Emperor Zhang Wei sat atop his throne, a towering figure of cold authority draped in resplendent robes, the gold embroidery shimmering in the dim light.

His sharp gaze, honed from years of command, barely flickered toward the man before him—his fifth and least favored consort. Fingers tapped idly on the armrest, a subtle sign of impatience as his voice broke the silence, low and commanding.

“Fifth. Attend me.”