Qin Xiyue's breathing grew ragged, and her palms were covered in a fine sheen of sweat. A piercing pain throbbed in her mind, and a voice seemed to be telling her to run.
'I went to so much trouble to set up today's trap. How can I leave now?'
'Who is that speaking in my mind? Who wants me to leave?'
The sweet fragrance in the room was cloying. She knew it was an aphrodisiac, one the Empress Dowager had specifically prepared for An Shutong.
She knew that as soon as the Emperor set foot in the hall, the aphrodisiac, combined with the wine he'd had earlier, would take effect almost instantly.
By then, the Emperor's mind would be clouded, and she could take An Shutong's place to receive his favor...
'I've planned everything perfectly. I know this will anger the Empress Dowager, but I have no other way to win the Emperor's affection. I can't wait any longer.'
But now, a sudden, unbearable pain flared in her head.
