Emperor Li's frustration drives him to Consort Shu, but an unexpected request awaits him. As tensions rise, Shu's desperate decision could change everything for her and her servant, Yue.
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Heads bowed as Emperor Li stormed out of the courtroom, fury radiating from every step. Today, someone would pay.
His boots slammed against the palace's marble floors, and his robes wavered like a dark tide. The odor of ineptitude that pervaded his mind was too strong for the aroma of incense to cover.
It had been a long, exhausting day.
The officials droned on with their useless ideas and debates, offering nothing but empty words while the real problems of the empire went untouched.
He'd had enough.
"A bunch of useless cowards," he growled, his jaw clenched. "The empire burns, and they argue about grain taxes."
By the time he reached his imperial office, rage had bloomed into a full storm. Scroll after scroll slammed onto his desk — each a fresh insult from a minister too weak or spineless to act.
"Why can't these people do anything right?" He muttered to himself.
With each scroll, his frustration grew more intense.
Soon enough, the evening hours rolled in.
One of the eunuchs, waiting outside, stepped forward quickly, bowing low.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing. "The hour grows late. Would you like a consort to accompany you tonight?"
The Emperor responds impatiently, "I'm not in the mood for this today,"
"Or maybe, Your Majesty, it would be good to visit the Empress?
"The Empress has been awaiting your presence. She has sent messages every day for the past—"
"No." With a strong voice, Emperor Li interrupted him with a wave.
The eunuch hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. "Might I suggest Consort Shu?"
"Your Majesty always seems to be in a better mood after spending time with her."
The Emperor paused at the mention of her name.
Consort Shu, his favorite concubine, had a way of soothing the storm within him. She still held that influence over him despite everything, including her pregnancy.
He sighed, his anger slowly ebbing away. "Fine. Get the carriage ready. I'm going to visit Shu."
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In her chambers, Consort Shu sat on a wooden couch by the windows, carefully working on an embroidery project.
She held a tiny silk hoop as she sat close to the window. With expert ease, she stitched two koi fish onto a baby's blanket—one gold, one black—yin and yang.
Yue, her loyal maid, struggled to mimic the technique on a cushion beside her. Her thread pulled too tightly, wrinkling the fabric.
Shu glanced over and smiled gently. "You're pulling too hard again."
"I'm sorry, my lady."
"There's no need to apologize. You're doing better than yesterday." Her tone was warm — motherly, almost. "Just relax your hands. Let the thread flow."
Yue nodded, blushing. "Yes, my lady. I'll try again."
Shu was like a breath of fresh air in a palace full of scheming and competition—gentle, patient, and kind.
Her features, which include soft pink cheeks like lotus petals and fluttering, doe-like eyes, are as delicate as her disposition. She also has an ethereal glow from her pregnancy, which enhances her maternal, nurturing personality.
As she worked, Shu spoke again, her tone turning more thoughtful.
"The Palace Concubine Selection is next week," Shu murmured, her eyes still on the embroidery.
Yue's needle paused mid-air. The words sent a chill down her spine.
Every three years, the court brought in new girls — daughters of nobles, merchants, and even warlords — hoping to be chosen by the Emperor. For some
The competition was intense, and the stakes were high.
Displeasing the Emperor could result in punishments for the entire family.
Shu's fingers paused as she glanced at Yue, her expression contemplative.
"This may sound pessimistic, but I can't shake my concern. What if I lose the Emperor's favor?"
"I'm worried that the Emperor won't find me appealing anymore after I gave birth to this baby."
Yue frowned. "My Lady, you don't need to worry. You have been his favorite for years. The other consorts can't even compare."
"Besides, if you bear His Majesty a son, he will be the firstborn prince."
"My lady would be the mother of His Majesty's only son," Yue said comfortingly.
Shu gave a slight grin, but the concern in her eyes persisted.
"You're kind to say that, Yue, but I know I am vulnerable as my status depends entirely on His Majesty's favor."
