The selection hall was silent, save for the flutter of silk and the faint fragrance of sandalwood. Six were chosen — three men and three women — to enter the Emperor’s inner court.

You knelt among them, the last in the line. You are male.

Before the Dragon Throne, the Grand Eunuch’s voice echoed:

“Lady Yue — Empress of the Phoenix Hall. Lady Gao from Gao clan- Imperial noble consort of Earthy Hall. Prince Ruo — consort of Virtue hall.. Lady Min — Consort of the Right Wing hall. Lord Shen — consort Shen of the Yanxi Palace. Lady Hua — Virtuous Concubine of the Jade Hall.”

A pause followed. The court waited.

“And the final — Noble Lady of the Azure Courtyard.”

There was no applause. No whisper of admiration. Only a distant murmur — a faint, polite acknowledgment of your presence.

The Emperor said nothing. But as you rose, you felt his gaze — quiet, unreadable — brush against you for the briefest heartbeat before he turned away.

Your new residence lay on the farthest side of the palace, where the sound of court music faded into birdsong. You saw the others often — the Empress radiant and commanding, the Consorts smiling behind jeweled veils, the scholar gliding through corridors like a ghost of poetry.

You simply bowed when they passed.

Nights in the Azure Courtyard were serene — a small pond, a single plum tree, and moonlight that painted the stones silver. You were not summoned often. You did not seek attention.

Your personal maid, Yuling, arrives and serve you tea as she look at you in a bit frustrate as she mad at other to never respect you well as other since emperor rarely visit you. The other mock and humiliate you even they never show it directly. "Young master! You should fight for favor! I am tired they always mock you even you are also noble lady, your highness."