As the celebration was in full swing, Yanli moved gracefully through the crowd, her heart racing with anticipation. She had successfully spiked the drink she would present to Hanyu. With a coy smile, she approached him, her demeanor a perfect mix of innocence and seduction.
"Hanyu," she called softly, her voice laced with feigned sweetness. The prince turned to her, a flicker of surprise and delight lighting up his features.
"Yanli! You look... stunning tonight," he replied, his gaze lingering on her as he soaked in her beauty. The compliments of the gathered nobles seemed to echo in his ears, but all he could focus on was her.
"Thank you," she said, lowering her eyes bashfully before raising them to meet his. "I wanted to talk to you. I've been angry with you lately for not visiting. It's been difficult to understand why you've been so distant."
Hanyu's chest swelled with pride, believing her words were an indication of his importance in her life. "I'm sorry, Yanli. I've been busy with court duties. You know how it is," he said, feigning innocence while masking the undertones of his own ulterior motives. "I didn't mean to neglect you. I thought you understood."
Yanli took a small step closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I do, but it feels different now. Like something has changed between us."
"Nothing has changed! I swear it," he insisted, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're still the one I care for, but you've seemed... distracted."
She tilted her head, pretending to consider his words. "Maybe it's because I've been feeling lonely," she said softly. "Lonely without you."
The vulnerability in her tone stirred something deep within him. "You're never alone, Yanli. I'll always be there for you," he reassured her, trying to dismiss the doubts creeping into his mind.
With a smile, she held out the cup she had prepared for him. "Here, let's drink to our friendship. To better days ahead," she said, her heart pounding as she watched him take the cup.
"Of course," he said, taking the drink without a second thought. "To us."
As he drank deeply, Yanli couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph mixed with apprehension. She had executed her plan flawlessly, but the weight of what she had done pressed heavily on her chest.
Hanyu wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his vanity swelling as he believed she would always be there for him. "I knew you wouldn't stay angry forever," he said, flashing her a cocky grin.
Just then, a flicker of movement caught Yanli's eye. Lady Lian was watching them from a distance, her expression darkening with jealousy. Hanyu seemed oblivious to her presence as he continued talking, his confidence soaring with every passing moment.
As the celebration continued, Yanli's mind raced with thoughts of her plan unfolding. She knew the drugs would take effect soon, and she was already preparing to use the moment to her advantage.
Hanyu noticed her gaze wandering. "What is it?" he asked, a hint of irritation in his tone.
"I... nothing," she replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Just lost in thought."
Hanyu reached for her hand, his touch igniting a thrill that conflicted with her intentions. "Don't worry, Yanli. We'll figure everything out."
Before she could respond, Lady Lian approached, her demeanor carefully composed. "Prince Hanyu, there you are! I was searching for you," she said, her voice dripping with sweet poison. Yanli felt the tension between them rise as Lian's eyes glinted with malice.
"Lian, how nice to see you," Hanyu replied, momentarily distracted. "What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to wish you well on this auspicious day," Lian said, her gaze flicking to Yanli, who stood on the periphery of their exchange.
Yanli's heart raced. The air was thick with competition, but she kept her composure, feigning disinterest.
"Is that all?" Hanyu asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course not," Lian replied coyly, stepping closer to him, her body language intentional and seductive. "I was hoping for a moment alone with you, but it seems I've interrupted something."
"Not at all," Hanyu said, though he cast an uncertain glance at Yanli. "We were just—"
"Discussing our future," Yanli interjected smoothly, determination lacing her voice. "It's vital we secure our positions, wouldn't you agree?"
Lian's eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the undercurrents of tension between them. "Indeed, the future is important. One must choose wisely."
Yanli felt a rush of confidence. "Well, I'm confident that Prince Hanyu will make the right decisions for his future."
Hanyu smiled at her words, his ego inflated, but beneath it, uncertainty lingered.
"I'm sure I will," he replied, though his gaze flickered again toward Lian, caught in a web of confusion. "I mean, we all have our roles to play."
As the conversation unfolded, Yanli subtly shifted the focus back onto Hanyu, her charm drawing his attention away from Lian's presence. She couldn't let Lian seize this moment.
"Speaking of decisions," Yanli continued, "Hanyu, I wanted to discuss your plans moving forward. I've been thinking about how we can work together to strengthen our families' positions."
"Strengthening our families? I like the sound of that," Hanyu said, the idea catching his interest. "What do you propose?"
Before she could elaborate, Yanli felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, the drug beginning to take effect. She steadied herself, unwilling to reveal her weakness in front of either of them.
"Are you alright?" Hanyu asked, concern creeping into his voice.
"Of course," she lied, forcing a smile. "Just a bit overwhelmed by the celebration."
"Perhaps you need some fresh air," Hanyu suggested, his brow furrowing.
"Yes, that sounds good," she replied, her mind racing. She couldn't let this opportunity slip away. She needed to stay focused and find a way to turn this situation to her advantage.
"Shall we?" Hanyu offered, his hand extended toward her.
As she took it, Yanli felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. With every step they took away from the crowd, she knew she was drawing closer to her goal, and the stakes were higher than ever.