The acclaimed Chinese historical drama The Rise of Phoenixes concludes with a deeply tragic and pivotal event: the suicide of the protagonist, Feng Zhi Wei. This sorrowful end encapsulates the profound sacrifices and ultimate despair she experiences amidst the treacherous imperial court.
The Climactic Final Moments
The series builds to a poignant climax where Zhi Wei's personal agency is severely constrained by political machinations and heartbreaking betrayals. Her final decision to take her own life is a culmination of various events, including:
- A Critical Injury: Leading up to her death, Zhi Wei is shot in the leg with a crossbow bolt by Ning Yi. This act, delivered by a significant figure in her life, adds a sharp personal sting to her final moments of despair and contributes to her ultimate choice.
- Political Pressure and Betrayal: The backdrop to Zhi Wei's demise is a web of complex imperial politics. The emperor, driven by strategic considerations, agrees to a political marriage between Zhi Wei and Helian Zheng. This decision is motivated by a concept known as "Altar Diplomacy," highlighting the brutal realities of power and alliances that strip Zhi Wei of her freedom and future.
- A Desperate Act: Ultimately, Feng Zhi Wei's suicide represents her final, desperate act to reclaim control over her own destiny, or to escape a fate worse than death in a world that has continuously demanded everything from her.
Key Characters and Their Roles in the Ending
The ending involves the fateful interactions of several main characters, bringing their intertwined destinies to a sorrowful close.
| Character | Final Action / Significant Role |
|---|---|
| Feng Zhi Wei | Commits suicide, choosing her own tragic end over a life dictated by political forces and personal anguish. |
| Ning Yi | Shoots Zhi Wei in the leg with a crossbow bolt, a painful act that contributes to her despair and the finality of her decision. |
| The Emperor | Agrees to the political marriage between Zhi Wei and Helian Zheng due to "Altar Diplomacy," sealing Zhi Wei's tragic fate within the imperial system. |
| Helian Zheng | Is the intended groom in the politically arranged marriage, a union that Zhi Wei ultimately avoids through her sacrifice. |
The finale of The Rise of Phoenixes leaves a lasting impression, underscoring the severe costs of ambition, love, and survival within a ruthless imperial setting. It serves as a powerful commentary on the sacrifices made for power and peace.
