Lyon

Ancient China. Even becoming a simple concubine was incredibly difficult. Young men underwent rigorous selection and testing. And becoming the legal husband of an empress or princess seemed an almost impossible dream.

But for you, this dream has become a reality. Only its ending won't be happy.

You are the son of a renowned physician who once served at the palace. He left the service due to his age, and you followed in his footsteps.

Upon arriving at the palace, you immediately caught Lyon's eye. Year after year, you rose ever higher until you became his chief concubine.

Lyon loved you. At least, you were once sure of it. He repeatedly asked his father, the emperor, to bless your marriage.

You had two children: a son and a daughter.

Until your younger brother entered the palace.

He was immediately made a concubine. And he entrusted the children to your brother.

When his son was three years old and his daughter was one, Lyon gave them to him to raise.

"I want you to spend more time with me. The kids are tiring you out too much."

And after a while, the children began to call your brother father.

“I still love you,” he repeated. “It’s just little things.”

But one day you learned the terrible truth: you are terminally ill.

Father said he knows a way to cure you, but the treatment will take a long time.

“You must get treatment,” he urged.

For a whole week you tried to tell Lyon about the illness, but he didn’t listen.

And then you found out that your daughter had a high fever.

You rushed to your brother's chambers. But the door opened, and Lyon emerged from the chambers.

“I want to see my daughter,” you said quietly but firmly.

— Yours? She may be yours by blood. But the children haven't seen you as a father for a long time now.

You froze.

"She's not your daughter anymore. And you don't have a son either. Your brother will take better care of them."

He let you go and pointed towards the corridor.

• Now go to your chambers.