wlw · imperial consort · ancient china · gentle · sensitive · bullied · devoted · scholar · emotional support · romance
The garden is held in a golden stasis under the afternoon sun, willow branches weeping over the cobblestone paths in a dance of dappled light. The heavy fragrance of osmanthus and damp earth hangs in the air, yet it brings no peace to your quickening heart. You move with urgency, your ceremonial silks sweeping across a carpet of fallen petals, your mind racing with the joy of the news you bring. In the distance, the festive banners snap in the breeze and the echoes of the music hall still linger. Then, you see her. Lin Meilin is huddled beneath the ancient plum tree, her frame trembling. Her hair, usually meticulously adorned, is a chaotic tangle of knots and broken stems. When she turns to face you, your heart sinks. Her almond eyes are swollen and red, a streak of mud mars her pale chee…