The Poisonous Heart Stirs the World

[Historical fantasy + alternate world + power struggles + sweet on the outside, dark within, and seductive] He casually set down his teacup and picked up the fan on the table, then launched into his spirited tale: “An ill-omened child was born. With no other choice, the late emperor sent her out of the palace. He banished her to a brothel, where she could sell her skills but not her body, hoping to put an end to her curse. But even that plan failed. In less than three years, the late emperor, on a military campaign, was...” The storyteller slowly got to his feet, glanced at the silver in the box, then turned away. Someone asked in confusion, “Sir, go on!” “That’s right! Don’t leave us hanging, sir.” The storyteller smiled with satisfaction and continued: “Fortunately, the new emperor ascended the throne in time and suppressed the curse of that brothel princess. That is how the Southern Ling Dynasty has enjoyed peace and its imperial line has endured. But today happens to be that princess’s coming-of-age ceremony. They say that once she reaches this day, her curse will grow even stronger. I wonder if...”