My palace is full of female protagonists.

Zhenzhen lowered her eyes slowly, her mind perfectly aware of the burly man's falsehood, yet she had no choice but to comply. The incense sticks clutched tightly in the maid's hands gradually gathered throughout the room. The madam casually ordered them to be lit, uttering no word about the hidden dangers. If the incense contained poison, no antidote was prepared. In this brothel, life was merely a gift bestowed by another's whim. Her only reliance was that she was the madam's prized possession, destined for a price, and she couldn't possibly perish before changing hands.

So, Zhenzhen secretly resolved to do as the madam instructed, stalling for time to allow the incense to take full effect. The madam's plan was to use this strong man to lure out the nobleman and then rescue the innocent old scholar. In this meticulously planned game, she was merely a pawn, yet she had to play her role well until the very last moment.

Zhenzhen covered her lips slightly, feigning shyness, and asked softly, "Could it be that your esteemed guest is his elder brother? Even though we are separated by this thin veil, a brother with such elegance as you must be a man of exceptional grace and handsome appearance."

On the bed, the scabs and blood clots all over Li Qing's body were carefully wiped away, bringing a touch of coolness, yet a strange heat welled up within him. At that moment, a peculiar fragrance quietly seeped in through the gaps in the bed curtains. Based on his years of experience traversing the martial world and solving numerous strange cases, he knew that this fragrance held a hidden secret—it originated from a common aphrodisiac, but its formula cleverly incorporated several rare medicinal ingredients. These ingredients, once combined with certain drugs, could unleash an intoxicating, illusory fragrance. Though its base was ordinary, under the skillful manipulation of a master, it was transformed from the mundane into the magical. Even in the most inconspicuous brothels in the city's back alleys, it could create an immersive experience, a blissful, dreamlike state that was impossible to escape.

Li Qing looked at the two sisters, his tone gentle yet undeniably firm: "You have already helped me a great deal; I can handle the rest. Go and take care of that distinguished guest." His gaze seemed to hold a hidden meaning, making the two sisters understand that although he was in dire straits, he was still a pawn in General Meng's hands. They couldn't help but sigh for the scholar's plight, but then, remembering the gold leaves promised by General Meng, a sense of relief arose in their hearts.

Just as the two sisters were about to pack up the basin and towels and leave, Li Qing gently waved his hand, signaling them to leave them behind. "This damp cloth might lessen his exposure to the fragrance." A subtle concern flickered in his eyes.

Meng She appeared unusually cautious, showing no interest in tasting the tea and snacks served by Zhenzhen'er's maid, as if everything had a deeper meaning.

The two sisters then approached General Meng, their words filled with flattery and obsequiousness: "My lord, we have taken good care of that young master." "Would you like some wound medicine for him? His face is flushed; if it is not treated, he may catch a cold."

Upon hearing this, General Meng took out something from his pocket, wrapped it tightly in dried leaves, and said in a deep voice, "Apply medicine to him, and then find him a set of suitable clothes to change into. Don't offend Miss Zhenzhen's eyes." After saying this, he tossed a handful of gold leaves to the two sisters, who then happily went out.

Zhenzhen said, "We can't let 'Big Brother' wait idly. I'll play a tune for the distinguished guests."

General Meng tried to pull Zhenzhen into his arms, but Zhenzhen pretended not to see him and turned away from his sight. Then, several maids put down their trays and started dancing.

The maid blew out some of the candles on either side, and the candlelight, like fine gauze, gently draped over her shoulders, adding to her ethereal beauty and otherworldly grace. General Meng felt an indescribable surge of emotion and involuntarily reached out, intending to gently embrace her, as if this would lock all the beauty of the world between them.

However, Zhenzhen'er, like a shimmering moon reflected in water, seemed oblivious to General Meng's intentions. Her eyes sparkled with cunning and playfulness, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she were playing hide-and-seek with fate. Just as General Meng was about to touch her, Zhenzhen'er nimbly spun around, like a deer leaping through the forest, skillfully avoiding his "hunting range," leaving behind a faint fragrance lingering in the air.

Two maids beside her put down their trays, and with a series of clear and melodious bell sounds, they moved gracefully around Zhenzhen and danced.

