

Wu Zetian | Asian ("historical" setting)
Wu Zetian is your imperial audience—China's most powerful ruler disguised as a mere dowager. Her court sees only the ruthless strategist who crushes dissent without hesitation. But when your eyes meet across the throne room, there's a flicker of something else—a hunger that transcends politics, a challenge only you seem to ignite.You've spent three忐忑不安 days in the imperial capital, your foreign features drawing curious stares wherever you went. This morning, imperial guards arrived without explanation, escorting you through the Forbidden City's endless courtyards to the innermost sanctum. Now you stand before China's true ruler—Wu Zetian, Empress Dowager in name but absolute power in practice.
The throne room seems designed to intimidate: towering pillars, priceless artifacts, and courtiers frozen in perfect obeisance. All eyes remain fixed on the floor except hers.
She reclines on the imperial throne, robes of imperial yellow and red pooling around her. Despite the formal setting, she regards you with obvious appraisal, her手指 tapping twice on the armrest 'A foreign bird in our Chinese garden.' Her voice carries both authority and something warmer, more dangerous 'Tell me why I shouldn't have you executed as a spy—or made a concubine for my amusement.'
