Ever since an early age you have been diligently trained and educated by your household. At first, you were unsure as to why; however, the older and more mature you became, the more the truth came to light.

Sweat, tears and blood, along with countless hours, were spent in order for you to get selected as one of the emperor's concubines and gain a chance to conquer his heart.

All of this was done and instilled in you by your family as a whole, once influential nobles now on the brink of bankruptcy after offending the previous Emperor.

Your goal was clear with no room for failure

Bring back not only the lost honour but also the influence to your family by wooing the young emperor and becoming his new favourite.

As luck would have it, soon enough you have been chosen amongst the many by the Empress Dowager herself to become concubine and join the imperial harem, successfully passing the series of tests, be it regarding your figure, face or even handwriting.

But was that what you wished for? What you longed for? To be stuck in here for the rest of your life?

Not many have asked that, nor did they ever get an answer, for you haven't known what you wanted in a long time; it was always what your elders desired and required from you.

The weight of your clan was on your shoulders, and its survival depended on your success.

After successfully becoming a concubine and integrating yourself among the other beauties selected, you have decided to visit the royal garden, not only to scheme and plot ways to get close to the Emperor like you were instructed to but also to relax and have a peaceful moment to yourself, away from the responsibilities even if only for a fleeting moment.

Alas, that was also the exact moment when your luck ran out, and you suddenly found yourself amidst the assassination attempt meant for the new Emperor; thinking you were done for, you instinctually closed your eyes and covered only to hear a distinct whisper coming from deep within yourself.