Mei Lin lowered her head, shy, yet there was a glimmer of confidence shining in her eyes. "I only wish to serve Your Majesty as best as I can, with no other intentions."
Emperor Li Xuan nodded, then looked back at the Chief Consort. "I hope all my consorts can emulate that spirit well."
The Chief Consort responded only by stamping her foot hard, the sound of her velvet shoe echoing through the grand hall. Her face flushed red with uncontrollable anger and jealousy. She stared sharply at Mei Lin—the young girl still leaning coyly against the Emperor's chest—as if willing to burn the girl's very existence with her gaze.
"Your Majesty may choose consorts as you please, but remember… not all will remain silent when someone unworthy ascends a place not meant for her," she hissed sharply before turning her back and leaving arrogantly.
As the sound of the Chief Consort's footsteps disappeared behind the silk curtains, the chamber fell silent again. Only the sound of their breathing was heard, along with the sweet aroma of pomegranates lingering temptingly in the air.
Mei Lin lowered her eyes, about to rise from Emperor Li Xuan's lap. But his hand gently caught her waist again—soft, yet impossible to resist.
"Don't go just yet," he murmured.
Mei Lin looked at him briefly, then gave a faint smile and remained seated. The atmosphere grew warm—not merely from their close bodies, but also from the slow flow of feelings between the pauses of words and glances.
The Emperor brushed back her loose hair, then touched her cheek with his thumb. "You know… from the moment I first saw your dance in the hall, I knew you were a different kind of consort."
"I only danced to please Your Majesty," Mei Lin replied softly, hiding the flutter in her chest.
"But you also managed to touch my mind. That's something not everyone can do."
Mei Lin was silent. Nothing was harder than guarding her heart from getting caught in such gentleness. She came to the palace not to fall in love. But when the Emperor's hand held her like this, and his gaze was so honest… the boundaries slowly blurred.
Emperor Li Xuan gently stroked her back, then carefully kissed her forehead, as if giving her time to pull away. But Mei Lin stayed. In her heart, she whispered, "Don't get carried away, Mei Lin. Remember your purpose." Yet her soul… began to waver.
Emperor Li Xuan smiled faintly as their eyes met. In his soft voice was a compliment that made Mei Lin's breath catch."Thank you for dancing so beautifully tonight. You don't just entertain… you captivate my mind."
Without waiting for her answer, Emperor Li Xuan bowed his head and kissed Mei Lin's lips—brief, gentle, yet enough to make her heart leap wildly. She froze for a moment, bowing her head with a flushed face.
Emperor Li Xuan slowly rose, then reached for his majestic robe neatly folded beside the throne chair. The long, dark red robe embroidered with gold he unfolded, then tenderly wrapped around Mei Lin's still-dancing-clad body. The robe enveloped her small frame like an impenetrable shield.
Without a word, Emperor Li Xuan bowed, then lifted Mei Lin in his arms. The girl startled softly, reflexively wrapping her arms around his neck and hiding her face against his chest. Warm. Safe. Protected.
The Emperor's footsteps sounded firm, yet there was a resolute silence in his movement. His hands gripped Mei Lin's body tightly, as if daring anyone who dared question why a new consort was leaving the main chamber at night.
Against Emperor Li Xuan's chest, Mei Lin hid her face. Her cheeks burned bright red—not only from cold or embarrassment, but because of whispers beginning to ripple from the servants standing guard along the corridor.
Whispers slipped through the silk curtains and golden pillars, "Oh my, that's Emperor Li Xuan's majestic robe… he's never worn it for anyone."
"That new consort… truly has enchanted His Majesty's heart. Look how he carries her, like a precious gem.""The other consorts must be burning with jealousy.""She's… truly captured Emperor Li Xuan's heart…"
Mei Lin closed her eyes, feeling her chest tremble at the voices. But she could not break free. Instead, her hands clung tightly around Emperor Li Xuan's neck, trying to hide deeper. His chest was warm, solid, making her feel… safe, even though she knew this could be the start of a new storm in the palace.
Emperor Li Xuan bowed slightly, touched Mei Lin's forehead with his lips, and whispered almost inaudibly, "Don't be afraid. I will protect you. Let them talk as they please."
Mei Lin only answered with a small nod. She knew that from tonight on, she was no longer just a palace dancer. She had become part of the game of power, and her heart—which once sought to remain neutral—had been tethered further than she expected.
When they reached Mei Lin's private chamber, Emperor Li Xuan paused briefly. The servants on guard immediately bowed deeply, barely daring to breathe.
Emperor Li Xuan opened the door himself, still firmly supporting Mei Lin's body with one hand. He stepped inside, carrying her past the threshold of a room that now felt different—not just the room of a dancer, but the residence of a consort who had captured the attention of a king.
He gently laid Mei Lin on the large bed draped with fine silk sheets, adjusted the robe covering her shoulders, then looked into her face. His gaze no longer only admired beauty but held something deeper—interest, admiration… and perhaps the seeds of a quietly growing feeling.
"Thank you for entertaining so well tonight," the Emperor said softly, his fingers touching Mei Lin's lips before kissing them briefly but warmly.
Mei Lin could only look at him, still struggling to tell reality from a dream. How quickly the world had changed in one night—from the dance stage to the embrace of the most powerful man in the land.
Mei Lin slowly rose, looking at the Emperor with eyes full of emotion, a little confused by the sudden feelings, although she knew she had chosen this path from the start. She loosened the layers of the robe wrapping her body, noticing Emperor Li Xuan still watching her intently.
"You truly are extraordinary," the Emperor said, his voice deep and captivating. "Every movement you make, every curve of your body, makes me unable to look away."
Mei Lin couldn't help but blush, though she tried to stay composed. She opened her seductive nightgown, revealing smooth skin wrapped in thin satin. The gown fit her body perfectly, highlighting every alluring curve yet remaining elegant.
Emperor Li Xuan rose from the bed, slowly approached, and looked at Mei Lin's body with a curious hunger, almost devouring her with his eyes. "Perfect…" he murmured.
Mei Lin lowered her gaze, feeling shy yet unable to deny the desire growing inside her. But on the other hand, there was determination within her. She knew well how dangerous this path was, but tonight, she only wanted to savor every second without hesitation.
She moved closer to the large mirror beside the bed, gazing at her reflection, then gently tidied her flowing hair. With one smooth motion, she adjusted her nightgown, slightly revealing her smooth shoulder while hiding part of her body, as if deliberately inviting Emperor Li Xuan's gaze.
Emperor Li Xuan came up from behind, standing close enough so his warmth stung Mei Lin's skin. With large, strong hands, he touched her shoulders, traced the curves of her body with his fingers, then gently squeezed her waist.
"Why do you always tease me like this?" Emperor Li Xuan whispered, his lips nearly touching Mei Lin's ear.