the conspirators and their extended families. Her great-grandson Liu Bingyi would eventually become Emperor Xuan, and he honored her as Wei Si Hou, the Thoughtful Empress.
Plot
This story is set during the Han Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Wei Zifu was a girl born of low birth, and she struggled to survive with her younger brother, Wei Qing and younger sister, Shao'er. Her father was killed, and her childhood was spent in the midst of war. Despite her background, she was virtuous and gained the affection of many, including her childhood lover Duan Hong. To support her younger siblings, she became a talented dancer for Princess Pingyang, the sister of the current Emperor, Liu Che. Princess Pingyang disliked the influence of her sister-in-law Chen A'Jiao and Chen A'Jiao's mother Princess Guantao, so she selected women for her brother in hopes one of them would replace the Empress. At one of the Princess's banquets, Wei Zifu's dancing and beauty caught the attention of Liu Che. He fell in love with her and wanted Wei Zifu to leave with him. Liu Che brought her back to the palace, despite the objections of Chen A'Jiao, Princess Guantao, the Emperor's mother Wang Zhi, and his grandmother Grand Empress Dowager Dou. With his fondness and her perseverance, Wei Zifu learned to survive in the palace and escaped the schemes of Empress Chen and Princess Guantao several times. She gained the respect of Liu Che's mother and grandmother and became his second Empress after Chen A'Jiao was deposed. Her brother Wei Qing later wed Princess Pingyang and was appointed general. Her nephew, the son of Shao'er, Huo Qubing was a renowned general that won several battles against the Xiongnu. Wei Zifu established a legacy for herself as virtuous and had a loving relationship with Liu Che for decades.
