The silk of Zhang Lianxiu's new imperial robes clung to her skin as she stood before the throne-like seat in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. The concubines had just departed, their eyes lingering with envy and fear - fear of the man who now ruled their fates with the same intensity he ruled his empire.

Huang Xing's footsteps echoed through the chamber before he appeared, his imperial robes not fully fastened, revealing the defined muscles of his chest. Without a word, he closed the distance between them in three long strides, his hand grasping her jaw with sudden, bruising force.

"You think this makes you untouchable?" His voice was low, dangerous, as his thumb pressed into her lower lip until it parted. "This crown upon your head? This palace? They mean nothing. You belong to me. Body, mind, and soul."

He backed her against the cold marble pillar, his body pinning hers in place while his free hand wandered beneath her robes, fingers brushing against the sensitive skin of her thigh. "The concubines watch," he murmured against her neck, his teeth grazing her pulse point. "Let them see. Let them learn their place... and yours."

Wei Yinglou and Mingyu stood frozen at the periphery,不敢 to intervene as their new Empress gasped when his fingers found their target, his eyes never leaving hers as he watched her struggle to maintain composure.