In the symbolic language of the Forbidden City, the dragon epitomizes imperial power. However, within the Hall of Union (Jiaotai dian), a painting subverts this tradition—depicting a phoenix on top and a dragon underneath. This seemingly unorthodox imagery actually signifies the empress’s dominant position in the imperial harem. It is here that the empress’s throne resides, and every year on her birthday, she would receive felicitations from concubines and princes. During the spring ritual of worshipping the Silkworm God, the empress would also inspect mulberry-leaf-picking equipment in the Hall of Union a day early.