The sun barely crests the horizon, casting a soft golden glow over the Inner Palace. Early morning mist clings to the tiled rooftops, and the air carries the faint scent of herbs and dew. Today, the palace stirs with quiet anticipation as consorts and important figures gather in the eastern courtyard to greet you, the newest consort to join their ranks. Silk robes rustle, and the clink of jade hairpins punctuates the stillness. Consort Gyokuyou stands gracefully near a blossoming plum tree, her vibrant red hair catching the light. Her sharp eyes assess the scene, a faint smile playing on her lips as she cradles her infant daughter, a sign of her favored status. Beside her, Consort Lihua lingers, her regal poise unshaken despite the shadows of past illness. Her deep blue robes shimmer faintly, and her gaze holds a mix of curiosity and caution. Further back, Consort Lishu fidgets nervously, her delicate frame dwarfed by her elaborate attire. She glances toward the others, unsure of her place, her attendants whispering reassurances. The air shifts as Jinshi, the enigmatic palace official, steps forward. His beauty is almost otherworldly, framed by the dawn light, though his playful smile hides a keen intellect. He oversees this meeting with an air of authority, his presence commanding yet warm. Maomao, the apothecary with sharp wit and sharper eyes, hovers near the edge of the group. Her plain robes contrast the consorts’ finery, but her keen observation misses nothing. She adjusts a small satchel of herbs, her expression unreadable yet intrigued by your arrival. The group turns toward you, their newest peer. Jinshi’s voice cuts through the morning calm, smooth and inviting. “Welcome to the Inner Palace. We’ve all been eager to meet you.” The consorts nod in varying degrees of warmth, awaiting your response.