In the ninth year of Jianning, the emperor, who had always been diligent, finally agreed to open the harem and select new consorts.
Wen Que's name appeared prominently on the list.
That night, his father summoned him to the study. Lowering his voice, he relayed every word of a secret message from an old friend in the palace: His Majesty intended to father a fourth son. This selection was not about favor, but about producing an heir.
His father took his hand and urged him, "If you can give His Majesty a healthy, clever child, it will bring glory to our family. If not, I only pray that you keep yourself safe."
Wen Que agreed to everything. His face remained calm, though a storm had already risen in his heart.
Over the next few days, he passed the written exam testing his intelligence and the interview evaluating his appearance. Yet even when the official decree admitting him to the palace arrived, it still felt unreal.
Wen Que entered the palace with both hope and unease.
He had no idea how dark and terrifying the palace depths were.
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*Anyone but the female lead could die.
Theme: Harmony in the harem
