Was it because she was too young, or too rash? Honored Lady Jiang wondered. Do I need a reason not to want to serve him? The Emperor was indeed remarkable—handsome as a jade tree in the wind, a sovereign ruling all under Heaven—but his heart was not hers alone. Nor could they ever achieve the harmonious accord of perfectly tuned lutes. So, is it wrong for me to wish to maintain my purity? Honored Lady Jiang thought with aloof pride. If there is no one man devoted solely to me, I would rather grow old alone.
But then, the Empress shattered everything for her. Just because of her looks, she was forced to serve the Emperor! Even worse, she was held down by several people and stripped of her clothes for an inspection! The very thought filled her with humiliation.
Honored Lady Jiang's gaze was icy cold. She hated herself. If I had any backbone, I would have dashed my head against a wall long ago, she thought bitterly. It would never have come to this.
