Scheming Beauty

A sharp pain pierced her head, making her wince as a small sound escaped her lips.

"Mei Lian, you're awake?"

Leriya opened her eyes to a dimly lit room. A figure stood at the edge of the bed, being dressed by young, beautiful maids. The curtains of the four-poster bed were drawn, obscuring her view, but she could make out the silhouette of a man.

From the corner of her eye, a curious blue bubble floated around.

Sitting up, she glanced to her left, where a long box revealed two exquisite hairpins. Memories flooded her mind, fragmented and unclear. She noticed two girls attending to her and looked down at herself, dressed in a breathable silk garment that clung to her slender frame—thin arms and modest curves.

The man stretched out his arms as the maids carefully draped a black robe over him. Golden dragon embroidery marked it as a symbol of imperial authority.

"World setting finished loading."

The familiar voice of the system startled Leriya, her eyes darting around to see if anyone else had heard it. The maids remained oblivious, focused on their work. A translucent screen appeared in front of her as the maids affixed an ornate headpiece to the man she assumed was the emperor. The screen displayed names and bars tied to significant individuals.

At the top was Emperor Li Wei, whose favor level stood at an impressive 80%. A calendar on the side highlighted today in blue, while other days were marked in red. Danger?

Her thoughts were interrupted when the man turned and drew back the bed curtains, his gaze settling on her with a satisfied smile.

Leriya took in his sharp features: sabre-like eyebrows, a narrow nose, and thin lips. His long hair was tied into a topknot secured by a golden ornament.

"Mei Lian, why do you look so startled?" he asked, his tone soft but commanding.

Though the language was unfamiliar, she understood it perfectly—likely thanks to the floating blue bubble. Unsure how to respond, Leriya lowered her head, offering a shy smile.

The maids giggled softly, glancing down to hide their flushed faces. Emperor Li Wei chuckled, pleased, clearly assuming her reaction stemmed from last night's events.

"Your Majesty!" A loud, authoritative voice came from the door. "Urgent news from the Western Gates!"

Li Wei's demeanor shifted instantly. He closed the bed curtains, shielding Leriya from view. She instinctively wrapped herself in the silk sheets as the maids hurried to attend him.

The door opened, and a man entered, his right hand resting on a swordless scabbard. He bowed deeply, his eyes briefly flicking to the curtained bed before focusing on the emperor.

"Your Majesty, Prince Yong Cheng has been found."

The significance was lost on Leriya, but the emperor's reaction revealed its weight.

"Is he alive?" Li Wei asked, his voice tight with anticipation.

The messenger nodded, a smile breaking across his face. Relief washed over Li Wei.

"Excellent!" he exclaimed, turning to his eunuch. "Tell me everything."

The emperor exited with urgency, leaving Leriya alone with the maids.

The translucent screen hovered before her as she pieced together the plot. Mei Lian, the body's original owner, was a 19-year-old distant relative of a court member. Her fate had been sealed the day the emperor's horse startled hers, causing her veil to slip and reveal her striking beauty—pale skin, watery brown eyes, and crimson lips. The emperor had been smitten instantly, bringing her to the palace.

Leriya rolled her eyes at the cliché backstory.

Today's blue-highlighted date had turned red.

"What does this mean?" she wondered aloud.

"It means the plot has changed slightly," the system responded, startling her again. She jolted just as the maids entered. Bowing their heads, they quietly undressed her and led her into a warm, steamy bathing room.

Leriya paid them little attention, focused instead on the screen. If today was the empress's 22nd birthday, why had the calendar changed?

According to the original plot, Mei Lian had been framed for poisoning the eight-year-old crown prince and banished to the Cold Palace. Later, she was accused of witchcraft when the empress mysteriously died. The emperor had been forced to act to satisfy the empress's powerful brother, the prime minister.

Who benefits from all these deaths?

Her attendants moved with quiet efficiency, untying her garment and unraveling her hair from its intricate plait. She barely acknowledged them, her focus still on the translucent screen hovering before her.

They led her to a warm, milky bathwater that enveloped her as she stepped in, the scent of floral oils and herbs filling the air. She could feel the smooth stones beneath her feet as the maids gently poured water over her shoulders, their movements synchronized and practiced. The heat seeped into her muscles, easing the tension from her body, but her mind remained restless.

If the calendar gave no hint earlier towards a potential danger, why had it changed? Does this have to do with the return of the Prince? Leriya's eyes squinted as a tiny smile tugged her lips upward. She sighed, it does not matter. As today, she will observe the people at the gathering. Surely it had to be a person of higher standing. Only they will dare harm the Empress.

Eyes half-closed, she monitored the screen, her thoughts racing. Was there a way to unlock more functions from this bizarre system? What was the significance of today's changed calendar highlight? And what impact would the sudden appearance of the prince have on the plot? She needed answers—and fast.

Leriya's thoughts spiraled as the maids rinsed her off and dressed her in a white inner garment. They led her to a large bronze mirror, where they worked to arrange her hair. The maids gathered behind her, nimble fingers weaving her dark locks into a towering high bun. Delicate jade pins and gold hair combs, engraved with phoenix and floral patterns, adorned the intricate twists.

As her next steps became clear, a sly smile crept across her lips. I'll use tonight's feast to draw out the antagonist.

By the time the maids finished, Leriya's hair was styled in an elegant high bun, accented with golden hairpins. She wore a creamy silk regalia—an extravagant gift from the emperor to showcase his favor.

"The palanquin is ready, my lady," one maid announced.

Steeling her resolve, Leriya stood tall as her personal maids flanked her, each holding exquisite gifts from the emperor.

Let the game begin.

She stepped out of her residence with a confidence that belied her unease.