By etymological definition, qipao generally refers to the long robes worn by Manchu people—regardless of gender—but only the long robes regularly worn by women of the Eight Banners have a direct lineage to the qipao as it is known in later times. Robes used for formal occasions, such as court robes and dragon-embroidered robes, are traditionally not considered part of the qipao category. During the Qing dynasty, women's fashion was a blend of Han and Manchu styles. In the early Qing, Manchu women predominantly wore long robes, while Han women still favored the traditional upper-body and lower-skirt ensemble. By the mid-Qing period, both Han and Manchu women began to emulate each other's styles. By the late Qing, the Manchu influence on Han fashion grew increasingly strong, to the point where it was said, "Half the Manchu attire had been transformed into Han styles, and court robes were being shortened into everyday garments." At the same time, Han women began to adopt Manchu-style clothing, especially among the noble and affluent women. Qin Shi Huang was immediately struck by Zhang Yuping's qipao, so enthusiastic that he could hardly contain his excitement. Yet, Zhang Yuping Yet, Qin Shi Huang hesitated. Zhang Yuping, seeing Qin Shi Huang unwilling to drink, immediately said to him, "Your Majesty! The wine I have offered you—I myself will not drink it either! Then, I shall drink it right before your eyes!" Saying this, she took a long, steady sip and finished it off. Then, turning to Qin Shi Huang, she said, "Your Majesty, this wine is truly delicious!" As she spoke, her body began to sway slightly. Only then did Qin Shi Huang feel confident that the wine was safe and finally relax. Taking advantage of Qin Shi Huang's attention, Zhang Yuping gently shook the wine pitcher a few times, poured a full cup, and said softly, "Your Majesty, please drink quickly! If you don't, I shall no longer pay any attention to you!" Watching Zhang Yuping's alluring grace, Qin Shi Huang found himself daydreaming. Oh, Li Fei! Tonight, I shall truly honor you! Hah! He immediately took a deep gulp and finished the cup. But just as he drank, he felt his body grow weak and limp—no strength left to even reach toward Zhang Yuping. Soon, Qin Shi Huang collapsed onto the soft sofa. At that moment, Zhang Yупing immediately pulled out the jade seal from Qin Shi Huang's coat pocket and placed it into her own coat pocket. Zhang Yупing intended to take the seal to the Herbs and Medicine Room to find Gao Liang. However, as soon as she stepped out of the Jade Palace, two Qin soldiers expressed suspicion and questioned where she was going. Zhang Yупing thought quickly and replied, "The Emperor has ordered me to go to the dining hall to prepare a court-style lotus milk porridge!" She then waved a golden badge belonging to Li Fei in front of the two soldiers, instantly dispelling their doubts. Zhang Yупing reached the Herbs and Medicine Room swiftly. The sky had grown somewhat dark. When she entered, she did not see Gao Liang, but instead observed six herbalists standing before a large furnace, engaged in refining something. These six herbalists were very tired, each one dozing off. Zhang Yупing passed by them and continued walking inward. The dan-sha room turned out to be quite spacious, filled with various ingredients for alchemy and an array of incense furnaces. As soon as she stepped inside, she was overwhelmed by a rich blend of fragrances. Zhang Yuping covered her nose and walked deeper in. A small mouse leaped past her feet, causing her to gasp in surprise. Then, a snake blocked her path, making her face pale. She dared not take another step. "Wife! I know you've arrived! Go ahead! Move forward! Don't look back! Don't look back!" A familiar voice reached her ears. Zhang Yuping was thrilled—her husband was truly here! She felt so happy! She was determined not to become the beautiful Lady Li of Qin Shi Huang; she only wanted to stay with her husband, never to part from him again. With renewed courage, she clenched her teeth and stepped over the snake. To her surprise, the snake, seeing her boldness, retreated in fear. "Husband! Where are you? I'm so afraid! Come out, please! I've brought all the things we need!" Zhang Yuping lifted the jade seal with both hands. Yet, she noticed a fierce werewolf before her, pawing and lunging at her, making her extremely afraid. "Don't be afraid, my dear! Don't look back! Keep moving forward bravely!" The familiar voice continued to reach her ears. Immediately, she felt a sense of warmth. It was her husband's voice—proof that he was nearby. Her husband had once said, "As long as my husband is here, safety is guaranteed!" Indeed, these days, she had missed him so much! Zhang Yuping stepped forward with unwavering courage, neither intimidated by the terrifying werewolf nor surprised that, upon seeing her boldness, the werewolf let out a loud roar and then vanished. As the werewolf disappeared, Zhang Yuping's vision cleared. "Wow! Where exactly is this? Where am I? How did I end up here?" Zhang Yuping felt as though she had entered a completely sacred place—this one was resplendent and majestic, even more imposing than the Great Hall of the Qin Dynasty. The Pearl Gate, the jade walls, and everywhere, pearls, precious stones, shimmering with brilliance. Zhang Yuping continued ascending the white marble steps, flanked by warriors clad in armor. She truly walked forward boldly, as High Light had instructed, never looking back. The light grew stronger, transforming darkness into light. She stepped out onto a celestial avenue. "Enter the Hall of the Lì Consort of the Qin Dynasty!" a ceremonial official cried from within the temple. Yet Zhang Yuping replied, "No! I am not the Lì Consort! If I were, I would surely be the consort of a man of exceptional merit!" "Excellent!" a familiar voice resonated in her ears. Zhang Yuping wore a qipao, perfectly elegant, with a vibrant, fiery lotus pattern blooming in full splendor. The qipao's open side revealed her long,洁白 legs, exuding noble grace, refined elegance, and pristine purity. What a beautiful woman dressed in a lotus qipao! Soon, Zhang Yuping presented the Imperial Jade Seal to the sovereign seated majestically upon the throne. Gao Liang had already ascended to godhood—he was the true guardian deity, the Supreme Heavenly God, and a martial king who had mastered all three realms. Sitting in the Golden Hall, he radiated vigor, brilliance, and commanding presence, far more refined and charismatic than Qin Shi Huang. Although Zhang Yuping had served as a beautiful lady-in-waiting in the Qin palace for a week, she found that while Qin Shi Huang possessed an imposing, sovereign authority, his core nature was cold, ruthless, and deeply suspicious. In contrast, Gao Liang, this outstanding man, allowed her to be freely herself—relinquishing her regal dignity and embracing her more intimate, feminine side. A gentleman is open-hearted and undaunted; a commoner is often anxious and troubled. Gao Liang, ever noble and brilliant, has always been open and sincere before her—never pressing any beautiful woman, not even himself, who always acts in accordance with his own wishes. His unwavering consistency is something Zhang Yупing deeply admires. True love does not lie in possessing someone's body, but in that deep, heartfelt care. Even the encouragement Gao Liang offered her on the way to the temple was a form of love. With deep reverence, Zhang Yупing knelt before the sanctuary, held the Imperial Jade Seal in both hands, and addressed the king seated on the throne: "Your Majesty! The Jade Seal you requested, I have brought. Please take a look."