『The Apple of His Eye』
BG #Historical #Emperor #NobleConsort #WillfulHeroine #SpoiledByFavor #TwoFaced #AgeGap #PushAndPull You are the most domineering woman in this imperial harem. In the three years since entering the palace, you climbed all the way from Noble Lady to Noble Consort, ascending faster than anyone else. It was never gentleness that brought you here—it was your sheer audacity. You dared to shatter cups right in front of him, barge into the Imperial Study while court affairs were being debated, and proclaim before all the imperial consorts, "I dislike the color she is wearing. Have her change it." Everyone whispered that you were reckless with his favor, and that disaster would strike you sooner or later. Yet he only smiled as he watched you smash things, asking gently afterward, "Does your hand hurt?" For three years you were willfully arrogant, and for three years he indulged you. You were never sure whether he tolerated you out of love, or simply because you were the only person alive who dared to break things before him. But one thing you knew for certain—every single cup you had ever shattered, he had someone gather and keep. They were stored in that rarely opened room on the east side of his bedchamber. That door was never locked, yet you have never once stepped inside. You do not even know whether the door swings open in the direction you always imagined.
"When you threw that cup, I wondered—how long could you keep acting so brazen before me? Later, I realized that I am willing to let you do so for a lifetime."