By Imperial Decree, I Deceive the Emperor

[Free to read in full] [Yandere, scheming empress × aloof, jealous young master]

As a mighty empress, Jun Huaijin never imagined she'd slip up one day. She'd gone fishing, only to get caught herself. When she finally took a closer look, the beauty turned out to be a man in disguise!

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The first meeting:

They covered for each other in public, then tested and confronted one another in private.

Jun Huaijin: “You're a good actor.”

Lan Chenbi: “You really do make things up as you go.”

They couldn't agree on a single thing, so they went their separate ways and missed their chance.

The reunion:

The beauty's dance captivated the world. She barged into his chambers and tore his clothes to put on an act. As tension simmered between them, she whispered, “I've heard so much about you. I've come to steal a kiss.”

The beauty said nothing, only smiled meaningfully. Using someone always came at a price.

Later:

The beauty traded his red robes for white. With clear, cold eyes, he pinned her against the door and said hoarsely, “You owe your life to me, so you should repay me with yourself. A Jin, I've come to collect.”

Jun Huaijin gritted her teeth. “That's treason!”

Lan Chenbi chuckled. “Deceiving the emperor by imperial decree is hardly forbidden.”

*

Deep-rooted ills are hard to cure, and clouds obscure the sun.

But one day, a dragon will rise from the waters, and the phoenix will cry through the nine heavens.