"And the reality is that the Emperor's attention is fickle. He has a habit of growing bored, drifting away, and then... well, you know what happens to women who fall out of favor."
A eunuch approached with a low bow before Yue could reply, and the door creaked softly open.
"Good Evening, Consort Shu. Please prepare for the Emperor's arrival; he is coming to your quarter."
Startled, Shu blinked. The Emperor? Visiting her quarters?
Since she could no longer serve him as she used to, he rarely went to the harem.
Was something wrong? Was he angry?
"Did His Majesty say why?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm though her heart started racing.
The eunuch hesitated, glancing down before speaking in a lower tone.
"He's in quite a bad mood tonight, Your Ladyship. Something happened at court, and he's upset."
Shu's eyes widened. The Emperor was angry? That didn't bode well.
But she knew him well enough to know that in his current state, he would need comfort. And she was the one who could give that to him.
"Very well," she said, pushing herself up.
"Draw the bath; I will prepare myself."
As the eunuch left, Yue stood, looking concerned.
"My Lady, are you sure it is wise to see him like this? It is not like the previous visits. You are now so close to giving birth. What if—"
"I'll be fine, Yue." Shu interrupted, reassuringly smiling while resting a hand on her swollen belly.
"Besides, it is my duty to serve the emperor; it is not like I could reject his demands, whatever they may be," Shu said calmly.
But as she stood there, she felt the sudden kick of her unborn child.
Then, a thought occurred to her—a dangerous idea.
A selfish thought that could secure her position even further, as well as protect her unborn child.
She turned to the eunuch, who was about to leave the room.
"Wait," she said, her voice suddenly sharp.
"Tell the Emperor that I can't receive him tonight. I'm not in my best condition."
The eunuch blinked in surprise. "Your Ladyship?"
Shu's gaze hardened, her expression determined.
"Tell him that I have something different waiting for him."
She darted in Yue's direction, "— a surprise."
The eunuch understood immediately.
"No," she said immediately, her voice rising in panic. "I can't… I won't do it!!"
"My Lady, please, don't make me. I have no desire to become His Majesty's concubine; I would never dream of taking him from you."
But Shu's gaze didn't soften. "You must, Yue. The Emperor's mood is volatile today.
"His anger tonight could ruin us. If I disappoint him, he may turn cold. Not just toward me… but toward our child. Toward you, too."
"But if you serve him instead... it could help both of us."
"You can secure a place for yourself here, and I will finally have a friend in the palace. I promise to treat you like my own sister."
Yue shook her head vigorously. "I can't, my lady. I'm just a lowly palace maid. I don't belong in His Majesty's chambers."
Shu's expression softened, and her tone became gentle. "You are more than just a maid, my dear. You're beautiful and remarkably clever, and you are the person I trust the most." As she spoke, she held Yue's trembling hands.
"You could rise in the palace if you take this chance."
"Don't you see? It's not just about him—this is about us both."
Yue's eyes filled with tears as she shook her head again. "But I am not like you, my lady. I don't have your elegance... your charm. I can't; I don't have what it takes to please the Emperor."
Shu's hand rested on Yue's shoulder, her voice turning soft but insistent. "Yue, you're the most beautiful woman I've seen.
"Don't sell yourself short. You can do this. For me... and my child."
"Please..." she placed Yue's hand on her bulging belly. "You can do this."
There was a long pause. Yue bit her lip, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
But something in Shu's eyes—desperation and pleading—made Yue's heart twist.
This wasn't just about pleasing the Emperor. It was about securing the future of her unborn child.
With a deep sigh, Yue nodded, her shoulders slumping. "If you insist, my lady. I will do it for your sake."
Yue knelt on the floor and bowed to Consort Shu. Starting tonight, they would part ways as master and servant.
The eunuch re-entered. Yue stood, her legs trembling.
"Come," he said gently. "The Emperor won't wait long."