Their dance steps were light and harmonious, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, causing each petal to sway gently. Music and dance intertwined to create a series of moving scenes, immersing the entire banquet hall in a dreamlike and mysterious atmosphere. Zhenzhen sat in the center, playing a beautiful melody, like a fairy shrouded in a halo. Every glance and every movement of hers touched General Meng's heartstrings.

In the vast twilight, General Meng sat upright in his tent, the flickering candlelight illuminating his resolute face, yet unable to conceal the weariness quietly rising deep within his eyes. Days of battle had exhausted him, body and soul, as if every muscle bore the weight of a thousand pounds. However, at this crucial moment, his eyelids suddenly felt unusually heavy, as if pulled by an invisible force, slowly closing. General Meng was startled, a surge of indomitable will rising within him. He knew that in this turbulent situation, even a moment's lapse could mean utter destruction. So, he took a deep breath, blinked forcefully, pulling himself back to reality from the brink of drowsiness, his eyes regaining their firmness and sharpness.

In his world, there was a name, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating all the gloom—Zhenzhen'er. Every glance, every smile of hers was more than just a simple change of expression; she was the center of his universe, as dazzling as a pearl set in the night sky, as radiant as wildflowers blooming in the dawn, as precious as the finest delicacies. Even in these years of war, she could only be seen occasionally, inspiring longing and allowing him to forget the troubles of the world.

At that moment, melodious zither music drifted from outside the tent; it was Zhenzhen'er playing for him. The notes danced like a babbling brook, washing away the dust from General Meng's heart. When the piece ended, the lingering sound echoed in the air. Then, Zhenzhen'er slowly entered the tent. Her figure, elongated in the candlelight, resembled a fairy stepping out of a painting, exuding a purity and elegance untouched by the world.

In that dim and ancient hall, she slowly rose, like the first epiphyllum blooming quietly in the night, possessing an indescribable charm and mystery. Gently, as if afraid to disturb the dust suspended in the air, she pulled up her long veil. The veil, like the thin mist rising from the forest at dawn, light and mysterious, carrying a hint of lingering dreaminess and the warmth of the rising sun, slowly slipped from her fingertips.

As the veil slipped away, she seemed to be freed from layer upon layer of dreams. Her long dress and exquisite jacket, like peeling layers of a cocoon, shed from her body, revealing skin that shimmered softly in the candlelight. Her skin, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, seemed to be coated with a thin layer of gold, its lines smooth and graceful, like the most exquisite sculpture in the mountains, every inch revealing the most primal rhythm and harmony of nature, radiating an irresistible charm.

Then she began to dance, a dance of unparalleled beauty, each movement a meticulously crafted work of art, perfectly executed, possessing both breathtaking power and captivating grace. Her body traced elegant arcs in the air, each spin, each leap seemingly telling an ancient and distant story—a story of mountain breezes, the murmur of streams, the twinkling of stars, and secrets forgotten by time.

General Meng sat to one side, his gaze sharp, yet at this moment he was completely immersed in her dance. He forgot time, forgot the raging flames of war, forgot the brutal wars waged for power and territory, and forgot all the strife and suffering of the world. In his eyes, there was only her, only that elfin figure dancing, and the story flowing in the air, carrying endless sorrow and hope.

The dance, like a dream that transcends time, bound their hearts together, allowing them to find a moment of peace and freedom in this brief yet eternal instant. As the last note faded and she slowly came to a stop, her picturesque figure frozen in the candlelight, General Meng suddenly awoke as if from a dream, an indelible mark already etched in his heart.

At this moment, General Meng felt as if he had entered another world, a world without gunpowder or bloodshed, where only Zhenzhen'er's smile and dance shone like the warmest spring sunshine, illuminating the deepest corner of his heart. This dance was not merely a visual feast, but a spiritual cleansing, allowing him to find a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of the world. It was as if the entire world had stood still, with only Zhenzhen'er and him dancing together in the boundless night.

