It rejects the idea that a "pretty villainess" can simply smile her way out of the consequences of murder and tyranny. The Impact on the Genre
View a detailed breakdown of all choices and achievements on the Road to Empress Steam Community Guide atrocious empress bad end final sexecute work
A genuinely loving spouse/consort who adores her. She uses him as a footstool—metaphorically or literally. She mocks his kindness, tests his loyalty with cruelties, and eventually discards or executes him when he finally shows a flicker of resentment. It rejects the idea that a "pretty villainess"
The execution of the Empress marked the end of an era of terror and the beginning of a new chapter in the empire's history. The young general, who had led the coup against her, was hailed as a hero and went on to become one of the most revered leaders in the empire's history. She mocks his kindness, tests his loyalty with
The atrocities committed during Wu Zetian's reign are too numerous to count. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people were killed or executed under her rule, including nobles, officials, and ordinary citizens. Her cruelty knew no bounds, with reports of people being buried alive, boiled alive, or fed to wild animals.