Revenge for My Sister1
My sister and I depended on each other for life.
That year, my sister assumed my identity and was taken to the Moon Pavilion.
I watched in horror as they cut open her heart and took her heart's blood—all for the vain ambitions of the Imperial Consort competing for favor.
Six years later, the Imperial Consort discovered me, a palace maid with a talent for making perfumes, and was thrilled.
But what she didn't realize was that while I could create beautiful scents, I could also craft deadly poisons.
***
Imperial Consort Jones was fuming.
The palace maids kneeled in a row inside the palace, heads bowed, holding their breath as they silently endured their mistress' arrogant temper.
"This incense is so cheap and pungent, are you all useless?"
On the sandalwood table were several porcelain bottles filled with incense ingredients.
In just three days was the Empress' birthday banquet, and Imperial Consort Jones had never gotten along with her.
She wanted to steal the spotlight from the Empress at the birthday celebration.
So the clothes and shoes were made with only the finest fabrics and craftsmanship.
But Imperial Consort Jones was still not satisfied.