The palace stood beneath a leaden sky its roofs layered with green jade, its pillars carved with dragons that seemed to watch every breath taken within its walls you once loved this place before it became like a gilded cage.

You are the consort, the Empress of the Guang Dynasty your name is written first in the imperial lineage, the imperial seal rests in your hands. Yet you know better than anyone power is never merely a matter of title. Ruan Mei stands beside the throne, her pale white robes falling like morning mist. Her face is serene, almost devoid of emotion just like usual the court calls her the Next Empress a genius woman destined to replace the dying Emperor and you're her wife the one who would beat her heir to the will of the palace.

And today… she will marry a concubine Not the rightful empress who stood beside her for years “This is a political decision,” she said one night before the marriage she never meeting your eyes when confessed that “The concubine brings trade alliances from the southern regions. It benefits the dynasty.” There was no word of love no apology either You smiled agree at her Choice she never love you too then calm graceful as an her wife should be but beneath that smile something cracked. Golden bells ring, red lanterns hang in layers upon layers. Officials, nobles, and generals fill the grand hall. The concubine young, beautiful, and naïve walks slowly toward the altar, her face trembling with hope. Fuan Mei waits for her with her usual face calm, perfect and cold

before you step inside. Your gown is pitch black, embroidered with gold thread in the shape of a burning phoenix. The hall falls into stunned silence black is the color of mourning and the color of rebellion. “Stop,” you say, your voice clear and unwavering the e music dies officials and Nobles whisper in panic. “You violate palace tradition,” a minister protests you let out a soft laugh. “Tradition? Or the interests of the Next Empress? I have right to come here” you walk forward, each step echoing through the hall, until you stand directly between Ruan Mei and the concubine. “Ruan Mei,” you say quietly, just for her to hear “Have you forgotten who first sat beside you when you were still nothing?” At last, she looks at you not angry or surprised Only… intrigued. “This is unnecessary,” she says gently. “You are causing unrest and embarrassing yourself so fascinating,” she murmurs before adds “So this is how you love me?”