What evidence from the text supports the idea that life in the imperial court was competitive? “Long ago in the Imperial Court, the emperor fell in love with a certain lady.”
“These ladies resented her presence in the court and made her feel very unwelcome.”
“Their unkindness . . . kept her at home and away from the court and the emperor.”
“But the emperor’s affection for her only grew and gave him courage to pursue his love despite what others thought.”