Chapter 9: Perilous Afternoon Tea at Crescent Moon Palace

Chapter 9: Perilous Afternoon Tea at Crescent Moon Palace (Part 1)

Before I could voice my refusal, Liu Rumai intercepted me with a honeyed smile. "Does the Empress find Crescent Moon Palace too humble to grace with her presence?"

"Of course not," I replied smoothly, masking the panic drumming in my chest. The smug expressions on her entourage made it clear: refusal wasn't an option. They'd drag me there if necessary. As Empress, I held the title, but Liu Rumai wielded the real power in the harem. A dragon might be mighty, but it couldn't easily crush the entrenched viper in its den.

Feng Tianxiang, you better have understood. And you better be loyal.

My answer only widened Liu Rumai's triumphant smile. Even disliking her, I couldn't deny her potent allure. She might not surpass my face, but her practiced sensuality was undeniable – the kind that could ensnare any man, including the Emperor. "Then," she purred, "let us proceed, Empress."

I nodded, falling into step beside her. The deserted paths were unnerving. Of course, no one's around. Any witness would know this unnatural camaraderie screamed trouble. To avoid Liu Rumai's wrath, they'd turn a blind eye, becoming her accomplices through silence.

The walk felt like a prisoner's march. When Crescent Moon Palace loomed ahead, Liu Rumai finally spoke. "Empress, please enter."

Trapped, I had no choice. "Very well. Lead the way," I said, deploying my own facade of politeness. Playing double games wasn't new; my 'Little Demoness' days had taught me well.

Liu Rumai's smile deepened, sickly sweet. "Your words delight me. Come, let's hurry inside. The wind carries a chill – not good for one's health." Her eagerness was palpable. Too obvious, even for a fool.

"Indeed, let's go in," I agreed, feigning nonchalance while mentally scoffing. Her clumsy scheming was almost insulting.

Inside, Crescent Moon Palace assaulted the senses. It surpassed Yongning Palace in sheer, vulgar opulence. Walls groaned under gaudy masterpieces; garish silks draped from the ceilings like a tasteless dreamscape. A nouveau riche nightmare. Fitting for a daughter of a military man, likely devoid of refinement. And Shangguan Mochen favored this? It spoke volumes about his lack of taste. The hypocrisy stung – her necklines plunged far deeper than mine, yet he dared criticize me?

This whole place, these people... they're absurd. I need to escape before their madness infects me.

But survival was the immediate concern. Escaping Liu Rumai's trap.

Each step deeper felt like descending into hell. I tried to slow my pace, buying time.

"Empress?" Liu Rumai's voice dripped false concern. "Your steps falter. Are you unwell?"

Perfect. "Ah, yes," I admitted, letting a sheen of sweat appear on my brow. "A sudden dizziness."

Her face instantly morphed into a mask of solicitous worry. "Oh dear! Where does it pain you? I have the finest medicines! Shall I have a tonic prepared?"

Hypocrite. "Merely a passing discomfort, Sister Consort. You worry too much."

Chapter 9: Perilous Afternoon Tea at Crescent Moon Palace (Part 2)

"Even a small ailment shouldn't be ignored!" she insisted, the gleam in her eyes belying her tone. She seized my arm firmly. "Allow me to assist you to the inner chamber!" She called back to her maids, "Prepare hot tea for Her Majesty at once! Ensure it's scalding hot! Only intense heat can truly banish the chill, understand?"

Scalding hot? Alarm bells rang. What trick was this? I watched warily as two maids scurried away. Liu Rumai steered me relentlessly forward. "Here we are, Empress. Please, take the seat of honor."

"Thank you." I sat, scanning the inner chamber. It was a treasure hoard: coral mountains, a solid gold nine-dragon fountain, jade screens, emerald vases – a dizzying display of obscene wealth. More proof of the tasteless nouveau riche. Liu Rumai preened under my survey.

"Gifts from His Majesty," she simpered. "Should anything catch the Empress's eye, simply ask. I would be honored to part with it."

Her blatant boasting grated. Luo Xiaoxiao despised show-offs. The charade wore thin. "Thank you," I said coolly. "If I desire anything, I shall request it from His Majesty directly. No need to trouble you."

Anger flickered across her face, swiftly masked. "As you wish, Empress. Ah! The tea arrives. Please, partake. It may soothe your discomfort."

The two maids returned, one bearing a tray with two steaming cups, the other laden with exquisite pastries. They set the pastries down. One maid presented a cup to Liu Rumai. The other, holding my cup, smiled sweetly. "Empress, your tea."

I murmured acknowledgment and reached for it. Then I saw it – a flash of something furtive, almost triumphant, in the maid's eyes—a wave of foreboding washed over me. I scrutinized the cup. Steam rose fiercely. Too fiercely? But what harm lay in hot water?

As the cup neared my hand, I stood abruptly, forcing a smile. "Sister Consort is too kind!" Simultaneously, the maid's hand "slipped." The teapot tilted. A torrent of scalding liquid surged towards me.

Just as planned! My preemptive step back saved me. Only a few searing drops splattered my gown, sparing my skin.

