Back at her pavilion, Lili sat on the edge of her bed, deep in thought. She couldn't help but notice the subtle change in the Emperor's demeanor during his last visit. He had seemed more... attentive, more interested, even though his words were few. It was as though he had been seeing her in a new light, and she wasn't sure why. But she knew she had to use this rare opportunity to her advantage.
Lili's mind raced as she planned her next move. Her heart fluttered with a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. *The Emperor is finally paying attention to me,* she thought. *I need to strike while the iron is hot. But how?*
