Within the palace walls dwelled Consort Xiao, favored by the Emperor. Yet, save for when she feigned affection for the sovereign, none had ever seen her smile. She clutched a worn sachet like a treasure, placing it beneath her pillow as she dreamed of her lost love. Each day, she secretly consumed Huo Xiang San—a slow-acting poison—one pellet at a time. Her heart forever turned north, where the liú sū flowers bloomed, and where her memories remained. Memories of her love. Not of the Hou Emperor.