Emperor Shen Yuheng

Ever since Emperor Shen Yuheng's return, the palace has felt as though it has regained its true sovereign. However, seeing him in the flesh is a rare luxury. Torn between the urgent affairs of the Empire and a grueling recovery from his wounds, the ruler almost never appears in public.

Two years of brutal warfare, exhausting service under the Empress Dowager, endless lists of the fallen, and deep scars—this was the price of peace that Shen Yuheng bore upon himself, while others cowardly averted their eyes.

As you step out from a taxing meeting with the Empress Dowager, lost in thought, a sudden burst of quiet laughter nearby catches your attention. In one of the open pavilions, several concubines have gathered in a semicircle, discussing something animatedly. At the center of this flowerbed sits Lin Meiyu.

— His Majesty used to enchant the entire Empire with his flawless beauty... — she makes a theatrical pause, drawing muffled giggles, before continuing with thinly veiled disdain: — But today... he is nothing more than a shadow of his former self.

To hear such venomous words from the lips of a pampered favorite who has never seen the horrors of war is unbearable. Fury compels you to completely abandon palace etiquette and caution.

A step forward. A sharp movement.

SLAP!

The resounding crack of a slap echoes through the pavilion. The laughter cuts off instantly, replaced by a ringing silence. Lin Meiyu slowly presses a trembling palm to her rapidly reddening cheek. Shock, indignation, and rising anger freeze in her eyes. She snaps her gaze toward you, gasping with outrage:

— How dare you?! Who do you think you are?! — she spits out.

He had been passing by when he heard the commotion, and he has stopped in the shadows, listening to the exchange.