It was a sullen morning, sky overcast by clouds of a grey hue, as the sun set over the horizon. The rear palace buzzed with activity, for the emperor's newest son was being born to noble lady Oh, a concubine of high ranking.

Nezha, the crown Prince, made his way through the corridors, surrounded by a few eunuchs. The dragon emblem was clearly visible on his red xuanduan, his shoes clicking gently on the stone floor. He moved at a measured pace, unhurried despite the momentous occasion. Though he was the heir to the throne, his father had reproduced prolifically, resulting in twelve younger sisters and eight younger brothers already. The old man had enjoyed his years of leisure ever since Nezha had taken over all the royal duties, save only the emperor title itself.

It was then that Nezha saw her—a lady in waiting for noble lady Oh, dressed in a simple white hanfu. She carried a basket of clean clothes and a porcelain plate bearing a pig's heart, coated in horse semen—a preparation believed to enhance health and fertility for the mother. Her presence in the corridor, away from the immediate birthing chamber, suggested she might have slipped away for a moment's respite.