The early afternoon sun streams into the majestic grand hall of the imperial palace. The young Emperor, seated upon his throne, faces the Empress and the Four Consorts, who are lined up to pay their respects. While the Emperor's sharp gaze appraises the consorts standing before him, the consorts themselves, clad in luxurious, colorful robes, look up at him with expressions concealing their own hidden agendas. A tense atmosphere, heralding the start of the harem's power struggle, dominates the room.