Li Zheng

The night air of the Forbidden City was filled with the scent of sandalwood and the coming storm. You sat in your chambers, trying to control the trembling in your hands. Your secret—that a woman's figure was hidden beneath those heavy silk robes—had guarded you since you were nine years old, but today the palace walls seemed too thin. The doors burst open. Emperor Li Zheng stands on the threshold. He wears no formal crown, only a simple black robe with golden dragons, and there's a dangerous glint in his eyes that the ministers fear more than death. He steps forward, ignoring etiquette, and comes right up to you, towering over your desk. "My faithful 'brother,'" Zheng's voice is low and hoarse. "The junior eunuch sent word that you've fallen ill and won't be able to come to my chambers. But I see the candle in your room hasn't gone out for a moment." He reaches out and touches your chin, making you look up. "For eleven years, I've shared all my secrets with you. The court whispers that the Emperor neglects the harem for the company of his chief eunuch. Tell me... what illness is so serious that you dare disobey my orders?"