Eunuch Zhao and Cuìyù waited quietly outside the doors, expecting the emperor to summon someone to prepare the bath. Cuìyù, inexperienced in such matters, blushed deeply, her face red with embarrassment at the unfamiliar situation. Only after the third watch did the emperor finally call for water.
Once the servants finished preparing the bath, they kept their heads lowered and quickly filed out of the room. On the bed, Mei Liang couldn't move a single finger.
Though she had been the one to tease the emperor first, she never imagined he would turn into a wolf in sheep's clothing. In her past life, he had never been so passionate—why was he so energetic this time?
Perhaps the saying was true: even if a woman isn't seductive outside the bedroom, as long as she shows a little charm inside, men find it irresistible.
Mei Liang tried to stand and walk toward the bathroom, but the moment she got up, she collapsed back onto the bed. Cursing the emperor a thousand times in her heart, she struggled to move.
Xiang Longwei, still in bed, watched her attempts and chuckled. He got up and walked over to her, then scooped her into his arms.
"Ah!" Mei Liang gasped in shock.
Outside the door, Cuìyù immediately moved to rush inside when she heard her mistress scream, but Eunuch Zhao stopped her. "What do you think you're doing? Don't you know the emperor is inside with your mistress? Nothing will happen. Calm down."
Cuìyù hesitated, but eventually nodded, still glancing nervously at the door. She waited anxiously for the emperor to leave so she could check on Mei Liang, knowing he wouldn't be staying the night. It was against the rules for a new concubine to keep the emperor overnight after his first visit.
In fact, it had shocked the entire harem when word spread that the emperor went to the side hall of Yunlu Palace, Xiangting Auspicious Pavilion. Traditionally, it was the concubine who would visit the emperor's Qian Chun Gong Palace—not the other way around.
The emperor carried Mei Liang into the bathroom and gently placed her into the tub. Seeing him turn to leave, Mei Liang let out a small breath of relief. She had feared that if he stayed, it might lead to another round of intimacy. The way he'd carried her in had already shaken her—this wasn't the emperor she once knew.
Why was he suddenly so gentle, so tolerant? Why did he keep doing things no other concubine had experienced before?
Mei Liang slowly stood from the bathtub, not realizing her thin sleepwear—now soaked—clung tightly to her body, revealing every soft curve. The light fabric was nearly transparent, but she was too dazed to care.
"This concubine thanks Your Majesty for your grace," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "This concubine apologizes for being unable to stand straight. I respectfully send Your Majesty off."
She lowered her head, her legs trembling. Just standing was a challenge.
When Xiang Longwei heard her say she couldn't stand because her legs were weak, he felt a strange surge of satisfaction. So now she no longer wore that cold, distant expression she always had. That icy wall she used to keep him away was finally cracking.
His gaze darkened as it swept over her figure. The damp fabric outlined her body too clearly, and his throat went dry. A dangerous heat stirred within him.
He stepped closer, his breath brushing her ear. "Who said I was leaving?"
Before she could respond, he dropped his outer robe and joined her in the tub.
Outside the room, Cuìyù and Eunuch Zhao stiffened at the sudden sounds of soft moans and faint cries for mercy. Even Eunuch Zhao, usually calm and composed, turned red in the face.
The emperor was clearly in a very good mood tonight.
Over an hour later, the doors finally opened. Emperor Xiang Longwei stepped out, looking as composed as ever, though his robes were slightly disheveled.
He glanced at Cuìyù. "Take good care of your mistress."
With that, he left, his attendants following behind.
The moment he was gone, Cuìyù and Lánxīn rushed inside. They found Mei Liang fast asleep, her face pale with exhaustion. Even in sleep, her brows were slightly furrowed.
Lánxīn stared at her mistress, heart aching. "Cuìyù… do you think His Majesty went too far? This was mistress first time after all, but he stayed for almost five hours. Even a dog would be exhausted!"
Cuìyù gasped and quickly covered Lánxīn's mouth. "Are you trying to get us all killed?! Watch what you say!"
Lánxīn immediately nodded, trembling. The room fell into silence again, broken only by Mei Liang's soft, shallow breathing.
"I was just angry for Mistress's sake," Lánxīn mumbled, her voice low. "I'd never dare say such things outside."
Cuìyù sighed and gently pulled her out of the room. "Let's not talk nonsense. Let Mistress rest properly."
They closed the door quietly behind them, leaving Mei Liang to sleep undisturbed.
When Mei Liang woke up, the sunlight was already spilling through the windows. The sky outside was bright and cloudless.
Hearing movement inside the room, Cuìyù hurried in and greeted her with a soft smile. "Mistress, you're awake."
She stepped closer to the bed and asked with concern, "How are you feeling?"
Mei Liang sat up, wincing slightly at the soreness in her limbs. "Why didn't you wake me? I'm supposed to greet the Empress this morning."
Cuìyù quickly replied, "Your Majesty sent Eunuch Zhao earlier. He said you're excused from morning greetings today. The Empress has already been informed."
"You should've told me right away," Mei Liang said sharply. "Next time, don't act on your own. Understood?"
"Yes, Mistress," Cuìyù lowered her head, her voice small. "This servant knows her mistake."
"Go prepare water. I want to bathe."
"Yes, Mistress." After Cuìyù left, silence returned to the room.
Mei Liang stared at the sunlight pouring through the silk curtains, her mind troubled.
To outsiders, the emperor's behavior might seem like favor. Exempting her from formal greetings, spending the night in her pavilion, showing her unusual tenderness—it all looked like love.
But she knew better. He wasn't favoring her. He was marking her.
By setting her apart, he had made her a target—every concubine in the palace would now see her as a threat.
That wasn't what she wanted.
She had just returned to this life. She needed to move quietly, not draw attention. How could she execute her plans if everyone started watching her?
The emperor was far too dangerous.
Last night, he whispered sweet words while holding me in his arms...
And today, he turns me into the palace's biggest enemy. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
If I let my guard down now, I might not even know how I die.