Lu Xuan leaned on her maid's arm as she walked to the window. The spring scenery in Changxin Palace was splendid, with the courtyard filled to the brim with vibrant roses, their heavy blossoms weighing down the branches.
Lu Xuan did not like roses. She preferred the richly fragrant gardenias. But the Emperor adored roses, so Lu Xuan had no choice but to cater to his tastes, planting her courtyard full of them.
The Emperor enjoyed lotus tea, so Lu Xuan kept ample stores of it in her chambers. He relished fresh fruits, so she had the imperial kitchen pick the ripest ones, slice them, and lay them out for his enjoyment.
Lu Xuan had meticulously learned all the Emperor's preferences and did her utmost to please him.
Yet as she gazed at the sea of blooming red roses, she couldn't help but wonder, "I've tried so hard to win the Emperor's favor, doing everything perfectly. Why does his heart still stray?"
