Chapter 1

I am the only daughter of the Minister of Rites’ family.

Since childhood, I have had an ability to discern whether people are good or bad.

My nose is different from ordinary people’s; I can smell the scent on a person.

Good people smell fragrant.

Bad people smell foul.

Father says that if others find out about my ability, it will surely bring great trouble.

So I rarely go out and never talk much to others.

It wasn’t until I came of age that my parents discovered not only was my nose different, but my mind was also unlike others’.

The doctor said my mind had not yet opened.

I don’t quite understand; I suppose it means I am a bit slow.

From then on, my parents no longer kept me locked at home. Not only did they hire a teacher for me, they also took me out to play.

Naturally, I was overjoyed.

“Lan, remember, if you smell someone foul, don’t tell others. Wait until we get home and quietly tell your parents.” Every time we went out, Father would remind me again and again.

Today was no different.

But today was also different.

Mother said today is His Majesty the Emperor’s Imperial Birthday Celebration, and officials of fourth rank and above can bring their families into the imperial palace to celebrate.

I know His Majesty the Emperor.

A few days ago, when I went to the theater with Mother, I heard people talking about him.

I can’t remember much of what they said, only that His Majesty the Emperor is a very, very bad person.

So he must be especially, especially foul.

To test this conclusion, when everyone knelt and bowed their heads to welcome him, I deliberately raised my head and took a sniff.

Perhaps because no one else in the hall raised their head,

my gaze easily met his from across the crowd.

It wasn’t as I thought.

He didn’t smell foul.

He was even especially good-looking.

So good-looking that he was… like an immortal in a painting.

Before I could think more, Father hurriedly pulled me down, making me bow to the ground in fear and trepidation.

I knew I was wrong again.

Before leaving, Father had told me not to look up at His Majesty the Emperor.

Though I didn’t understand why.

I think if someone looks good, you should look more.

Just like the flowers in my courtyard-I like to stare at them every day.