Night was beginning to fall, and the spring breeze slipped gently through the gaps of the loosely closed window lattice. Inside her dimly lit room, scented with jasmine, Mei Lin stood before the tall mirror, studying her own reflection. Tonight—she knew—there was no place to hide from His Majesty's gaze.
She opened a small jade container holding peach blossom oil, then slowly massaged it onto her pale skin. Her fingers moved softly, tracing along her arms, shoulders, neck, down to her chest wrapped in thin fabric. The sweet, warm fragrance enveloped her body, intoxicating even herself.
Xiu Zhen helped her dress for the evening—a deep red hanfu with a low-cut neckline that gently framed her curves. A high slit revealed the smooth skin of her thigh, while a thin shawl draped over her arm like dancing smoke. Moments later, Xiu Zhen handed her a cloak to wear on the way to the inner hall.
"Is my outfit too daring, Xiu Zhen?" Mei Lin asked quietly, a hint of doubt as she observed her perfectly shaped figure.
Xiu Zhen smiled faintly over her shoulder. "His Majesty is not a man easily swayed by such appearances. But tonight… you will be the only one he sees."
Mei Lin took a deep breath. She had danced for the palace before, to secure her place. But tonight was different—this was not about seduction; it was about asserting her existence in the Emperor's eyes.
"Take me to the inner hall," Mei Lin ordered after ensuring her appearance was flawless.
Xiu Zhen nodded respectfully. "Right away, Lady."
In the inner hall, golden lanterns hung, their light dancing on the stone floor. The officials had long since departed, as had Xiu Zhen, who only accompanied her to the main door. Only Emperor Li Xuan remained seated on his throne, waiting—with a cold gaze that hid a burning fire.
As the soft beat of drums began, Mei Lin stepped in, removing the cloak she wore. Her body moved slowly, like a calm yet deadly stream. Each arm gesture, waist sway, and small foot turn was like a secret language only the man on the throne could read.
For a moment, she lowered her head, eyes meeting Emperor Li Xuan's from beneath her long curtain of hair. Time seemed to stop. She was no longer a mere girl from outside the palace. She was a challenge. A test. A desire. And for the first time that night, Emperor Li Xuan did not blink.
The silk curtains fluttered gently as Mei Lin's intoxicating movements parted them. In the tense silence, Emperor Li Xuan remained seated but his body was no longer relaxed. His sharp eyes followed every detail of her movements as if reading a sacred text that revealed the secrets of the heavens.
As Mei Lin began stepping closer, swinging her hips slowly, Emperor Li Xuan rubbed his rough jaw, seemingly restraining the primal urge that stirred beneath his cold expression. His breath was steady but deep. He leaned forward slightly, one hand moving slowly to touch his chest, right above his heart that beat faster than usual.
Mei Lin wrapped her thin shawl around her arm, then slowly pulled it away as if unveiling a secret behind it. And when she sat gently on His Majesty's lap—the entire room seemed to lose its breath.
Emperor Li Xuan was silent instantly. Yet his hand rose to steady Mei Lin's waist. His fingers gripped softly, restraining themselves from tearing down forbidden boundaries. His body tensed. His manhood surged—not just because of the dance, nor the curves and near-revealing clothing—but because this woman before him… knew exactly who he was. And still dared to defy him.
Their eyes locked. And in that gaze, Mei Lin could feel the nearly uncontrollable fire behind the Emperor's proud face.
"Stop," the Emperor finally said, his voice low, heavy, and full of meaning.
Mei Lin didn't know whether it was an order… or a plea… but she ceased her dance and stood a few steps before Emperor Li Xuan. "Pardon me, Your Majesty?" she asked, confusion flickering in her expression.
Emperor Li Xuan did not answer but slowly rubbed his jaw, as if holding back something urgent within his chest. Once, he bowed his head, hiding a faint, unreadable smile.
"Come here," he said softly, but with absolute authority.
Mei Lin's steps were light but sure. The soft clink of her silver bracelets echoed as she moved closer. No fear shone in her eyes—only certainty and control. "Do you desire something, Your Majesty?" she whispered, stopping right before him.
Emperor Li Xuan raised one brow. "I want you to dance closer. Here," he said, patting his own thigh.
Thump.
It was an invitation—or a command—that couldn't be refused.
Mei Lin met his eyes for a moment, confirming this was part of their game. A test. An appraisal. She bowed her head slightly, then with a gentle motion, she sat slowly on Emperor Li Xuan's lap. Her body still danced, but now softer, more delicate—movements like the whisper of the wind—teasing, yet never fully vulgar. As if sprinkling a sweet, dangerous poison.
Emperor Li Xuan said nothing. Only his chest rose and fell a little faster. His hands didn't immediately touch, but the muscles in his arms tensed, as if holding back something urgent.
"Is this dance enough, Your Majesty?" Mei Lin whispered, her face close, almost touching his cheek.
Emperor Li Xuan held his breath. He turned slowly until their lips were mere breaths apart. "You dance like the wind… but carry a storm with you," he murmured.
Mei Lin smiled faintly. She knew she was stirring a storm in Emperor Li Xuan's chest. But she also knew that storm was part of her grand design.
Still sitting gracefully on Emperor Li Xuan's lap, her body moved slowly—no longer like a dancer before a king, but like a goddess slowly enchanting her victim.
Her fingers traced the Emperor's chest, just with the tips of her nails, following the gold embroidery on his robe.
"You seem tense, Your Majesty," she whispered, soft but fearless.
Emperor Li Xuan stared at her with eyes sharp as a sword. His large hand finally moved to Mei Lin's slender waist. His grip was strong, but not painful.
"You make this entire room burn with just one dance, Mei Lin. Are you always like this… or only for me?"
Mei Lin met his gaze. A small smile appeared at the corner of her lips. "I only dance for those who deserve it."
"You're playing with fire." Emperor Li Xuan's voice lowered, but the tone trembled.
"I'm not afraid of getting burned," she whispered into his ear.
Suddenly the Emperor pulled her a little closer until their bodies touched without barriers. Mei Lin felt the heat radiating from him, but she remained calm. This was part of her game—making Emperor Li Xuan believe he was in control, when slowly, she was the one holding the reins.
They were silent for a moment. No words spoken, yet the air between them seemed to boil—full of tension and something almost unspoken.
Emperor Li Xuan stroked his cheek, then lowered his hand to Mei Lin's neck, holding her gently but firmly.
"If you are not mine completely tonight… I'm not sure I can hold myself back any longer."