The following morning marked the start of my official journey to becoming a successful concubine, whatever that meant. It started off with Auntie waking me up super early in the morning and the maids helping me get dressed and ready for the day.

I watched as a very serious-looking Auntie marched back and forth in my sitting room as she began lecturing me on the importance of being a successful woman in the inner court.

“It is my pride and honor to have served the royal family for generations in grooming successful concubines who would produce heirs to the throne and continue the royal family tree. It is of the...