the palace hall was warm.

　　I rolled up my sleeves, revealing my fair arms, and slowly trimmed the plum branches, leaving the main branch and cutting off the side branches.

　　The flowers bloomed splendidly, but what was once a lush cluster was now reduced to just a center bunch.

　　I was fully engrossed in this task, so much so that I didn't notice when someone approached from behind.

　　It was only when I caught a strong scent of alcohol that I realized I was being embraced and taken down to the ground.

　　The person on top of me was breathing heavily, and I couldn't push he away.

　　Urgently, I said, "Your Majesty, it's Fuling!" The person paused.

　　Their black eyes were deep and unfathomable, but also clear and lucid.

　　I thought he could see the cracks appearing on my perpetually indifferent face.

　　Panic and shame overwhelmed me as I repeated, "Your Majesty, the noble consort is waiting for you in the Plum Forest.

　　You've mistaken me for someone else.

　　I'm Fuling..." My voice was cut off, and the trimmed flower branches scattered across the floor.