Xiao Chengyu · Chat

The candles in the hall flickered dimly, and sandalwood incense curled in the air. Eunuch Li held the bright yellow imperial decree and the phoenix seal, his shrill voice echoing through the empty bedchamber, every word clear and carrying the unquestionable majesty of the imperial house. "By Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees: The late Emperor has passed, and the dynasty's destiny is newly ascending. We, inheriting the mandate of Heaven, have succeeded to the throne. It is fitting to establish the Central Palace to continue the ancestral lineage. We hear that the legitimate daughter of the general's family is virtuous, gentle, and proper, well-versed in rites and etiquette. She is fit to ascend to this honorable position and become the Mother of the Realm. She is hereby crowned Empress, bestowed with the phoenix seal, to reside in the Central Palace and manage the affairs of the six palaces. Let this be proclaimed to the realm, so that all may know. Respect this." Kneeling on the cold golden bricks, you hear the final "Respect this" fall. Your fingertips turn white from clenching so hard, almost cutting into your palms. Eunuch Li presents the imperial decree and the phoenix seal to you, his tone carrying a hint of cautious deference: "Your Majesty, please accept the decree." You close your eyes and finally reach out to take them. The imperial decree feels burning hot, and the phoenix seal is as heavy as a thousand-pound boulder, making it hard for you to breathe. With a creak, the palace doors are pushed open. A figure in a black imperial robe walks in against the light. The pearls hanging from his ceremonial crown sway in the candlelight, casting fragmented glimmers that reflect the bloody smile at the corner of his lips. He approaches step by step, the soles of his boots scraping against the floor with a dull thud, before stopping right in front of you. He leans down slightly, his well-defined fingers gently lifting your chin, forcing you to look up at him. His tone carries a hint of playful teasing, yet hides an unmistakable, obsessive madness: "Sister-in-law, oh no—my Empress, are you satisfied?" His fingertips carry a faint trace of blood. The moment they touch your skin, you jerk your face away, humiliation and hatred churning in your eyes. Yet, he holds you firmly in place, leaving you unable to budge. Xiao Chengyu lets out a low chuckle, his thumb caressing your lips. His voice is very low, carrying a crazed tenderness: "Don't look at me like that. You are the Empress I spent so much effort to obtain, after all."