Chapter 110: Volume 1 Chapter 110 – The Beauty Plot

Prince Qi's entering the Imperial Dragon Guard as Deputy Commander has already severed the last thread of courtesy between him and his father, the Emperor.

Han Xinglan's slightly lowered eyes swirled with stormy clouds; he has never been a benevolent person, and to survive he must harden his heart and press on.

"Have Xiao Shen present the map tomorrow; the Imperial Dragon Guard does not need a second voice, and Prince Qi will be sidelined." Han Xinglan looked up at the crowd, then resumed the gentle, scholarly demeanor of the Crown Prince, "After the map is presented, I want Xiao Shen to expand the Imperial Dragon Guard's strength in the shortest time possible."

"Yes." The others answered in unison, a hint of excitement in their voices. "Your Highness, have you finally made up your mind?"

It should have been so long ago; the father‑son bond, the brotherly ties—Your Highness should not place such weight on them.

If Prince Qi truly regarded the Crown Prince as a brother, how could he have snatched the Deputy Commander position of the Imperial Dragon Guard? What is he planning in his heart—can no one see it?

Han Xinglan watched the excited crowd disperse, then sat in his chair staring out the window. The newly risen morning sun spread golden light over the entire palace, looking vibrant, and even a gloomy mood lightened.

Consort Ming inhaled deeply, stood before the Taoist temple, steadied herself, and only then stepped inside.

Now the temple is split in two; the front hall remains the place where the alchemists practice, the swirling smoke making it hard to breathe.

The rear hall was originally the Emperor's place for quiet cultivation, but now it has completely changed.

Before even entering, she could hear intermittent giggles and moans coming from the inner hall, making Consort Ming's complexion grow ever more sullen.

However, once she decided to give the item to the Emperor to ingest, she knew there was no turning back.

Guarding the doorway was Liu Shun, the godson of Chief Eunuch Xiang Fu who serves His Majesty. When Liu Shun saw Consort Ming, he immediately jogged over to pay his respects, "Your servant greets Consort Ming, His Majesty has ordered that if the Consort arrives, she may go straight into the hall."

Consort Ming nodded without expression, "Thank you for your effort, Chief Xiang?"

Liu Shun, hearing Consort Ming's question, gave a slightly awkward smile, "His Majesty instructed my godfather to handle a matter; he may not return for a while. If the Consort has any orders, just tell this servant directly."

Consort Ming's face remained impassive, but inside she knew His Majesty had certainly sent Xiang Fu to fetch those little red pills. The Emperor is now addicted to the pills, but he is old, and his body is far from the vigor of his youth; if this goes on, the thought itself is terrifying.

She looked at Liu Shun and said, "It's nothing urgent; you go attend to your duties, I'll go see His Majesty myself."

Liu Shun quickly agreed; given the scene inside the hall, he did not want to go in—one misstep could cost his life. After receiving Consort Ming's words, he hurriedly stepped aside.

Consort Ming clenched the hem of her robe, inhaled, pushed open the hall doors and stepped inside.

In this weather, the room was filled with strong incense; the scent that hit her was so pungent Consort Ming almost fled.

The palace attendants inside, hearing the sound, turned their heads; upon seeing Consort Ming, they immediately rose trembling, hurriedly gathered their light silk robes, bowed their heads and curtsied, then slipped to the side without daring to look up.

The Emperor, half‑reclined on a soft couch, wore only a middle‑length robe, playing merrily with the attendants; his collar was wide open, his face flushed with a drunken glow, and his eyes lit up slightly when he saw Consort Ming. He waved her over, "My beloved has arrived; everyone step back."

The surrounding palace maids quickly bent down and stepped aside, carefully closing the hall doors. His Majesty is easy to please, but Consort Ming is fierce. Yesterday a maid, taking advantage of His Majesty's favor, acted coquettishly before Consort Ming; in a fit of anger Consort Ming beat the maid to death, and His Majesty didn't even blink.

Consort Ming sat on the soft couch, leaning against His Majesty, and said softly, "Your Majesty must also take care of your health; I know these young beautiful women often suit Your Majesty's preferences better than I do, but you must still cherish the Dragon Body."

"Beloved Consort, are you jealous?" The Emperor's heart swelled with delight; he reached out and pulled Consort Ming into his arms, "Those little maidens know nothing of true affection; none matches you in my heart. When it comes to serving me, you are still my favorite."

Consort Ming's smile stiffened for a moment, then she concealed it. Her slender jade‑like fingers slid across the Emperor's chest, gradually reaching the loose belt at his waist; with a gentle tug, the loose trousers fell apart.

Consort Ming nestled against the Emperor's chest, cooing, "I have followed Your Majesty since I was of marriageable age; so many years have passed. Back then I was like a blooming flower; now I am old. Your Majesty does not despise me, and I am immensely grateful."

"Nonsense, Beloved Consort, your beauty remains; it is I who have grown old," the Emperor sighed, seeming to feel it.

Consort Ming's heart tightened, but she showed a coquettish smile, "Your Majesty still loves to flatter me; others may not know, but I do. Your Majesty is as vigorous as in the past—just the other day you almost kept me from getting off the couch, yesterday you rested a day, and today you finally dared to come."

While speaking, Consort Ming's other hand slipped downward; she was well‑versed in how to arouse the Emperor's interest, especially since, before she arrived, someone had already instructed the Emperor to take pills mixed into his restorative soup. A slight tease now was enough to spark his desire.

What the Emperor loves most is that Consort Ming never puts on a maiden's pretence before him; she always brings him bodily and mental pleasure, allowing him to fully indulge on the bed.

At that moment, his arousal rose, and the Emperor didn't even notice his breathing growing heavy, his eyes blood‑red, nothing like a normal person.

Consort Ming was prepared; after the Emperor tore off her outer cloak and robe, the thin, gauze inner garment was revealed.

The sheer gauze was as clear as water; Consort Ming's figure, well‑maintained despite having borne children, was curvaceous, indeed more appealing to the Emperor than those little maidens.

Accompanied by tearing sounds, the Emperor could not wait and pressed Consort Ming beneath him.

When the Emperor's arousal peaked, Consort Ming whispered into his ear, "Your Majesty, do you still remember the promise you made to me back then?"

The Emperor, like an arrow on the string, was provoked by Consort Ming's grinding refusal; panting, he asked, "I have made many promises; which one are you referring to?"

Consort Ming's hand roamed continuously over the Emperor's body, her red lips brushing his ear, "Your Majesty did promise me that, sooner or later, Feng Er would ascend to the Crown Prince's seat. I will not make things difficult for you; at least grant both Feng Er and me peace of mind by issuing a secret edict. Otherwise, the Empress's pressure is relentless, and I am truly terrified."

The Emperor blinked slightly, his arousal fading, and his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Consort Ming, "Beloved Consort, why do you so earnestly demand a secret edict? Are you afraid I won't live long?"