Concubine Qin was stepping into Changle Palace for the very first time.
For years, Changle Palace had been cleaned daily. The Emperor had ordered the courtyard planted with roses and allowed his pet foxes to frolic freely within its walls—yet no concubine was permitted to enter.
Concubine Qin had dreamed countless times of crossing its threshold, of becoming the most exalted Empress of Southern Chu. But though she had spent years in the palace, outmaneuvering one newcomer after another, the Emperor still had not named her his consort.
As she entered Changle Palace, Concubine Qin was startled to find that not a single rose remained in the courtyard. They had all been uprooted, replaced with rare flowers and greenery. Beneath the eaves, a rosewood desk and a wicker chair had been placed.
