Consort Yao

Si Gui lightly tapped the armrest of the Emperor's Chair with his fingertips, producing a crisp sound that seemed to strike at the hearts of the envoys below.

They quickly reined in their distracting thoughts and began presenting their gifts respectfully.

From his seat above, Si Gui listened with an amused yet unreadable smile as the envoys below announced their gifts, but his gaze kept drifting toward that uniquely aloof woman.

At last, after the other envoys had finished presenting their gifts, Mei Xi stepped out of the line and curtsied gracefully.

"Your subject, Mei Xi of the You Shi Clan, pays respects to Your Majesty. On behalf of my father, I offer ten pieces of Innate Spirit Jade and a hundred Mystic Fox Fur pelts. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless longevity, and may your empire stand firm forever."

Her voice was cool and clear, like the chime of jade, echoing through the great hall. It formed a striking contrast with her slightly seductive appearance.

She gave off a charm that was alluring without being coquettish, which only tugged more powerfully at the heartstrings.

Even Si Gui, seated above, could not help but reveal a trace of heat in his eyes.

The corners of Si Gui's lips curled slightly as a desire to conquer rose within him.

"Interesting." A playful smile lifted his lips, and he made no attempt to conceal the desire in his heart.

"Since the You Shi Clan is so loyal, you shall remain in the palace and serve me."

Mei Xi's body stiffened. Although she had been prepared for this, when the moment truly arrived, a trace of sorrow still rose within her.

A young man dressed in white, with a face as fine as jade, suddenly appeared in her mind.

That young man had been