RtE II FAQ

Road to Empress II Questions

What is the prologue’s critical choice?

The RtE II prologue is the game’s biggest fork in the road. Choosing “Leave this place, start a new life” enters the Side Story (Liu Xi route). Choosing “Return to the palace, ascend to supreme power” enters the Main Story (Li Zhi route). Once chosen, you cannot switch — this decision is irreversible.

How do I reach the Li Zhi route’s perfect ending?

The perfect ending requires all of the following:

1. Correctly enter the Li Zhi route in the prologue
2. At episode 19, choose “Li Zhi’s Heart” (the pure romance path)
3. Never ally with Consort Xiao or Consort Liu
4. Maintain neutral-to-friendly relations with Empress Wang
5. In the heir storyline, choose to support Li Zhong and drive a wedge between the Liu faction
6. In all Li Zhi dialogues, choose options that increase affection, tenderness, and restraint
7. Ensure Strategy, Resilience, and Decisiveness attributes all reach 80+
8. Max Li Zhi’s intimacy to 99

How do I enter the Side Story?

In the prologue, choose “Leave this place, start a new life.” Then seize the hairpin from Liu Xi and eliminate her (QTE must be passed). After Liu Xi’s death, any choice leads into Chapter 17 “Ganye Temple: No Escape 1.”

What determines the Side Story branching paths?

The key branch point is “What to Leave Behind” — choosing the amulet, Sun-Moon hairpin, or Flying Kite leads to three different well-side scenes. When pawning items later, the Peony Hairpin leads to a Bad Ending, while the Sun-Moon Hairpin and Flying Kite allow progression.

What is Court Mode?

RtE II introduces Court Mode in the Ch25–30 range, where you review memorials and make rulings on court matters. This system is essential for the “Ready to Rule” and “The Throne Has Spoken” achievements.

What is the Ch25 automatic split?

Chapter 25 of the Main Story contains an automatic narrative split whose trigger condition has not yet been determined by the community. The walkthrough author on showgamer.com has called for players to share their findings in the comments. This remains an unsolved mystery.

Where do I find the RtE II starting bonus?

Check the main menu mailbox before starting. There is a 5,000 gold coin gift waiting.