Xu Lian awoke to a wave of unfamiliar sensations. The sharp scent of sandalwood incense filled her lungs, and the soft, luxurious sheets beneath her felt far too foreign. As her eyes fluttered open, she realized she wasn't in her small apartment anymore. The dim lighting of the room, with its intricate lattice windows and silk tapestries, felt otherworldly.
"Where am I?" she muttered, though the voice that escaped her lips sounded different. Deeper. Richer.
She sat up, her body stiff and foreign to her. Glancing down, Xu Lian was met with an unfamiliar face reflected in a polished bronze mirror across the room. It wasn't her face. No—this woman was striking, more beautiful than she could ever remember being. Her sharp jawline, short, unruly wolf-cut hair, and piercing dark eyes gave her a dangerous allure.
A sudden chiming sound broke the silence, and Xu Lian flinched, her hand instinctively reaching for the ornate dagger she didn't remember having. A soft, playful voice echoed inside her head, seemingly coming from nowhere.
"Welcome, Xu Lian," the voice purred. "You have been chosen by the Seduction System."
Her eyes widened, her heart racing. "Seduction System? Chosen? What kind of game is this?"
The voice continued, unfazed by her confusion. "You've been granted a second chance at life, in this world. Your mission: seduce powerful women, bend them to your will, and carve out your empire. Succeed, and you will become the most powerful woman in the land."
A smirk tugged at Xu Lian's lips. A second chance. In her old life, she had been stuck under her father's thumb, powerless and constantly manipulated. Now, this world offered her something more—dominion, control. The very things she had craved.
The voice hummed again. "Your first task is simple: seduce Princess Meixian, the youngest daughter of the emperor. She craves freedom, and that is your key to her heart."
Xu Lian ran her fingers through her newly cropped hair, feeling a rush of excitement course through her. This world, this body, these people—they were hers for the taking.
The voice continued, its tone smooth and intoxicating. "You will be rewarded for your conquests. Use the system wisely, Xu Lian. There's much power to be had here."
With a new sense of purpose and dark amusement swirling in her chest, Xu Lian stood from the bed, adjusting to her new body's strength and grace. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror again. This woman—this Xu Lian—was not one to be toyed with.
"I'll play your game," she said aloud, addressing the disembodied voice. "But on my terms."
---
Xu Lian quickly immersed herself in the memories left behind in this new body. Her original self had been a noblewoman, a daughter of the infamous Xu Guang, a man of terrifying power and ruthlessness within the empire. Yet, despite her father's influence, her previous self had been weak—easily manipulated, a pawn for political marriage.
But not anymore.
As she explored the household, she noticed how the servants would avert their eyes and bow with barely concealed disdain. They still saw her as the disgraced noblewoman, unworthy of respect. But that would soon change.
First, she needed to assert her dominance.
The Seduction System had granted her a small boon after awakening—a subtle, almost magical enhancement to her appearance. Her features, already sharp, became even more striking, giving her an aura that commanded attention. She noticed the change immediately when one of the household staff, a young maid, walked past her.
"Look at me," Xu Lian ordered, her voice cold and commanding.
The maid flinched, her eyes darting up to meet Xu Lian's. She trembled visibly, caught in the snare of Xu Lian's intense gaze. Xu Lian could see it—the fear, the sudden recognition of who was in control now. A smirk curled at the corners of Xu Lian's mouth.
"You'll do what I say from now on," Xu Lian continued, her tone dripping with cruelty. "Without question. Understand?"
The maid nodded quickly, her face pale. "Y-Yes, my lady."
Satisfied, Xu Lian dismissed the girl with a flick of her wrist, watching as the maid scurried away like a frightened animal. Good. The household would soon learn that she was no longer the woman they had pitied and dismissed.
The Seduction System hummed in approval. "Dominance suits you, Xu Lian. But the game has only begun. It's time to make your first move."
---
Xu Lian's first task was to seduce Princess Meixian. According to the memories she now possessed, Meixian was known to be docile, quiet, and obedient—a bird in a gilded cage, longing for freedom but too sheltered to fight for it.
Xu Lian's lips twisted into a dark smile as she made her way to the imperial gardens. The princess was exactly the type of prey she relished—innocent, vulnerable, and easily bent to her will.
She arrived at the gardens, where the soft rustling of leaves and the scent of blooming jasmine filled the air. Xu Lian spotted the princess sitting on a stone bench, gazing wistfully at the flowers, her delicate hands folded in her lap. She was beautiful in a fragile, doll-like way, with long, flowing hair and wide, innocent eyes.
Xu Lian approached her silently, her presence commanding even in the stillness of the garden. As she drew nearer, the princess glanced up, startled by Xu Lian's sudden appearance. For a moment, their eyes met, and Xu Lian saw it—the flicker of interest, the curiosity that would soon blossom into obsession.
