Her Majesty Chose Violence, They Chose Her

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: One Look Down, and Even More Despair

In Zichen Palace, steam filled the air as a pair of long, fair legs slowly slipped into the water.

Her waist was slim, her back delicate, and her long, black hair cascaded down to cover it.

As her body slowly sank into the water, Xiao Yang let out a long, contented sigh.

This was the only time she felt comfortable and at ease.

Her arm stirred the clear water. Her skin was so fair and tender that the overlapping new and old scars stood out in stark relief.

They were all from the Empress Dowager’s lashings, and there were even more on her back.

She had used scar-removing medicine, but healing was still a process.

For such deep, flesh-rending wounds, even the best medicine would require three to four months to make the marks vanish completely.

And the wounds on her body had been inflicted just half a month ago.

Touching each one, she could almost clearly recall the pain of the beatings, a memory seared into her very soul.

Xiao Yang said helplessly, "If you’re still alive, hurry up and take your body back. Leaving me with this mess is bad enough, but why did you have to leave all this fear behind for me, too?"

’This is absolute misery.’

Looking down only made her despair more.

She was as flat as a board...

This body was sixteen, while Xiao Yang herself was twenty-four. Eight years her senior, her own body had been fully developed—curvy and alluring, with a natural, enchanting charm. She had been the very picture of a seductive vixen.

But this body now? It was like plain broth. Not even a hint of a dumpling. Honestly, even as a woman, she felt zero desire looking at it.

Yes, Xiao Yang was a narcissistic "bad girl." She had adored her original figure and beauty, spending a fortune on upkeep to ensure every inch was perfect.

The only silver lining was that the body was still young. It could still grow.

’Of course, they can’t get too big,’ she thought. ’That would just be a burden. Besides, this body has to pass for an Emperor. If they get too big, my cover will be blown.’

’So annoying!’

The Little Emperor had cursed Liu Zhongwen and then killed Liu Sheng. That night, countless people lay awake.

But not Xiao Yang. Caring about none of it, she slept like a log. And for once, she had a dream.

She dreamed she had returned—returned to her own curvaceous, sensually mature body. She threw back the covers and rose slowly, her naked form, so fair it was dazzling, exposed to the air.

She casually grabbed a slip dress and pulled it on, then walked out into the living room and poured herself a glass of red wine at the bar.

She went to the floor-to-ceiling window and sank lazily into her custom-made armchair. She was nursing a slight headache when the phone on the table beside her lit up.

My Young Fox: [Video]

She tapped it open. In the video, a handsome young man was dancing, wearing a pair of fox ears. His chiseled eight-pack abs were on full display.

His tight pants perfectly outlined his form, accented with dangling gold threads. Behind him, a long, fluffy tail swayed back and forth.

He looked just like a little fox prince come to life.

The dance was sultry and provocative, like a full-blown mating ritual.

When he finished, he leaned close to the screen, his panting clearly audible. "Can I... dance for you in person tonight?"

Xiao Yang was genuinely tempted. She couldn’t help but smile, and just as she was about to agree... she woke up.

DAMN IT!

She couldn’t even tell which was the dream anymore. If this was the dream, it was an absolutely terrifying nightmare.

’Did I break some heavenly law to deserve a punishment like this?’

After waking, Xiao Yang was in a foul mood, finding fault with everyone she saw.

Just as she was stewing in her annoyance, the Empress Dowager arrived, followed by two unfamiliar faces.

A man and a woman, both with striking features. The man was refined and handsome, the woman aloof and elegant. There was a clear family resemblance in their eyes and brows; you could tell they were siblings.

Xiao Yang thought for a moment and recognized them.

They were Liu Zhongwen’s children: Liu Shixu and Liu Yumian.

Liu Yumian was the previous candidate for Empress.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yang ignored them. The Empress Dowager gestured for them to rise, then sat beside Xiao Yang and whispered, "I know you like Shi Xu, but as the Emperor, you can only marry Yumian for appearance’s sake. However, Shi Xu has reached the age to serve in court. I’ve arranged for him to be your Assistant. You’ll have plenty of opportunities with him in the future."

