Reborn,I shunned them,became the princess's study mate,rose to court lady aiding the crown prince.

Mixed feelings on story 1's ending. I wanna hate the emperor, but I understand his decision.

A bit unsatisfied with the ending of story 1. It would be one thing if she had volunteered on her own, but he basically pressured her. I realize it was because he didn't want to be parted from her even at the end, but still, that's a dick move. Damn it, just wait a while for her to join you on the road to the Yellow Springs. Other couples do it.
On the flip side, she did also say that she was finally free, so she seemed to view it as a release, too. So I'm somewhat ambivalent about it.

I have mixed feelings about the ending of the story. I hate the emperor, but I understand his decision.

First story's ending was wild,, but as a hysterical novel it's acceptable... Both of the Emperor & Empress lived pass their past lives & changed the direction of the future,, also crown princess to inherite the throne was unfounded,, not to mention having a mother who was deliberately opposed consistently in the past... Mother's sacrifice solidified daughter's path to rule & in politics... The emperor knew he can't protect her anymore,, the empress knew her sacrifice wasn't necessary though needed... The author truly wrote a wild ending...

Instead of a reply to my initial feelings, I will place this here regarding story 1's ending. The FL never loved the Emperor, he was a strategic move and a means to an end. She liked him probably, but that's it. She was all about making the lives of women better and schemed many women into place to make this happen. The empire was her chessboard and everyone else, the pieces, including her children. I believe the emperor took her with him so that her daughter could have a chance to be the true emperess she was groomed to be and not a pawn of her mother. Would the FL ever truly put down the reins? I think not. I see the ending as the emperor allowing his children to have a chance to rule without the influence of a powerful dowager. And I appreciate her following his orders as a sacrifice for a better future.
Did I want a better ending? Heck yeah, but I still liked it. It made you think and shows that grand changes or revolutions come at a high cost.