In the midst of their conversation, Qu Yanran slowly raised her gaze and shyly looked at Xiao Jingheng.
Her furrowed brows revealed a playful and seductive look,
Not to mention Xiao Jingheng, even as a woman, Consort Yao couldn't help but be amazed by her beauty,
After a moment, she cursed inwardly at the enchanting fox-like woman.
However, Xiao Jingheng had a high regard for Qu Yanran,
"You sing this song quite well, one can tell that you have put effort into it."
Qu Yanran blushed and said, "I, a common girl, don't really understand much. It's just a gentle song, and by divine luck, it had the honor of reaching the emperor's ears."
The wind on the lake gradually picked up, and the air became more humid, as if it was about to rain again.
Xiao Jingheng glanced at the dark clouds looming in the sky and casually said to Qu Yanran,
"It looks like it's going to rain, so don't go through the trouble. Stay here tonight."
Qu Yanran's joy overflowed, and she quickly knelt down and kowtowed,
"I thank the Emperor for his grace!"
She was delighted, but Consort Yao, who was watching, felt extremely unhappy.
She had already secured the Emperor's favor for tonight, but it was snatched away by this seductive woman who appeared out of nowhere. Where was her dignity?
She watched as Xiao Jingheng embraced Qu Yanran's slender waist and left with laughter and conversation, feeling even more bitter.
Jiang Deshun noticed her displeasure and smiled as he advised,
"Consort Yao, don't be upset. Such a woman cannot enter the grand hall of elegance. The Emperor's favor tonight is unlikely to result in an heir. You are a fortunate person, so why bother comparing yourself to her for just a day of springtime?"
Consort Yao sighed, "Even a day of springtime is a boon to her. Lord Jiang, you should be more discerning in your actions. Her name carries a bewitching aura, and she doesn't seem like a virtuous person. If such a person is sent to serve the Emperor, won't the Empress Dowager blame us?"
Jiang Deshun replied, "Your advice is wise, Consort Yao, but as officials, we must prioritize the Emperor's desires, right? Here's what we'll do: when the Emperor is done showing favor to her tonight, I will have someone discreetly take her away so she doesn't disturb you."
Consort Yao responded indifferently, "It's your responsibility, Lord Jiang. Deal with it yourself."
With that, she turned and left in a hurry, but she had already started scheming in her mind.
Jiang Deshun had just said that Qu Yanran would be taken away after serving the Emperor,
And now, Xiao Jingheng, who was slightly intoxicated, was the perfect opportunity. If Qu Yanran were taken away, perhaps Consort Yao could take advantage of it?
After all, her own future was ultimately in her own hands.
So, Consort Yao made up her mind and headed towards the cabin where Xiao Jingheng resided.
As she walked along the corridor, she saw numerous guards stationed there, making it nearly impossible for even a fly to get in.
At this moment, Xiao Yinzi was guarding outside the cabin. When she saw Consort Yao, she respectfully greeted her,
"Consort Yao, greetings. The Emperor is currently bathing and changing with Miss Qu inside, so he's not here."
"I know," Consort Yao said nonchalantly, "I'll wait here to bid the Emperor goodnight when he returns. By the way, when I came, I saw your master looking for you as if he had something to tell you."
"This..." Xiao Yinzi hesitated for a moment and stammered, "I'm currently on duty, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to leave."
"Your master instructed you to carry out your duties, and now you've learned how to be lazy?" Consort Yao said impatiently, "There are guards stationed on both sides of the corridor. It's unlikely that any thieves would be able to break in."
Xiao Yinzi knew that Consort Yao was feeling neglected tonight and didn't want to provoke her further, so he said,
"In that case, let me go find my master. Consort Yao can wait outside the cabin, but please don't enter..."
"I don't need you to explain these rules to me."
"Yes, yes, I've said too much... I'll take my leave!"
After dismissing Xiao Yinzi, Consort Yao took advantage of the lack of people around and secretly slipped into the cabin.
The luxurious ship's interior was no different from the palace, except for the shimmering waves outside the window, which revealed that it was floating on a lake.
Not far from the dragon bed was a wardrobe, empty inside. Consort Yao stealthily crept into it, like a thief.
She hoped that after Qu Yanran finished serving Xiao Jingheng and was carried away, she could take advantage of Xiao Jingheng's drunkenness and unnoticedly make her way to the dragon bed, fulfilling her own desires.
Before long, Consort Yao heard movement outside the door. She quickly peeked out through the crack in the wardrobe.
She saw Xiao Jingheng entering with Qu Yanran in his arms, laughing and joking. Qu Yanran, with her seductive charm, nestled in Xiao Jingheng's embrace and shamelessly whispered words that had no sense of propriety, making the intoxicated Xiao Jingheng happy.
The two of them intertwined until they reached the dragon bed. Qu Yanran even provocatively covered a piece of bright red silk in front of Xiao Jingheng's eyes, displaying her sensuality.
Consort Yao's heart burned with jealousy. She initially wanted to turn her head away and not trouble herself, but in that moment, as she averted her gaze, she caught a glimpse of something shiny from Qu Yanran's wrist.
She looked closer and was shocked to see Qu Yanran pulling out a dagger from her sleeve!
Consort Yao was astonished and didn't care about her own dignity. She hastily pushed open the wardrobe and shouted at the infatuated Xiao Jingheng,
"Your Majesty, be careful!"
But at this moment, the warning came too late.
Just as Xiao Jingheng tore off the silk cloth and opened his eyes in astonishment,
Qu Yanran had already raised the dagger high and ruthlessly stabbed it towards Xiao Jingheng's chest.
"You treacherous emperor! Pay with your life!"
