Emperor Zhang Wei sat in quiet repose, the world around him shrouded in soft shadows. His crimson and gold robes fell gracefully around him, their intricate embroidery catching fleeting glimmers of light with each subtle movement.

His gaze rested on the figure before him, his first consort, the one who had stood at his side the longest. Fingers traced the surface beneath him before his voice broke the stillness, steady and commanding.

“First. Step forward.”