They walked in silence down a dimly lit hallway, the sounds of the celebration fading into the distance. Hanyu kept glancing at Yanli, his eyes filled with an odd mix of pride and suspicion. She, in turn, forced herself to maintain her poise, letting none of her true intentions show.
When they reached a secluded corner of the palace gardens, Hanyu turned to her, curiosity evident in his expression.
"So," he began, a smirk tugging at his lips, "what exactly have you been thinking, Yanli? You seem to be taking our engagement quite seriously now."
She hesitated, giving him a polite smile. "I've had time to reflect, Your Highness. We both have important roles in our families, and I realize I've been… careless with my responsibilities." She looked down, pretending to be embarrassed. "I know how important your family's favor is to my family's standing, and I wanted to make amends for my behavior."
Hanyu's gaze softened, clearly pleased with her submission. "You've finally come to your senses, Yanli. I was starting to wonder if you had forgotten how fortunate you are."
Yanli felt a surge of anger but managed to keep her voice even. "I understand now. You've been patient with me, and I'm grateful." She paused, glancing at the goblet she held. "To make it up to you… I wanted to share a drink in your honor."
His eyes sparkled with intrigue, though he raised an eyebrow. "A drink? And here I thought you were avoiding me."
"Not at all," she replied smoothly, lifting the goblet to him. "It's a gesture of goodwill."
He accepted the drink with a smirk, raising it in mock salute. "To us, Yanli. And to the future."
As he took a long sip, Yanli's heart pounded. She watched as he drained the goblet, completely unsuspecting. He let out a contented sigh, a lazy smile forming on his lips.
"There. Now we can put the past behind us, can't we?" Hanyu said, clearly feeling the effects of the drink. Yanli noticed a faint flush on his cheeks, his movements slowing as the drug began to take hold.
"Of course," she replied demurely. "I'm glad we could resolve our differences." Her tone was sweet, but her eyes flashed with a hidden fire.
As Hanyu continued to sip his wine, his attention was momentarily diverted by a figure nearby. Lady Lian hovered in the shadows, watching them intently. Her face was a picture of barely concealed envy, and she looked between Yanli and Hanyu with a bitter edge.
"Ah, Lian," Hanyu murmured as he caught sight of her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Why are you hiding over there?"
Lady Lian approached, a coy smile on her lips as she greeted Hanyu with a deep bow. "I apologize for the intrusion, Your Highness. I didn't mean to interrupt."
Yanli took advantage of the moment to let her gaze drift between them, noting the way Hanyu's eyes lingered on Lian. Yanli's expression softened into one of polite detachment.
"I should leave you both to enjoy the evening," Yanli said smoothly, pretending not to notice the tension. "Lady Lian, perhaps you would like to join us?"
Lady Lian's eyes flickered with anger before she forced a smile. "Of course, Lady Yanli. Thank you."
Yanli stepped back as Lady Lian approached Hanyu, and in a swift, subtle movement, she allowed her own drink to spill just slightly, letting a few drops fall on Lian's sleeve.
"Oh! I'm terribly sorry," Yanli said, feigning embarrassment. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's nothing," Lian replied, her voice tight as she dabbed at her sleeve. Yanli took the opportunity to switch their cups, offering a humble smile.
"I hope you'll forgive my clumsiness," Yanli continued, her eyes glittering with hidden satisfaction. "Please, allow me to make it up to you."
With a strained smile, Lady Lian lifted her cup and took a delicate sip, completely unaware of the exchange.
As the evening wore on, Yanli saw Hanyu's gaze continually drawn to her, a newfound appreciation—or perhaps suspicion—shining in his eyes. She played her part well, adopting a shy and reserved demeanor, making him feel as though she were still within his control.
When the time came for her to toast Hanyu formally, she gracefully approached him, holding a goblet laced with a potent aphrodisiac she had obtained from her hidden space. It was undetectable, a perfect instrument for her intentions.
"Hanyu," she began, her voice demure. "I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior. I was... frustrated. I know you have important duties, but it's hard to feel like I'm always waiting."
Hanyu, emboldened by her words, leaned in, his expression smug. "There's no need to worry, Yanli. You'll always be waiting for me—no one can replace you."
Yanli forced a blush. "Thank you, Your Highness. It means a great deal to hear that."
He took the goblet from her, draining it completely. "Consider it my way of reassuring you. You're exactly where you should be."
"Thank you," she whispered, the faintest of smiles on her lips as he set down the empty goblet, oblivious to the effects slowly taking hold of his mind and body.
A short while later, Yanli excused herself, her heart beating rapidly with the success of her scheme. She had already arranged with her maid, Xiolan, to alert her when Hanyu inevitably called for her.
As she reached the hallway, Xiolan approached, her expression carefully neutral. Yanli glanced at her, her eyes holding a dangerous glint.
"Xiolan," she murmured softly. "Have I not treated you well? Is there something you'd like to tell me?"
The maid's face paled, and she quickly shook her head. "No, my lady. You've treated me with nothing but kindness."
Yanli's smile was as cold as ice. "Good. Remember that."
They made their way to the outer chambers, where Hanyu was already waiting, his face flushed and his body visibly affected by the drink. Xiolan's gaze flickered with unease, but she quickly bowed and left, leaving the two alone.
Yanli feigned discomfort, stumbling slightly as she approached him. "I... don't feel well, Your Highness," she murmured, allowing him to pull her into a weak embrace.
"I've been... wanting this," he slurred, his hands wandering in a way that made her skin crawl. She let herself go limp, allowing him to believe she was under the influence.
"Let... let me help you," she murmured, her voice slurred as she mimicked the effects of the drug. She felt him lean closer, his lips brushing against her cheek as he whispered possessively.
"Yanli... you're mine."
Just as his lips grazed her own, she let herself collapse, feigning unconsciousness. Hanyu let out a frustrated groan, but a knock on the door drew his attention. He hastily straightened, anger flashing across his face as he opened it.
"Lian?" His voice softened at the sight of his white moonlight, who stood there with a flushed face, her eyes wide with desire.
"Your Highness... I thought you wanted to see me," she murmured, stepping into the room. The scent of her perfume wafted around him, and his eyes darkened.
Without a second thought, he pulled her inside, shutting the door behind them as he led her further into the room, forgetting Yanli's unconscious form lying nearby.
Their whispered words and the sounds of passion filled the air, neither of them aware of the trap they had fallen into.
Outside the room, hidden in the shadows, Prince Zhen observed everything with a calculating gaze. His expression was calm, but a spark of satisfaction burned in his eyes.
Prince Ji, who stood beside him, shook his head in disbelief. "She's bold, I'll give her that. To orchestrate something like this..."
Prince Zhen's lips curled into a smile. "Yanli knows what she's doing. I only hope she doesn't lose herself in this."
"And if the emperor finds out?"
Zhen's gaze turned steely. "Then I'll take care of it. Hanyu has overstepped his bounds, and this engagement was doomed from the start. If Yanli wants her freedom, I'll ensure she gets it."
Prince Ji chuckled softly. "It seems there's a fire in her that even Hanyu didn't anticipate."
"Yes," Zhen murmured, his eyes narrowing as he watched the closed door. "And I intend to keep it burning."