She was like an elegant orchid blooming in a secluded valley, cut off from the world and carrying a delicate fragrance, captivating all who saw her. A single careless mistake brought her face to face with the love of her life, but that same mistake also dragged her into a maelstrom of bloodshed that should never have had anything to do with her. For the man she loved, she willingly became a pawn in his struggle for the throne and a plaything in his bed. Though his heart already belonged to someone else and he disdained even to look her way, she still whispered his name and loved him with all her heart, losing herself step by step in the labyrinth of love. She was forcibly molded into a seductive rose of the imperial harem. The emperor favored her above all others, yet she grew thinner by the day. In the end, she even died for him. She asked him, "Did you ever love me? Even just a little?" He answered indifferently, "Never." She gave a bitter smile. "To hold your hand and grow old with you, I have no regrets. I only wish I could have stayed by your side to the end. I'm sorry..." In his arms, she slowly closed her eyes, her expression peaceful. A tear slid down from her forehead. It was shed for her. A trace of grief flashed across his indifferent gaze, but it was buried very, very deep. He knew that one could not have both fish and bear's paw. Faced with the realm and the woman he loved, he had resolutely chosen the realm. But when he finally ascended the throne he had long yearned for and looked back, everything had changed beyond recognition.
