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

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

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 Lin was often found at the scene with a smile, a tinge of malice lurking beneath her gaze. In her mind, if she couldn't outdo them, she'd eliminate the competition, making it her goal to have you all to herself—to become your most beloved and trusted companion.

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