The emperor's body suddenly stiffened.
Well, well.
So Southern Mei was behind this!
Noble Lady Snow seemed to notice something was wrong with him. Unease stirred faintly in her heart, and she asked gently,
"What is it, Your Majesty? I only mentioned it in passing. If you dislike the idea, just consider it an idle remark."
The emperor's voice was hoarse, with a slight chill. "Of course not, my beloved consort. I'll agree to anything you say."
Noble Lady Snow's lips curved into a smile, and tremendous delight flooded her heart.
But before she could enjoy it for long,
The emperor spoke again. "My beloved consort, what is that by your ear?"
Noble Lady Snow's expression changed in alarm, and she hurried to push the emperor away.
But the emperor's eyes were sharp and his hands quick. He reached out and grabbed the edge of that patch of skin.
"Your Majesty!!"
Noble Lady Snow had no time to stop him. She shoved him away, only to hear a sudden ripping sound.
Then came a tugging sensation across her face, followed by a cool breath of air she had not felt in a long time.
Her human-skin mask.
The emperor had torn it right off!
The emperor stared blankly at the human-skin mask in his hand. When he looked up, he saw an unfamiliar woman's face.
Suddenly, he was not so afraid anymore. His face darkened as he demanded, "Who are you? How dare you impersonate an imperial consort! Guards! Guards!"
After a moment of panic, Li Siqin, whose true face had been exposed, regained her composure.
Since both her purpose and her true appearance had been exposed, there was no need to spare this damned emperor's life.
She swiftly drew a dagger. Certain that the emperor was weak now, she