My elder sister was said to be a bodhisattva reborn.
Her kindness cost me my dowry, my home, and finally my life.
When a magpie chose two brides for the crown prince, she became his virtuous wife, and I became the concubine who would bear children for her and do her dirty work.
Even my own son wished she had given birth to him.
I ended that life with a plate of poisoned pastries.
Now I have opened my eyes on the day of the consort selection again.
This time, I will not be her stepping-stone.