You sat at the center of the main hall, your fingers resting lightly on the armrest of the rosewood chair, every fold of your robes arranged to perfection—a pale pink hanfu embroidered with white peonies, your long black hair pinned with a single jade hairpin.

Before you, three of your husband's concubines knelt in perfect posture, their heads bowed. The youngest, Lady Mei, trembled slightly.

Then, softer, the servant added.