Liu Yixue observed Tang Yuehua's expression—the flicker of desire in her eyes, the subtle parting of lips. Knowing her friend's temperament, a scheme blossomed in her mind.
She leaned closer, whispering, "Yuehua, why hesitate? With your grace and beauty, a mere hint of temptation would make that godson of your brother pounce on you. Let him pin you to the bed. Play reluctant... then surrender."
Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial murmur. "You'd experience his... prowess, yet afterward, you could righteously demand why he violated you. Absolute moral high ground. Perfect, no?"
Tang Yuehua's eyes brightened. It could work...
But doubt lingered. "Won't this backfire?"
"If you fear the risk," Liu Yixue offered, tracing a finger along Tang Yuehua's collarbone, "let me test him first. I'll report his... capabilities in detail. Satisfied?"
"You're the Empress! Snow Night's wife! What if—"
"Please." Liu Yixue's smile turned brittle. "You know Snow Night's health fades. As his neglected wife, I've starved for a man's touch for years." Her gaze grew desperate. "These visits to you? They're my only relief from this aching emptiness."
She gripped Tang Yuehua's hand. "You understand. And if we keep silent... who would know?"
For years, bound by her imperial title, Liu Yixue had sought solace only in Tang Yuehua—her dearest friend, her teacher in hidden pleasures. It was under Ah Yin's guidance that Tang Yuehua had shed her own innocence so willingly.
But now... bedding Tang Yin?
If Emperor Snow Night discovered—
Tang Yuehua studied Liu Yixue's face—the tension in her jaw, the restless hunger in her eyes. The drought had been too long.
"...Very well," Tang Yuehua conceded. "But Snow Night must never learn. Or my Moon Pavilion is finished."
Liu Yixue beamed, pressing a grateful kiss to her cheek. "My dearest friend!"
Already, her pulse raced at the thought of Tang Yin. "When will he come?"
"I'll summon him now—"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Both women froze.
No one dared approach the fifth floor unbidden. No one defied Tang Yuehua's rules.
Tang Yuehua opened the door—and stiffened.
Tang Yin stood there.
He'd arrived moments earlier. Known throughout the Moon Pavilion as Tang Yuehua's nephew, none barred his path.
And at the door, he'd heard everything.
Empress Liu Yixue... A character absent from the original tale, yet her identity—Snow Night's neglected wife—made "original plots" utterly irrelevant.
"T-Tang Yin!" Tang Yuehua flushed crimson, memories of last night's furious pounding flooding back. "When did you arrive?"
"Just now, Aunt." Tang Yin feigned innocence, his gaze sweeping past her into the room. "Is something wrong?"
"N-No!" Relief washed over her. "What brings you here?"
"A private matter." He glanced meaningfully down the empty corridor. "May we speak inside?"
"Of course." She ushered him in, shutting the door firmly.
Tang Yin's eyes landed on Liu Yixue. He knew, yet played the stranger. "Aunt, who is this?"
Tang Yuehua recovered her poise. "Her Majesty Liu Yixue, Empress of the Heaven Dou Empire, wife of Emperor Snow Night. My closest friend."
Tang Yin bowed with flawless deference. "Your Majesty."
Liu Yixue appraised him hungrily. "No formalities. Your aunt and I are like sisters. Call me 'Aunt' as well."
"May I?"
"Absolutely."
"Aunt." His gaze lingered—first on the swell of her breasts, then down the sleek lines of her black silk-clad legs. "To have an aunt as breathtaking as you... I'm truly blessed."
Liu Yixue noted his stare, satisfaction curling within her. My allure still holds.
She turned to Tang Yuehua, her voice smooth. "Yuehua, I feel rather weary. Might your nephew assist me to the inner chamber to rest?"
Though phrased as a request, her eyes locked onto Tang Yin.
"Honored to serve, Your Majesty." Tang Yin stepped forward, offering his arm.
Tang Yuehua watched, silent.
As Tang Yin guided the Empress toward the private room, a traitorous spark of anticipation ignited in Tang Yuehua's chest.
What will happen in there?