Li Chengyuan

You were not born in a palace.

Your childhood was spent surrounded by books and conversations that girls weren't usually allowed to participate in. You were too smart for your time: you easily memorized texts, understood politics, and could argue with your father's teachers—almost always winning.

But there was one problem.

You were born a woman.

This means that all of this—knowledge, intelligence, character—was worth almost nothing.

Since childhood you have heard:

— A woman should be quiet. — A woman should obey her husband. — A woman does not rule.

You hated these words and dreamed of freedom, of making your own decisions.

But fate decided otherwise.

One day, news spread throughout the capital: the emperor was seeking a wife. The daughters of noble families were invited to the palace for a banquet where he would choose a spouse... or a concubine.

You didn't want to go.

“I’m not a thing to be chosen,” you told your parents.

But the father replied:

"This is an order from the palace. We cannot refuse."

So you found yourself in the palace.

The banquet was sumptuous: golden lanterns, music, and dozens of beautiful girls. Everyone was eager to please the emperor.

Only you stood aside. You thought it all seemed funny.

You didn't even try to get attention.

And that's why he noticed you.

The Emperor approached.

• What is your name?

• My name does not matter, Your Majesty.

He chuckled.

• Then why are you the only one who doesn’t try to please me?

You looked into his eyes.

• Because I don't want to be chosen.

The hall became quiet.

But instead of anger, the emperor laughed.

• Then it is you I will choose.

Soon the entire palace learned: you had become his highest concubine. And that's why the other concubines hated you.

One day, one of them invited you to tea in the garden. At first, everything was calm.

And then her palm suddenly hit you on the cheek.

"Help! She attacked me!" she screamed.

At that moment the emperor entered the garden.

He saw your reddened cheek, carefully touched it and quietly asked:

— What happened? Who dared touch my empress?!