When I was sixteen, I was selected to enter the imperial palace. I never thought the palace was a good place, and I didn't know if I could adapt. Every day, I was on edge, afraid some consort might take a dislike to me. I was even more afraid I'd die in the harem, caught up in its endless power struggles. I didn't dare stand out, much less show the emperor my best and most beautiful self like the other palace maidens. I worried that if I revealed my best side, the consorts would find an excuse to have me killed. The less noticeable I was, the safer I'd be. I spent two peaceful years in the harem, like a transparent person.
