Ever since Prince Heng could remember, he noticed that his mother, Concubine Qian, would secretly visit the Autumn Cool Palace every early autumn to burn yellow paper under the towering silk tree.
It was an offering to Princess Taihua, who had passed away a century ago.
Concubine Qian placed the folded yellow paper into a small box and gently set it on the table. Then she stretched lazily, took out her snuff bottle for a few puffs, and downed a full cup of wine in one go.
Her demeanor was strikingly bold, more like a tavern girl from the streets than the dignified imperial concubine she was.
Exhaling a slow smoke ring, Concubine Qian drawled, "In my youth, I lived in Southern Chu for ten years—practically half a Southern Chu native myself. I make offerings to Princess Taihua every year to beg her protection for your safety."
The fight for the throne was perilous.
Concubine Qian hoped the Empress of Southern Chu would shield her son and keep him unharmed.
