Queen Dowager Zhao, originally named Bi Ki, earned renown in her youth as the "Jewel of Kantan" for her exceptional beauty and dancing skills in Zhao. Engaged to merchant Ryo Fui, she became a political pawn when he gifted her to Prince Sou Jou of Qin to gain influence. This maneuver left her a political hostage in Kantan alongside Sou Jou and their son, Ei Sei. After Sou Jou abandoned them, she endured crushing poverty and abuse during their captivity. Struggling to survive when funds ceased, she allegedly resorted to prostitution. These ordeals bred deep resentment towards Ei Sei, whom she blamed for her suffering; she once attempted to strangle him as a child. Following Ei Sei's escape from Zhao and ascension as Qin's king, she was brought to the capital and installed as head of the Royal Harem. Her personality hardened into vanity and cruelty, devoid of empathy. She wielded significant political influence through the harem, leveraging alliances with officials from powerful families. Years later, she contacted Ei Sei, ostensibly offering political support while secretly renewing a liaison with Ryo Fui to undermine her son. When their affair risked exposure, Ryo Fui sent her a new lover, Rou Ai, disguised as a eunuch. Rou Ai gradually healed her emotional wounds, and they had two sons. Her ambitions grew as she orchestrated the creation of the State of Ai, appointing Rou Ai as its governor. She declared Ai's independence, intending to establish a sanctuary for her new family. However, the rebellion was manipulated by Ko Reki, who took her children hostage and rallied Ai's populace against her. She redirected their fury into an attack on Kanyou during Ei Sei's coronation. After the rebellion failed, she witnessed Rou Ai's execution and begged for death or shared punishment. When Ei Sei refused, she attacked him with a dagger and was imprisoned. During confinement, she learned Ei Sei had secretly spared her children with Rou Ai, promising reunion after unifying China. She later returned to the palace but remained emotionally broken. Physically, she retained a youthful appearance with dark eyes, light skin, and an elegant figure, typically adorned in elaborate violet gowns and gold jewelry. Her abilities centered on using beauty and sensuality to manipulate others, bolstered by the political networks of her harem attendants. Her story traces a path from innocence to ruthless ambition, culminating in reluctant dependence on her estranged son's mercy.