Chapter 1: The Crown Prince’s Side Consort
In the 28th year of Dayi, willows fluttered through the air, and the courtyard flourished with lush greenery. Inside a grand and imposing general's estate in Lingdu, a young woman sat by the window, resting her chin on one hand, leisurely toying with the black and white pieces on a chessboard. The sun was bright that day. Soft rays of golden light slanted through the window, scattering like flecks of gold across her body. Her flawless profile was illuminated, making her appear even more radiant and captivating—like a pearl glowing with luster, like jade shimmering with light. She looked like a celestial beauty who had stepped out of a painting. She held a white jade chess piece between her fingers and was just about to place it when a sixteen-year-old maid hurried in from the door, her expression grave. “Miss! A decree from the palace has arrived. The General says you are to go to the main hall to receive it.” The young woman was briefly stunned, but quickly returned to her calm an...