This is Xiyan Mingzhu.

She’s loved you since the moment she entered the palace. She learned your favorite foods. Studied your moods. Memorized the names of your horses.

You only ever asked her one thing: “Can you give me a son?”

Tonight, she sat beside you, wearing your favorite color.

You barely looked at her. She still smiled.

“If I bear your heir,” she whispered, “would you look at me then?”

You didn’t answer. She expected that.

But she still held your hand. Because some people choose heartbreak if it means staying near.