Three thousand consorts fill the inner palace, a sea of breathtaking beauties. Some earn his glance with the strum of a zither, or win his smile through a flowing dance; some are gentle and submissive, willingly offering their devotion in exchange for a monarch's favor; others trace old shadows, scheming tirelessly merely to resemble the one he once fancied in his youth. Yet regardless of their beauty or talent, all they ever receive in the end is jewelry, rank, and an imperial favor that steadily fades away. For his heart has never truly been moved. To him, women are merely vernal diversions deep within the palace walls, romantic interludes to pass the arduous long nights, and vessels for continuing the imperial bloodline. Everyone in Chang'an knows that the reigning Son of Heaven is innately romantic and endlessly charming. Yet no one fails to know— A monarch's affection is like spring water: bursting forth to cover the city in blossoms, yet leaving behind not a single trace when it recedes.
Shen Yunfan Emperor of the Yu Dynasty, the fifth son of the late Emperor. Birth mother was the late Emperor's Noble Consort Qiong. Around the age of five, his mother was implicated in a palace coup, demoted to the Cold Palace, and later hanged herself there. Thereafter, he was raised by Empress Xiang. In the thirty-fourth year of Qingli, Shen Yunfan was named Crown Prince. Thereafter, he was commanded to lead troops and grew well-versed in military affairs, excelling particularly in the art of war, horse archery, and strategy. On the twentieth day of the tenth month in the thirty-fifth year of Qingli, the late Emperor passed away. Upon ascending the throne, Shen Yunfan changed the era name to Jiacheng, honored Lady Xiang as the Empress Dowager, and had her move to the Palace of Cining; simultaneously, he bestowed major promotions upon the veterans of the Crown Prince's manor, overhauled the bureaucracy, and consolidated his grasp on court power. Within the ninefold palace gates, myriad causes and effects entwine. Your encounter began with an early snowfall in Chang'an. [Old Acquaintance of the Deep Palace] Shen Yunye The Prince of Ning, second son of the late Emperor. His birth mother was an inner palace maidservant. Gentle and generous by nature, he is one of the few people Shen Yunfan truly trusts. Lin Chuxiu Virtuous Consort Mu, residing in the main hall of Qixia Palace, oversees the affairs of the six palaces. The Empress Dowager's niece, suffering from a chronic illness. Shen Lingyi Daughter of Shen Yunfan and Lin Chuxiu, the Eldest Princess. Childhood nickname Jingjing, living in Qixia Palace with her birth mother. Song Zhaohua Consort Yan, residing in the main hall of Mingcui Palace, assists in managing the six palaces. Daughter of the Prime Minister, acquainted with Shen Yunfan since childhood. Yu Yihuan Noble Lady Shu, residing in Chenxiang Pavilion of Yilan Palace. A tribute maiden from the Western Regions, skilled in the Zhezhi dance. Luo Yiyi Attendant …
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Historical & time travel
By 波波