However, with the gentle support of several maids, he slowly reclined on the luxurious chaise lounge, seemingly only taking a light nap, but in reality, he had quietly entered a dreamlike realm. Zhenzhen'er was not spared either, having inhaled an excessive amount of the intoxicating fragrance. Now, she could only be supported by the maids, too weak to even lift her head, her eyes glazed over. Two or three other maids, in a daze, slumped against the wall, as if all their strength had been drained away, leaving only empty shells.

Just then, Zhao Qi'er, dressed in a black cloak, silently entered the room. Her shadow stretched long in the dim candlelight, adding to her mystery. Accompanying her were the palace servants who had been sent to deal with the centurion. They filed in, their steps carrying a barely perceptible tension and determination.

Such a scene adds to the dramatic tension; the air is filled not only with the lingering scent of the illusory fragrance, but also with the unknown and undercurrents that are about to be revealed.

Zhao Qi'er parted her lips slightly, her words carrying an undeniable authority: "Lord Li Qing, if you are still conscious, you might as well show yourself."

Before he finished speaking, the bed curtains swayed gently, and Li Qing slowly emerged. He staggered as he got out of bed, and in a low voice he apologized, "Your Majesty is very forgiving. This humble official is in a very sorry state and had no other choice."

Zhao Qi'er's lips curled into a cold smile, her tone laced with sarcasm: "In a sorry state? You are indeed in a sorry state. As a high-ranking official in the capital, wielding power, you have ended up with your fate unknown. Fortunately, the Emperor remembers our past relationship and has preserved your position; otherwise, leaving your post without cause and departing from the capital would be a capital offense punishable by the confiscation of your property and the extermination of your entire clan."

Upon hearing this, Li Qing's legs went weak, and he knelt down, clenching his fists tightly. He cupped his hands and said loudly, "This humble official is incompetent and unable to escape from the military camp. I beg Your Majesty to have mercy and plead with the Emperor on my behalf. Even if I am banished to the frontier, I will accept it willingly and without complaint."

Zhao Qi'er gave a soft snort, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible disdain and a touch of doubt: "You're quite good at weaving daydreams, even fantasizing about getting promoted and making a fortune. General Meng has shown no rebellious intent, nor has he embezzled any money, so why should he detain you, the dignified Prefect of the Capital? You have to give me a plausible explanation."

Li Qing smiled bitterly, a look of helplessness and bitterness flashing across his eyes: "General Meng witnessed the chaos at the capital's gates, and he probably began to doubt the Emperor's abilities, which led to this unexpected action. I tried to reason with him to calm things down, but instead, I enraged him and was forcibly taken to the military camp, where I suffered severe torture. Now, I haven't eaten a single grain of rice for days, barely surviving on a little water."

Zhao Qi'er parted her lips slightly, her voice laced with sarcasm: "Do you really think I'm a three-year-old child? If I hadn't already planned this, how could I have found you? If you still refuse to reveal the truth, I will immediately order the Imperial Guards to behead you and declare to the world that you intend to escape, or even plot against me. At that time, I will have my own explanation to report to the Emperor. After all, the position of Prefect has already been temporarily filled, so letting you wander outside for a few more days won't cause any major harm. Rest assured, I, Zhao Qi'er, am not as cold-blooded as General Meng. I will ensure you have three meals a day and that you don't suffer from hunger or cold. Here with me, you will definitely be much better off than before."

Li Qing, already pale from his injuries, was now even more terrified, his face contorted as if he had seen a vengeful ghost. After a struggle, he finally bowed his head and prostrated himself on the ground, his voice trembling with despair: "I have failed the Emperor's grace, I deserve to die!"

When General Meng slowly opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a spacious bed covered with soft gauze curtains. Everything around him felt both unfamiliar and comforting. He tried to speak, but his throat felt dry and parched, a discomfort reminding him that he had been asleep for over a day. A sense of urgency welled up inside him, and he tried to sit up abruptly, but his vision suddenly went black, followed by a wave of dizziness that forced him to lie back down, letting the feeling of weakness gradually dissipate.

Just then, a gentle and delicate voice rang out, like a spring breeze: "Please don't be in a hurry, sir. Zhenzhen will come to serve you with your washing and grooming." The voice carried just the right amount of concern and respect, warming one's heart.