I am a bastard born of a concubine, yet I carry a face that could topple a kingdom.
When I was nine, a local thug tried to snatch me to make me his bride.
Mother risked her life to save me.
The next day, she took me through the streets and alleys of the capital for three hours, until every passerby had memorized my face.
Then she carried me to the gates of the Marquis of Pingyang’s residence, knelt, and cried out:
“I, Liu, a humble concubine, bore this girl for the Marquis on the ninth day of the twelfth month nine years ago in Apricot Blossom Lane, west of the suburbs. The neighbors can all attest to it.
“I know my lowly station and dare not ask for a title. I can only trade my death for the Marquis to acknowledge this child and raise her within the household!”
With that, she slammed her head against the stone lion at the gate and breathed her last.
My mother exchanged her life for my place in the Marquis’s household.
And she let the entire capital know that I am a bastard born of a kept woman.