"Forgive me for startling you, Your Highness," Xu Lian said smoothly, her voice laced with just the right amount of charm. "I couldn't resist the beauty of this garden."
Princess Meixian's cheeks flushed slightly, her innocence on full display. "N-No, it's quite alright," she stammered. "I'm often alone here. It's rare to have company."
Xu Lian smiled, seating herself beside the princess without asking for permission. The boldness of the gesture seemed to unsettle Meixian, but Xu Lian could sense the princess's intrigue. She leaned in, just close enough for Meixian to feel the heat of her presence, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Alone, are you? In a place as beautiful as this?" Xu Lian's eyes flickered to the delicate flowers surrounding them. "It's a shame to be without companionship in such a paradise."
Meixian shifted slightly, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I… I prefer the solitude."
Xu Lian smiled, her gaze softening just enough to give the illusion of warmth. "I understand. Sometimes solitude is a luxury. But sometimes, it can feel like a prison."
Meixian's eyes widened, a spark of recognition in her expression. Xu Lian had struck a chord. The system was right—Meixian craved freedom, and Xu Lian would be the one to offer it to her. Slowly, methodically, Xu Lian began to weave her web.
Over the next hour, Xu Lian spoke to Meixian with a carefully crafted balance of charm and subtle manipulation. She praised the princess for her beauty and intellect, yet gently teased her for being so hidden away from the world. Meixian, unused to such attention, became flustered, her usual composure slipping under the weight of Xu Lian's intense gaze.
"You should be free, Meixian," Xu Lian whispered, leaning in close enough that their lips were nearly touching. "To live, to love, to explore the world beyond these walls. You deserve more than this gilded cage."
The princess's breath hitched, her gaze flickering to Xu Lian's lips before darting away in confusion. "I… I don't know if I could."
Xu Lian tilted her head, her voice a soft, seductive purr. "You can, Meixian. With me, you can."
---
By the end of their meeting, Princess Meixian was visibly enchanted. Xu Lian could see the longing in her eyes, the confusion in her heart as she wrestled with her growing attraction. The Seduction System chimed in her mind, congratulating her for her progress.
"Well done, Xu Lian. The princess is yours for the taking. Now, it's time to push her further."
Xu Lian wasted no time. Over the next few days, she employed every tool at her disposal to deepen her hold on Princess Meixian. Every interaction was methodical, carefully orchestrated to erode the princess's defenses and draw her deeper into Xu Lian's web of manipulation. She knew Meixian's innocence made her vulnerable, but Xu Lian wanted more than simple submission—she wanted obsession.
---
Xu Lian wasted no time. Over the next few days, she employed every tool at her disposal to deepen her hold on Princess Meixian. Every interaction was methodical, carefully orchestrated to erode the princess's defenses and draw her deeper into Xu Lian's web of manipulation. She knew Meixian's innocence made her vulnerable, but Xu Lian wanted more than simple submission—she wanted obsession.
Xu Lian played with Meixian's emotions like a masterful musician manipulating the strings of an instrument. She alternated between periods of intense attention and calculated withdrawal, a classic push-and-pull tactic designed to make Meixian crave her presence. During their encounters, Xu Lian was attentive, listening with rapt focus as Meixian spoke of her childhood, her longing for freedom, and her frustrations with the constraints of palace life.
"You deserve so much more than this," Xu Lian would say, her voice low and intimate, her fingers brushing Meixian's hand just enough to make the princess shiver. "They don't see you for who you truly are."
Every touch, every word was crafted to make Meixian feel seen and understood, as though Xu Lian was the only one who could offer her the affection and validation she so desperately craved. But Xu Lian never let Meixian get too comfortable. After these intense moments of connection, Xu Lian would suddenly pull back, vanishing for days without explanation.
Meixian would be left confused and yearning, pacing her chambers as she waited for Xu Lian to return. When they next met, the princess's relief was palpable, her longing clear. Xu Lian's absence had made her desperate for more.
"I missed our conversations," Meixian would admit softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "I thought… I thought you'd forgotten about me."
Xu Lian would smirk, barely concealing her satisfaction at how deeply she had embedded herself into the princess's mind. She would respond with just the right amount of feigned surprise, her tone soft yet dismissive. "Forgotten you? How could I? But I've been… busy, Meixian. You must learn not to rely so much on me."
That single line—a seemingly innocent piece of advice—left the princess doubting herself, filled with anxiety over her own dependence on Xu Lian. Yet, with each day that passed, Meixian's need for Xu Lian's approval grew, like a flower leaning toward the sun.
Xu Lian also began to escalate the physical side of their relationship, pushing the boundaries of what was appropriate under the guise of innocent touches. Each encounter started subtly: a brush of fingers, the gentle placing of a hand on Meixian's lower back as they walked together through the gardens.
