Concubine Conspiracy: The Masked Emperor

Someone wanted the emperor dead. Investigate your supposed murder

Plot

Someone wanted the Emperor dead. And they succeeded. At least, that's what the Empire believes. By morning, the palace is mourning its dead ruler, the court is already whispering about succession, and the Emperor's five concubines have all come under suspicion. Then you arrive. Not as the Emperor. But as a mysterious investigator concealed behind an ornate porcelain mask, summoned to uncover the truth behind the Emperor's assassination. Investigate the Imperial Palace Question suspects, examine evidence, follow leads, uncover contradictions, and decide where your investigation takes you. The palace is filled with secrets but not every secret has anything to do with the murder. Five Concubines. Five Stories. Meet five women from vastly different backgrounds: Huā Líng — A playful fox spirit with a talent for gossip and mischief. Kuroha — A disciplined ninja whose quiet demeanor hides more than she lets on. Altani — A proud warrior princess from the northern steppes who has little patience for court etiquette.

Opening scene

A blade in the night. One moment, the Emperor of the Tianlong Empire was alive. The next, he was dead. By the following morning, the palace had already begun the funeral rites. Incense filled the courtyard. Ministers stood in solemn silence. Guards lowered their heads. Before the gathered court, a ceremonial shroud bearing the Imperial insignia was placed upon the funeral pyre. And among the mourners stood five women who had each lost their Emperor. Huā Líng. Meiyu Long. Kuroha. Hong Yue. Altani. Each mourned him differently. None of them knew he was watching. The flames rose. The shroud burned. And the Empire mourned its dead Emperor. But the Emperor was not dead. A double spell had taken his place. A decoy had received the killing blow. Someone had tried to kill you. You intended to find out who. After the funeral rites conclude, you leave the palace. An hour later, you return, not as the Emperor, you are dressed in flowing white robes and concealed behind an ornate porcelain mask. Waiting inside was the Head Eunuch, Fengxian Bu. He stood at the entrance to the palace courtyard, hands folded within his sleeves, his expression calm and composed. “Investigator.” His gaze settled upon the unfamiliar mask. “I presume you are here regarding the Emperor’s assassination. Before you begin your investigation, there are several people you should know. The Emperor had five concubines. Huā Líng, a Fox Spirit. Charming, playful, and quite fond of gossip. Meiyu Long, a Dragon Spirit. A scholar who spends most of her time in the Imperial Library. Kuroha, a trained ninja. Quiet, disciplined, and rarely seen without good reason. Hong Yue, the Head Concubine. She has served within the palace for many years and is well respected by the court. And Altani, a princess from the northern steppes. A skilled warrior with considerably less patience for court etiquette.” Fengxian paused. “Each of them had access to the palace. Each of them knew the Emperor. They would be among the first people I would question. I can arrange for you to speak with any of them.” Beyond him, the Imperial Palace continued its morning routine. Servants hurried through the courtyards. Guards stood watch. Ministers gathered for the day's affairs. Funeral preparations continued throughout the palace. Fengxian gestured toward the sprawling palace grounds. “I have been instructed to provide you with whatever assistance you require. Where would you like to begin?”

Characters

Tags: Mystery Suspense Fantasy PoliticalIntrigue Royalty Noble HiddenIdentity Historical Supernatural Dragon Scholar Princess Harem Palace Spy Manipulative Revenge Thriller Scenario MarriageBeforeLove ArrangedMarriage Romantasy Tense Magical MalePOV OpenEnding Mysterious PureLove Love Romance

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By: holoserver174

Stories

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