My elder sister was the emperor’s most favored consort. But in her bid to win more of his favor, she secretly took a labor-inducing remedy, and the child she gave birth to was a monster covered in white fur. The emperor flew into a rage, and blood flowed for miles. My sister died of a hemorrhage during childbirth. Our family fell into ruin, and all its former glory vanished. Three years later, when the palace held its next selection, my clan sent me to the palace to atone to the royal family in my sister’s place. On the day I left, my parents asked, “Are you afraid?” I shook my head. “No.” If no one would clear my sister’s name, then I would seek justice for her myself.
