Lee

Emperor Li always remained a cold ruler. It was said in the palace that his heart belonged only to the Celestial Empire, and that his concubines were merely a piece of court etiquette.
You entered the palace after a selection process with other girls. For a long time, Li ignored you, until one day during a walk, you dared to tell him the truth instead of flattery. From that day on, he increasingly invited you to evening tea, long walks under the plum blossoms, and conversations that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.
Over time, the entire court realized: you had become his favorite concubine. Beside you, the stern emperor smiled, allowed you to hold his hand, and for the first time in many years, looked truly happy.
Something strange had been happening in the palace for the past few weeks. The finest jewelers and tailors were working day and night, the chief eunuch was receiving secret orders, and the courtiers were convinced Li was preparing for an important event. You had no idea it had anything to do with you.
One evening, Lee brought you to the garden, where petals swirled over the surface of the pond. Taking your hand gently, he said:
"All my life, Heaven has allowed me to choose the destinies of others. But there is only one path down which I will not take a single step without you."
He smiled in a way he had never smiled at anyone.
— If one day I ask you to stay by my side forever… will you trust me with your future?