What little remained of Xiao Yang’s morning grumpiness was blasted away by those words. Her pupils dilated. ’A brother-sister combo platter? What the hell.’

’Marry the sister, sleep with the brother? That’s the Empress Dowager for you. The woman plays a wild game.’

The Empress Dowager mistook Xiao Yang’s shock for excitement. ’She knew it was a done deal.’

’The Emperor’s rebelliousness must have a cause,’ the Empress Dowager thought. ’Beating and scolding won’t work anymore, so it’s time for a new approach.’

’She’s just a young girl, experiencing the first stirrings of love. How hard could she be to control?’

’As long as I can get the Emperor and Shi Xu to consummate their relationship and produce a child, I can register it under Yumian’s name. Then, I will have a legitimate grandchild.’

’If my ’son’ won’t obey, I can raise an outstanding grandson. This Imperial Power must remain in my hands.’

Xiao Yang didn’t miss the ambition that flashed in the Empress Dowager’s eyes. This woman had eyes only for Imperial Power, not for her child.

Xiao Yang’s gaze swept over the siblings. The brother’s face was cold and impassive, betraying no emotion. The sister, however, was not so difficult to read. She shot Xiao Yang a look of pure, unadulterated disgust.

’The original owner of this body liked Liu Shixu?’

’It seemed so. In ’her’ memories, Liu Shixu had made two very memorable appearances.’

Once, when she was weak from a beating and had fallen to the ground, Liu Shixu had bent down and helped her up. Another time, she was in the middle of being whipped when Liu Shixu’s sudden arrival made the Empress Dowager stay her hand.

’Cheesy clichés, both of them,’ Xiao Yang thought. ’But for a young girl who had been constantly oppressed and abused, it was more than enough to capture her heart.’

And Liu Shixu certainly had the looks to back it up.

He was a young man of twenty, with well-proportioned features, distinct brows, and a jawline that was defined but not sharp. His eyes held a cool, indifferent calm. He favored white robes embroidered with gold thread and adorned with a Jade Pendant and strings of pearls, exuding an understated luxury that complemented his refined, aloof elegance.

The very picture of a graceful, noble-born gentleman.

’The original owner didn’t have bad taste.’

’Of course, no one ugly is ever used in a honey trap.’

Xiao Yang offered no objection. The Empress Dowager, believing she now had the Emperor firmly under her thumb, rose and departed, leaving the two siblings to keep Xiao Yang company.

"I heard Your Majesty dressed my father down as if he were worthless. Have you forgotten how you came to sit on this throne?"

Liu Yumian had spoken the moment the Empress Dowager turned her back, her words and expression full of unconcealed hostility and anger.

Xiao Yang looked up. "How did I? Surely not from your father’s embezzling."

Liu Yumian slammed her hand on the table in anger. "What did you say?"

Xiao Yang rose to her feet. "I am the son of the late Emperor. The throne was established by his decree. Is it your place to interfere?"

Liu Yumian retorted, "Without my father, do you think you could sit so securely on this throne?"

Xiao Yang shot back, "Oh, I should thank your father, should I? For embezzling until the National Treasury is empty? I’m on the verge of becoming the last king of a ruined nation, thanks to him."

"You..." Liu Yumian was flushed with humiliation and rage. Liu Shixu finally cut in, "Yumian, that’s enough nonsense!"

Xiao Yang’s gaze shifted to this posturing pretty boy. "She’s already had her say. What’s the point of stopping her now? Just trying to make your presence known?"

’Good looks might earn you some points,’ she thought, ’but with a personality that rotten, you could look like a god and it wouldn’t matter.’

’I’m not some naive little girl who’s never seen the world, unlike my predecessor.’

Liu Shixu stood up. "Your Majesty, pray forgive us."

Xiao Yang turned and walked away without another word, which only enraged Liu Yumian further.

"Brother, look at him!"

Liu Shixu was not the kind of brother to comfort her. Remembering his new position as the Emperor’s study companion, he hesitated for a moment before rising and following him out.

Liu Yumian stomped her foot in fury, gritting her teeth. "I will never, ever marry a useless Emperor like that!"

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