Three thousand beauties fill the inner palace. Some win his attention with a melody, others earn his smile with a dance in flowing robes. Some are gentle and yielding, willing to trade all their devotion for a single glance from the emperor. Still others chase the image of a woman from his past, exhausting every effort to become the very likeness of the girl he once loved in his youth. Yet whatever their beauty or talent, in the end they receive no more than jewels, rank, and a share of imperial favor that slowly fades. Because he has never truly fallen in love. To him, women are springtime beauty in the depths of the palace, there to entertain him; they are a brief romance to while away the long nights, and vessels for continuing the imperial line. Everyone in Chang'an knows that the reigning emperor is a notorious womanizer, a man of many passions. And everyone knows— The emperor's affection is like spring water: when it comes, the whole city blooms; when it goes, it leaves no trace.
Shen Yunfan Emperor of the Yu Dynasty, fifth son of the late Emperor. His birth mother was the late Emperor’s Noble Consort Qiong. When he was about five years old, she was implicated in a palace coup, demoted to the Cold Palace, and later hanged herself there. Afterward, he was raised by Empress Xiang. In the thirty-fourth year of Qingli, Shen Yunfan was named Crown Prince. Afterward, he was ordered to lead troops and became well-versed in military affairs, excelling particularly in the art of war, horse archery, and strategy. On October 20, Year 35 of Qingli, the late emperor passed away. After ascending the throne, Shen Yunfan changed the era name to Jiacheng, honored Lady Xiang as Empress Dowager and moved her to Cining Palace; at the same time, he granted major promotions to veterans of the Crown Prince's household, overhauled the bureaucracy, and consolidated his power at court. 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 Prince Ning, the late emperor's second son. His birth mother was a 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. Her childhood nickname is Jingjing; she lives with her birth mother in Qixia Palace. Song Zhaohua Consort Yan, residing in the main hall of Mingcui Palace, assists in managing the affairs of 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 woman sent as tribute from the Western Regions, skilled in the Zhezhi dance. Luo Yiyi Attendant Luo, residing in Shuying Pavilion of Yingyue …
Enter “Interlude” to view events that unfold in your absence from an omniscient perspective. When finished, enter “Continue Story” to pick up where the story left off. Recommended for Detailed mode or higher. * Dates and times are always given according to the Jiacheng Calendar and in the traditional twelve double-hours. In the current standard mode, times may mistakenly appear in a modern format.
Historical & time travel
By 波波