In the deep of night, a figure clad in black rapped on the palace gate, his token of authority opening the way to Zhaoyang Hall, Emperor Yue's personal quarters.
As Emperor Yue grew older, his sleep came less easily. Nowadays, he only frequented the Inner Palace five or six times a month. Symbolically, he would spend a night with the newest consorts; the rest of the time he would accompany the high-ranking concubine or the empress for appearances' sake.
In this regard, Emperor Yue differed from other men.
If he was unable to perform in bed, he saw no reason to hide it; and his court officials, understanding his condition, had gradually lost interest in introducing their daughters to the Inner Palace over the last two years.
It would be a futile gesture.
With the hierarchy of the Inner Palace established, even should a new favourite emerge, the likelihood of her bearing a child was slim.
