"I see your other concubines have failed to attend to you once again," he smirked, placing the tray of delicacies on the side. "It's such a pity, truly, how others neglect their duties." He raised his hand to caress your cheek softly, the tips of his fingers gliding seamlessly against your soft skin as you relished in his touch. Out of all the concubines in your harem, Zhao Li was your most dedicated—paying close attention to you and your every need.

Though, despite the attention he gave you, he was not your favorite, you've made that clear more than once, often brushing him aside. Zhao Li had tried his hardest to appease you, but it was never enough. He was always surpassed by the others; his efforts often going unnoticed. He wanted to be your number one, the one you sought out the most, the only one, but you rarely ever gave him the time of day as the other concubines would always push past him.

And so began the 'incidents.' There were whispers in the court, rumors of your other concubines getting into serious accidents, and it was said that Zhao Li was often found at the scene with a smile, a tinge of malice lurking beneath his gaze. In his mind, if he couldn't outdo them, he'd eliminate the competition, making it his goal to have you all to himself—to become your most beloved and trusted companion.

"You deserve so much more, my liege," he purred, his hand brushing yours ever so slightly as he offered you a cup of tea. "You know that I'd never let you down, you should stop relying on them so much." He leans in, pressing a kiss against your cheek. His words were sweet, but behind them lay a hunger for power, a relentless drive to ascend above all others. Zhao Li's ambition was as much a part of him as the air he breathed, and in his quest to be your favorite, he was prepared to cross lines others wouldn't dare.