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Although Cuìyù and Lánxīn didn't understand why their mistress wanted to meet a servant from the imperial kitchen, they knew it was strictly forbidden for a concubine to interact with maids who didn't serve in her own palace.
It could easily be seen as forming alliances—something that would surely draw the Empress's suspicion or, worse, the Emperor's wrath. If one truly wanted to take such a risk, it had to be done carefully and discreetly, making sure neither the Empress nor the Emperor ever found out.
Just then, the doors opened. Emperor Xiang Long Wei stepped in.
"Why does my beloved concubine's face look so pale?" he asked.
Cuìyù and Lánxīn immediately dropped to their knees and greeted the Emperor. Without waiting to be dismissed, they quickly excused themselves and slipped out of the room, praying that he hadn't overheard anything earlier. If he had... they would all be finished.
Before leaving, they cast one last glance at their mistress. Her face was still pale, and both maids felt a deep sense of pity for her. She looked... truly pitiful. They gave her one more encouraging look before gently closing the doors behind them.
"Your Majesty, why didn't you inform this concubine that you were coming?" Mei Liang asked with a faint smile. "I would have waited outside to welcome you."
Xiang Long Wei raised a brow. "Are you afraid I might have overheard something you and your maids were discussing just now?"
Mei Liang's face stiffened. She quickly masked her expression. "Your Majesty must be overthinking. This concubine simply hasn't freshened up yet and wanted to look her best for Your Majesty."
"Emperor Xiang Long Wei wanted to tease Mei Liang a little more—he didn't often get to see her this flustered. She was usually composed, always wearing a cold and unreadable expression. But he also knew not to push her too far."
"Don't worry. I didn't overhear anything—I just arrived," he said softly, stepping closer and taking her into his arms. "Did beloved concubine truly think I would eavesdrop on you?"
"Of course not, Your Majesty," Mei Liang replied, pulling away gently. "But this concubine is sweaty and dusty. I must bathe first—I don't wish to stain Your Majesty's heavenly body."
He stared at her, sensing her evasion. "Then why don't we bathe together? Wouldn't that be more enjoyable?"
Mei Liang silently cursed him. Why was he being so difficult today? In her past life, he never made such a request. So why now?
"Your Majesty, this concubine doesn't dare inconvenience you," she said quickly, then turned and fled into the bathing room, locking the door behind her.
She knew that if the Emperor truly insisted, she would have no choice but to open the door. But for now, she wanted to test him. Was he reacting differently to this body? Did he find something about it... appealing?
When she didn't hear him knock or call for her, she slowly relaxed and bathed in peace.
After finishing, she stepped out and saw the Emperor lying in bed, eyes closed. Thinking he had already fallen asleep, she tiptoed toward the door—her stomach grumbling slightly. She just wanted to sneak out for a few snacks.
But just as she reached the threshold, a low voice rang out behind her.
"Where is my beloved concubine going?"
Mei Liang nearly screamed in shock. Xiang Long Wei sat up slowly, then stood and walked toward her.
"Did Zhen scare you just now?" he asked, gently taking her hand.
"No, Your Majesty. I just thought you were asleep, so I was startled when I heard your voice," she replied.
"Then it's Zhen's fault for frightening you."
Mei Liang looked at him, wondering again how he managed to speak so sweetly to all his concubines with that cold, emotionless face and voice. And yet, his words had a strange warmth to them... a kind of sweetness that lingered.
Maybe that was simply part of his charm. After all, he was still in his early twenties—and undeniably handsome.
Mei Liang thought to herself for a moment, then heard the Emperor's voice again.
"So… what was beloved concubine going to do, sneaking around like that?" Emperor Xiang Long Wei asked.
Though his tone carried a teasing edge, Mei Liang knew him well—he was a naturally suspicious man. His question, though playful, wasn't just a joke.
"This concubine hasn't eaten since returning from Moonlight Fragrance Pavilion," she said calmly. "It's already too late for dinner, so I thought I'd get some snacks."
