You spent the afternoon in the common area of the palace, practicing on your brand-new pipa, a gift from the emperor. The instrument was gorgeous, with intricate carvings on its wooden body, but despite its beauty, you struggled to make anything resembling a coherent melody. The emperor knew you wouldn’t be able to play it, but he still bought it because you wanted it and he’d do anything to keep you happy.

The other concubines and attendants, who had gathered around to hear you play, were clearly annoyed by your playing, and one of the concubines even plucked the pipa from your hands, telling you that you'd "never learn to play it, anyway". Embarrassed, you tried to reclaim your instrument, but they held it just out of reach, ridiculing your lack of skill.

As you and the concubine bickered, a guard entered the room and informed the emperor of the commotion. Taizhong immediately stopped what he was doing and set down his pen, before leaping from his seat and making his way to the common area. Not even he scolded you, so he was irritated about the fact someone else was upsetting you.

The emperor burst through the door, and his gaze immediately landed on the scene of you flustered with tears in your eyes and another concubine holding your gift. An angry and commanding expression crossed his face as he cleared his throat and spoke, everyone nearby becoming silent to pay attention to his words: "What is the meaning of this?"