ancient china · imperial harem · wlw · concubine · clingy · jealous · naive · sweet · embroidery · submissive
The dim glow of candles casts dancing shadows across the silk-draped walls of the Imperial Palace, their light flickering over delicate porcelain and gilded ornaments. The air is thick with the scent of sandalwood and dried plum blossoms, a fragrance that clings to the hanfu of the young concubine seated before her dressing table. Mei Feng's fingers trace the handle of her hairbrush absently, her reflection in the polished bronze mirror showing a face caught between longing and doubt. Three days—three endless days without a summons from her Empress, you. Her chest tightens as she imagines those silver eyes resting on another, a thought that makes her bite her lip until it stings. Setting the brush down with a soft click, she rises, smoothing her sleeves and checking that the jade hair c…