As Li Mei's figure faded into the distance, Wei Ming stood in place, rubbing his cheek where her slap still burned. His expression remained unreadable, but inside, his mind was working quickly. He pushed down the twinge of guilt trying to surface. This was all part of his plan—necessary sacrifices for a future filled with power and influence.
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "How dare she slap you!" Princess Qing Yue's voice dripped with venom as she stepped forward, her eyes blazing with indignation. She stopped in front of him, her anger barely contained. "That girl has some nerve. She's just a merchant's daughter, yet she dares to act so high and mighty."
Wei Ming glanced at the princess, his face calm, as if her words didn't faze him. "Let her believe she's won, for now," he said coolly. "We'll handle her at the royal banquet. She'll bring about her own downfall."
Qing Yue's lips curled into a wicked smile, her anger quickly transforming into a malicious excitement. "Yes, the banquet… the perfect opportunity for her to embarrass herself. She has no real skills—just cooking. We'll see how far that gets her when she's up against real noblewomen."
Wei Ming nodded, a flicker of satisfaction passing through his eyes. "Exactly. Let her think she's safe. She's no threat to us."
Qing Yue's expression softened slightly, though her eyes still glinted with a dark amusement. "But what about now? I could teach her a lesson right away. She deserves it for slapping you."
Wei Ming shook his head, his voice steady. "Patience, Your Highness. Her humiliation will be greater when the court sees it. She'll fall from grace before everyone's eyes."
Qing Yue studied him, then smiled again, this time more slyly. She stepped closer, her tone softening as her curiosity grew. "Were you serious about making her your concubine?" she asked, tilting her head with a playful smirk.
Wei Ming chuckled, shaking his head. "Why would I want a concubine when I could have you as my wife?"
Qing Yue's cheeks flushed at his words, and her smile grew more genuine. "So you really mean that?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Wei Ming's eyes gleamed as he took her hand gently, pulling her closer. "Every word. Why settle for less when I could have the most beautiful and powerful woman in the kingdom?"
Qing Yue's breath hitched, her heart fluttering at his words. She had always admired him, but hearing him speak like this made her feel truly special. "You're right," she whispered, leaning into him, her hands resting on his chest. "We'll have everything together. Power, wealth, influence. And that girl… she'll be nothing but a memory."
Wei Ming's hand slid to her cheek, tilting her face up to look at him. "With you by my side, there's nothing we can't achieve."
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade. Qing Yue's pulse quickened as Wei Ming leaned in, his lips brushing softly against hers. She responded eagerly, her fingers tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened, filled with promise and desire.
As their kiss grew more passionate, Wei Ming's mind flickered briefly back to Li Mei. Her fiery spirit and stubbornness had intrigued him, and the slap had sparked something strange within him—a curiosity, a challenge. She was unlike anyone he'd met before. But no, she was a distraction. A concubine, perhaps, but nothing more. His future lay with Qing Yue.
He pulled Qing Yue closer, kissing her fiercely, and she responded with equal intensity. She was the key to his future—wealth, power, and everything he desired. As their lips parted and she smiled up at him, Wei Ming couldn't help but feel satisfied. This was the right choice.
Qing Yue, breathless, gazed up at him with admiration. "You really do know how to make a girl feel special."
Wei Ming smirked, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "That's because you are special, Princess."
She giggled softly, leaning her head against his chest, her heart still racing from the kiss. "Together, we'll rule the court, and no one will stand in our way. Especially not Li Mei."
He smiled down at her, but his mind was already turning to the future. Marrying the princess would secure his position at court, and with her influence, he could rise to heights he never dreamed of. But Li Mei… she was a wild card, one he wasn't quite ready to discard. There was something about her fire that intrigued him, something he couldn't quite let go of.
As he kissed Qing Yue again, more fiercely this time, a small part of him couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have them both—the princess for power, and Li Mei for passion. It was a dangerous thought, but one that lingered at the back of his mind.
For now, though, his focus remained on Qing Yue. She was his future, and together, they would crush anyone who stood in their way.
"Let's make sure Li Mei never rises again," Qing Yue whispered against his lips, her voice filled with determination.
Wei Ming smirked, pulling her even closer. "Don't worry. She won't stand a chance."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Wei Ming's mind wandered between the promise of power and the thrill of passion, his future teetering between two very different women. But one thing was certain—he would have it all.