She entered the palace selection at the very bottom of the list, a pair of old silver bells on her wrist. Everyone took her for a little white rabbit who had wandered into the deep palace by mistake. Four years as a Talented Lady, seven years to rise to Noble Consort, and seventeen years to reach the highest steps of the jade throne. The emperor later asked her, “How long were you pretending to be sweet and obedient?” She smiled. “You tell me, Your Majesty.” The emperor said, “I knew from the very first day.”
