Discrimination

With reddened eyes, he said, “Just yield to me, Qiuhe. Isn’t power what you’ve always wanted most? I’ll give it to you-the position of Empress, anything you desire, I’ll give it to you, all right? Call me Crown Prince Brother once more, will you?”

The Crown Prince, who was usually stern and reserved, always speaking of propriety, righteousness, and shame, was now begging me so humbly-how could that not delight me?

My slender hand reached up to Yin Jiuqing’s neck. I blew a breath into his ear, watching his desire grow unbearable, yet refusing to give in: “Didn’t you say I was unchaste? That I was a Fox Spirit, ignorant of propriety and shame? Your Highness the Crown Prince, now you stand before your Sister-in-law, undressing yourself-tell me, aren’t you the shameless one?”

I pressed Yin Jiuqing hard against the artificial hill behind him, making him let out a muffled groan.

I acted as if I hadn’t heard, cursing him with satisfaction: “You know no shame, you disregard human decency, and I refuse to grant your wish!”

I straightened my clothes, which he had pulled into disarray, and strode quickly out from behind the rockery.

Outside the rockery, the sky was high and the moon was small, a bright moon hanging overhead.

It was late autumn again, and under the moonlight, layer upon layer of frost and snow had settled on the fallen leaves.