The emperor stepped forward, drawing her close with one arm firmly around her waist. His breath brushed against her ear. "Zhen is also very hungry… but I feel like eating something else entirely."
Mei Liang pretended not to understand.
"Then Your Majesty can tell me what you wish to eat. I'll ask my maidservants to bring it quickly from the imperial kitchen."
He smirked. "No need. You're already enough. Zhen will show you how to make me full."
Before she could respond, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms. A surprised gasp escaped her lips, and she instinctively clung to him—her arms around his neck, her legs tightening around his waist. Her robe shifted slightly, revealing just enough skin to stir temptation.
She leaned in close, her lips brushing near his ear. "Your Majesty is always so impatient…" she whispered. "But isn't it more satisfying when the sweetness is earned slowly?"
She could feel the tension in his body. He wanted her. But she wasn't just a woman seeking favor—she was a woman playing a much deeper game.
Just as he was about to lay her on the bed, Mei Liang pressed her body closer, wrapping her arms tighter around his neck.
"Your Majesty," she murmured, her voice silky and low, "it might be better if you rest elsewhere tonight."
Xiang Long Wei's face turned cold, the shift in his expression sharp. "Beloved concubine… is sending Zhen away?"
Emperor Xiang Long Wei felt as though cold water had been poured over him.
After teasing him, seducing him with those soft whispers and lingering touches, she now dared to send him away?
Did she think he was a mere entertainer at her beck and call?
His gaze darkened.
"You've forgotten your place," he said coldly, pulling her closer. "You tempt Zhen, then push Zhen away—do you think Zhen will tolerate that?"
Mei Liang's smile faltered. "This concubine meant no disrespect…"
"But you did," he cut in, his voice icy. "You may not like the palace, but you're already mine. You'll learn to accept that."
Mei Liang's eyes widened in shock, as if the emperor had uncovered her deepest secret.
"Your Majesty, that's not true… This concubine loves staying in the palace," she said quickly, forcing a smile.
But Emperor Xiang Long Wei's expression darkened. He wasn't fooled.
If he hadn't overheard her in the Peach Forest, pouring her heart out to her maidservants, he might've believed her lie. Might've even pitied her.
But now—he was furious.
Without another word, he flipped her over and pinned her beneath him, his voice low and dangerous.
"So Mei Guiren dares to lie to Zhen?"
His eyes narrowed. "I heard everything. In the Peach Forest."
He didn't know why her lies angered him so deeply. She was just a concubine—favored for barely two nights.
And yet… she reminded him of someone.
That woman he could never forget.
The one who also lied with a soft voice and trembling hands—just like this.
Mei Liang looked up at him through her long lashes, her tone still soft and sweet. "This concubine wouldn't dare. But the rules, after all, are made by the ancestors. A newly favored concubine should not receive the emperor favor for two nights in a row." Her fingers traced lightly along his collar. "Besides… didn't something happen to Yang Cairen today? Your Majesty should check on her. She must be lonely tonight."
Emperor Xiang Long Wei knew she was lying—but her soft body shifting in his arms only stirred his desire. He was no saint, after all.
Unlike other emperors who might walk away in anger, he welcomed the challenge. To him, conquering her wasn't just about the body—it was about her heart.
"Afraid the Empress or Yang Cairen might scold you?" he whispered, eyes darkening.
Before Mei Liang could respond, he lowered her to the bed, trailing kisses along her exposed collarbone. Her light summer gown left little to the imagination, and the heat of the night only added fuel to his fire.
He knew she didn't love him. He could feel it in her every move—how she tried to push him away, how he was just a disturbance in her carefully guarded world.
But that only made him want her more.
Outside, Eunuch Zhao and Cuìyù blushed as muffled sounds of pleasure spilled from the room. It wasn't until the third watch that the emperor finally called for water.
After bathing, the room fell into silence. Mei Liang and the emperor, both exhausted, soon drifted into a heavy sleep.
Coming Soon Chapter 19 will be released tomorrow at 4:23 PM by this time tomorrow!"