There is an ancient rule in China. One that I learnt a long time ago, when I first came into the palace, a small, young and scared concubine-to-be. I still remember Lady Lin teaching me the rules of the court and everything I had to know. I had scorned it then, because I was still mourning for Liang Wen. Even now, I still miss him. It's ridiculous.

The rule is that when the Emperor dies, his concubines will go to a nunnery, shave their heads, and live there for the rest of their lives. Only the Empress remains, to help guide the new Emperor. She will be treated with respect all her life, staying in the palace. While the other concubines learn to chant, learn to do menial work. 

Gaozong comes up to me and I look at him seriously. He is only 10 years old, so young. And yet he has been named the future Emperor, because he was the first son. I remember all the times other jealous concubines plotted to give him poison, or to arrange accidents. Wu Ze Tian most of all. Her son, Li Tai, was born after mine, and if not for my son, Li Tai would have been heir to the throne. And yet she pretends to be Gaozong's friend.

"You're too young to lead China," I tell him, stroking his black, glossy hair. 

He widens his eyes. "I have to lead China?"

I sigh. "Maybe not yet. When you have to lead, though, I hope you will be a good leader, making good decisions for the whole country."

Good decisions. Something i have never made. It brings me back to the night two years ago, when I lost both my friends. Wu Ze Tian, and Gao Ling. I shake the feeling of hatred off. I can't show my hatred to Wu Ze Tian so openly, especially since she's the Empress. 

Just then, soldiers enter. "Leave!" I shout at them. "I didn't ask for you."

"Empress Wu's orders. The boy must be prepared to be the next Emperor. I'm sorry, Concubine Wang. He and you will be separated from now on."

"Why?" I ask, pulling Gaozong closer to me. "No, no. He is my son. You can't do this. I have the right to see him."

"Right now, Empress Wu is in charge. Please respect her orders."

"I have never respected her. She rules by fear and fear only," I say bitterly.

"You should really get killed this instant," a voice says.

The soldiers part to reveal a woman in a glittering gown and dazzling jewelry. A golden crown is perched on her hair. Everyone in the room bows. I am forced to bow too. 

"Luckily, I'm merciful. Concubine Wang, do not resist. I know how much you love your son. I love him too. He will be safe with me."

I wave the servants away. We face each other- Wu Ze Tian, Gaozong, and me. "I'm a fool if you think I still believe you after all this," I say angrily. "You took so many people I loved."

"It was just, what, three people? I have done worse," Wu Ze Tian says, shrugging daintily. She gestures at herself. "I love this. Being Empress. And I intend to take over China. But of course, your lovely son here will help me." She smiles at Gaozong. 

Gaozong smiles back dreamily. I poke him. "She's messing with you!"

"As the mother of the future heir, you're allowed to stay in the palace too. Unless you wish to go to the nunnery."

"I'd love to go away from this place! But I'm staying for Gaozong."

She shakes her head. "You're wrong, Wang Min."

Her saying my name feels like a slap in the face. 

"He will be trained away from his mother. Understood?"

"Wu Ze Tian," I hiss.

"You dare to use my real name? Show some respect! I am the Dragon Empress Wu. Everyone will bow down to me, everyone will love me. I will kill those who don't."

Gaozong stares at Wu Ze Tian. She is still pretty, even though ten years have passed. Her features are as delicate as ever, but I know her heart has long been frozen over.

"Come, Gaozong," Wu Ze Tian smiles at him prettily. I see her old charm coming back. This is how she seduced the Emperor before, too. And how she secretly fed him poison that kills for years, weakening his health. Of course, the palace physicians never found out. She probably bribed them. All of them, even Liang Min.

Gaozong looks at me, then at her again. He hesitates. My voice rises. "Gaozong, I am your mother! Your flesh and blood! Don't listen to her!"

He stares at me for a long, horrible moment. Then he moves closer to me and places a hand on my thigh. "I understand...but I wish to follow Empress Wu."

I suddenly feel weak. She has even turned my own son against me.

Wu Ze Tian laughs. "Gaozong, good choice. Now, go outside first, and wait for me. We'll have a private talk."

Without a second glance at me, Gaozong rushes out. I stare at her with hate. "You witch. He's in love with you, right?"

She smiles. "Of course. I had it all planned out, Wang Min."

"Stop calling me by my name, Wu Ze Tian."

I can't take it anymore. "We were friends once. Does that word even mean anything to you? Do you even know how to love? You destroyed Lady Lin, Gao Ling, and even my most loyal servants. You destroyed my baby daughter because I dared to oppose you. Why not just kill me now? It would be less painful."

"That's why I haven't killed you. Because watching you in pain is fun," Wu Ze Tian smiles at me sweetly. 

"I know all about your affair with the late Emperor's brothers," my voice quivers. "But I never said anything. And yet you keep destroying everyone I love."

Wu Ze Tian raises an eyebrow. "What affair? And besides...what about yours with Liang Min?"

The words strike me hard. I gasp in shock. "You-"

"He loved me all along," Wu Ze Tian laughs. "You wonder how I managed to kill off so many of your people so easily? He was the answer, after all. Everyone loves me, Wang Min. You are no match for me."

I don't have the strength to argue anymore. I'm vaguely aware of her leaning over me, asking "The nunnery or the palace?"

I just have time to choke out "Nun." before I black out.