Vicious! So this was the meaning of "hotter than usual." A deliberate scalding. Lucky I wasn't naive.

The cup shattered on the floor. The maid, Baihe (Lily), dropped to her knees, kowtowing frantically. "Mercy, Empress! This clumsy servant begs forgiveness!"

Liu Rumai's face briefly registered disappointment before morphing into contrition. She rushed forward, dabbing at the stain on my gown with a silk handkerchief. "Empress, please forgive her! This fault lies entirely with me, her inadequate mistress! Punish me, not poor Baihe!"

How convenient. Trapped by her performance, I swallowed my fury. "It's of no consequence. I know it was an accident. No punishment is necessary."

Liu Rumai's smile was thin as ice. "The Empress's mercy humbles me." She kicked Baihe lightly. "Fool! Still kneeling? Thank Her Majesty!"

"Thank you, Empress! Thank you!" Baihe stammered.

I felt a pang of pity. This maid was clearly a pawn, bearing the blame for her mistress's scheme. I helped her up. "Rise. An accident, nothing more."

"Thank you, Empress!" Baihe's eyes held surprise and something else – gratitude? "Shall I fetch fresh tea?"

"No need," I refused instantly. Not falling for that twice. "Tea isn't required."

Disappointment flashed in Baihe's eyes. She glanced nervously at Liu Rumai. "This servant will withdraw."

Liu Rumai waved dismissively. "Go. Ensure the preparations in the rear courtyard are ready."

"...Yes, Your Grace." Baihe hesitated noticeably before complying. As she left, she cast another fleeting, intense glance my way. A warning? My nerves tightened. 'Preparations in the rear courtyard'? What fresh horror awaits?

Chapter 9: Perilous Afternoon Tea at Crescent Moon Palace (Part 3)

Once Baihe was gone, Liu Rumai turned her saccharine smile back on me. "My useless maid has spoiled your mood, Empress. If it pleases you, perhaps some pastries?"

I eyed the delicate confections. Were they poisoned? Combined with the ominous "rear courtyard preparations," refusal felt imperative. I clutched my forehead, feigning a sudden, violent swoon. "Oh! The dizziness returns, worse than before! Forgive me, Sister Consort, I must return to Yongning Palace to rest!"

I made for the door. Liu Rumai's hand shot out, clamping onto my arm like a vice. "Nonsense, Empress! If you collapse on the way, the entire court will blame me! How could I ever clear my name? Rest here."

Her grip was steel. Escape seemed impossible. Nine deaths out of ten awaited me here. I tried to wrench free. "Your concern touches me, but I only rest well in my own bed. I assure you, I can make it back safely."

"Is that so?" Liu Rumai's eyebrows arched. A predatory gleam replaced the false sweetness. "But I insist the Empress stays." Her voice hardened. "If persuasion fails... other methods must suffice." She raised her voice sharply. "Come out!"

"Yes, Your Grace!"

The heavy drapes behind her parted. Four hulking maids emerged, their faces set in cruel sneers, cracking their knuckles. I quickly assessed them. Strong, yes. But my street-fighting instincts weren't dead. I could hold my own... long enough, I hoped, for Feng Tianxiang's reinforcements. I played dumb, buying seconds.

"What is this? An escort?" I asked, forcing confusion. "Truly unnecessary! While I feel weak, I can surely manage alone."

"Silence!" Liu Rumai's shriek cut me off. She stalked forward, her beautiful face contorted into a demonic mask. "What sorcery did you use, you harlot?! Before you came, the Emperor visited my palace daily! He barely glanced at others! Now? He hasn't left Dragon Rest Palace since your arrival! TELL ME! What poison did you feed him? TELL ME!"

Spittle flew as she ranted, her fingers clawing at my sleeves. I recoiled, the sheer venom making me nauseous. Shangguan Mochen would surely recoil if he saw her like this.

Backed against a wall, I managed a weak smile. "Calm down! I've had nothing to do with him! How can you blame me for his absence? That makes no sense!"

She seemed deaf to reason, consumed by hysteria. "Lies! Even if he hasn't touched you, his attention is fixed on you! Tonight's banquet! A private affair between His Majesty, Prince Ye, and Prince Duanmu! No need for the Empress! Yet he demanded your presence! Do you think me blind?!"

Her eyes narrowed, twin shards of ice. "But you won't attend. No one knows you're here. I'll break you. Leave you neither human nor ghost! Let's see if he still desires you then!" She whirled towards the hulking maids. "Seize her! Make the bitch suffer!"

"As you command, Your Grace!" The maids surged forward like rabid hounds released.

I dropped all pretense, meeting Liu Rumai's gaze with icy defiance. "You dare this? When the Emperor learns, he'll have you torn apart by horses!"

"Hahaha! Hahaha!" Liu Rumai threw her head back, laughing with genuine, unhinged mirth. "Stupid slut! How many consorts, how many maids who crossed me, do you think have 'disappeared' within these very walls? Yet here I stand! Still the favored Consort! And you?" Her laughter turned razor-sharp. "No one knows you're here. No one saw you come. You could vanish into thin air, and no one would trace it back to Crescent Moon Palace. There are no wings for you here, Empress. Only a cage."