Meixian's face would flush with every small gesture, her inexperience and naivety making it impossible for her to hide how these simple touches affected her. And Xu Lian reveled in it, watching the princess's reaction, enjoying how her body betrayed her.
In one particularly intimate moment, Xu Lian sat beside Meixian during one of their private walks, gently guiding the princess's hand to rest on her own knee.
"Do you feel that?" Xu Lian asked, her voice low and dangerous, her gaze locked on Meixian's trembling fingers.
Meixian's breath hitched, her wide eyes flickering to Xu Lian's with a mix of confusion and excitement. "I-I don't understand."
Xu Lian leaned in closer, her lips brushing against the shell of Meixian's ear as she whispered, "You will."
Afterward, Xu Lian would again withdraw, leaving Meixian haunted by the touch, replaying it in her mind until it consumed her thoughts. It wasn't long before the princess began to crave not just Xu Lian's words, but her touch as well.
Xu Lian fed on Meixian's growing dependence, carefully reinforcing the idea that she was the princess's only source of comfort and freedom. Every time they met, Xu Lian offered more praise, more affection, and more promises of the freedom Meixian longed for—but only if Meixian remained devoted to her.
"You and I, Meixian," Xu Lian would whisper late at night in the secrecy of Meixian's chambers, "we are alike. We're trapped by the expectations of others. But together, we can be free. You can have anything you desire—love, freedom, power—all you need to do is trust me."
And trust Xu Lian she did. Meixian started confiding in Xu Lian more than anyone else in her life. She shared her deepest fears, her dreams, her frustrations—all of which Xu Lian used to further manipulate her. She planted seeds of doubt in Meixian's mind, making her believe that no one else in the palace could understand her like Xu Lian did.
"The people around you," Xu Lian would say with a frown, "they don't care about your happiness. They just want to control you. But I see you, Meixian. I want you to be free. With me."
In truth, Xu Lian had no intention of setting Meixian free. She wanted to bind the princess to her, to make her so emotionally dependent that she would do anything for Xu Lian's approval.
It wasn't long before the relationship between Xu Lian and Princess Meixian became the subject of whispers within the court. Xu Lian didn't mind. In fact, she encouraged it. She began to display her dominance over Meixian more publicly, ensuring that others would see how tightly she controlled the princess.
At formal gatherings, Xu Lian would guide Meixian through the halls of the palace, her hand resting possessively on the small of Meixian's back. The subtle show of ownership was enough to send ripples through the court. And Meixian, too naive to recognize the implications, would follow Xu Lian obediently, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and longing.
Xu Lian's cruelty lay in how she dangled affection in front of Meixian, only to pull it away when it suited her. During one gathering, as Meixian timidly reached for Xu Lian's hand in a moment of vulnerability, Xu Lian turned to her, her voice cold and detached.
"Not here, Meixian," she said, withdrawing her hand. "You must learn not to embarrass yourself. We wouldn't want the court thinking you're weak, would we?"
The reprimand stung. Meixian's eyes filled with shame, and she quickly pulled away, her face burning with embarrassment. Xu Lian watched with satisfaction as Meixian grew more and more anxious, desperate for any sign of her favor.
Later, in the privacy of their shared moments, Xu Lian would reward her with soft touches and tender words, reminding the princess that only she could offer her the comfort she needed. This kept Meixian in a constant state of emotional turmoil—dependent, anxious, and utterly devoted.
The true turning point came one evening, beneath the soft glow of moonlight, in the privacy of Meixian's chambers. Xu Lian, leaning casually against the doorframe, watched as Meixian nervously paced the room, her hands trembling.
"Come here," Xu Lian ordered, her voice calm but commanding.
Meixian hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. Xu Lian motioned for her to kneel, and though confused, Meixian obeyed, sinking to her knees before her.
Xu Lian tilted Meixian's chin upward with a single finger, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You trust me, don't you, Meixian?"
"Y-Yes, of course," Meixian stammered, her voice shaky but sincere.
Xu Lian smiled, leaning down until their faces were just inches apart. "Then prove it."
She slid her foot out from beneath her robe and placed it before Meixian. "Kiss my foot," Xu Lian commanded softly, her voice filled with seductive malice.
Meixian's eyes widened in shock. For a brief moment, she hesitated, her mind racing. But the weight of Xu Lian's gaze, the intoxicating power of her presence, and the overwhelming desire to prove her devotion won out. With trembling hands, Meixian leaned forward and pressed her lips against Xu Lian's foot, her face flushed with humiliation and yearning.
Xu Lian's smirk widened as she gazed down at the princess, now fully under her control. Meixian was hers—body, mind, and soul.
From that moment on, Meixian's obsession knew no bounds. She would do anything to stay in Xu Lian's favor—anything to feel that fleeting moment of connection, no matter how degrading the task. And Xu Lian relished in it, knowing that the princess was now completely and irrevocably hers.