Desperate Measures

The afternoon sun hung low, casting long shadows across the palace grounds. Liu Jin Yan had slipped away unnoticed after the second round of selection, her absence hidden by the hustle and bustle of the candidates. Not even her loyal maid knew where she had gone.

Liu Jin Yan made her way to a secluded house on the outskirts of the city. Every lecherous upper-class man knew about this secret brothel, owned by the notorious Chu Yan. As she was escorted to a private room by a servant, she could feel her body reacting strangely. The poison coursing through her veins was taking its toll, making her feel increasingly unwell. Each step she took felt heavier, and a cold sweat broke out across her forehead.

Inside the room, Jin Yan paced anxiously, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She had already stripped off one layer of her dress, exposing her thin undergarment. Her slender body and average beauty now seemed both a curse and a burden. The room's oppressive atmosphere only heightened her anxiety, making her feel even more trapped.

Moments later, Chu Yan entered the room, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. He smirked as he saw her distress, knowing the potent aphrodisiac poison was doing its work. The smell of his sweat seemed to trigger something primal in her, making her lose control. The room seemed to close in around her as the poison intensified her senses.

"Please give me the antidote," Jin Yan begged, her voice trembling, her eyes filled with desperation. She could barely think straight, her mind clouded by the effects of the poison.

"I like an obedient girl. Take off all your clothes," Chu Yan commanded, sitting casually on the side of the bed with a cunning smile. His eyes roved over her exposed skin, relishing her vulnerability.

"Why? I've done what you asked during the selection. Now, please give me the antidote. I'm not feeling well," Jin Yan pleaded, her desperation evident. Her voice broke, and tears streamed down her face.

Chu Yan's smile widened. "Take off your clothes if you want the antidote! Do not make me repeat myself."

Tears filled Jin Yan's eyes as she removed her undergarment, leaving only her underwear to cover her upper and lower body. Her pale, slender figure made Chu Yan gulp in anticipation. He pulled her onto his lap, and as soon as she smelled his body, her reaction intensified. His scent seemed to act as an antidote, driving her to rub her skin against his in an attempt to find relief.

Chu Yan reveled in her response. He was infamous for ruining girls from prominent families, using them to further his own gains. Liu Jin Yan had become a pawn in Gu Wan Niang's schemes, and Chu Yan saw an opportunity to blackmail her influential father.

He gave her another dose of a new drug, which she took willingly, losing herself further to its effects. She became wilder, her mind clouded by the potent concoction. Chu Yan knew his job was to deflower her before she was auctioned off to the highest bidder. Once his task was done, he called for the maid to dress her in revealing attire, ready to be paraded on stage.

The auction hall buzzed with excitement as Chu Yan watched with satisfaction. Liu Jin Yan stood on stage, barely dressed, her slender figure displayed provocatively. The crowd went wild, bidding fiercely for the chance to own her. Each lecherous gaze made her feel more detached from reality, the drugs keeping her compliant.

Meanwhile, back at the palace, chaos reigned. Liu Jin Yan's maid was frantic, having searched everywhere for her mistress, even visiting the Liu residence in the capital, only to find it empty. Desperate, she pleaded and cried before the senior maid overseeing the selection, who realized the gravity of the situation.

"We must report this to the Queen and Queen Dowager immediately," the senior maid said, her voice trembling with urgency. The palace buzzed with the news, tension mounting with each passing minute.

As the news spread, Gu Wan Niang seized the opportunity to create more chaos. She stormed into the hall, her voice rising above the din. "This is Yang Mi's doing! She must be behind Liu Jin Yan's disappearance!"

"This is unfair! She should be disqualified!" Gu Wan Niang shouted, her face contorted with rage and determination.

The judge frowned. "There is no evidence of wrongdoing. The tests were completed fairly and it is not related."

Gu Wan Niang's eyes flashed with rage. "She's manipulating everyone! She doesn't belong here!"

The afternoon sun bathed the palace gardens in a golden glow as Yang Mi sat with Bai Jue inside his private chambers. The tension from the morning's selection trials had melted away in the serene environment, and she found solace in his presence.

"Your palace is truly beautiful," Yang Mi said, admiring the intricate designs and luxurious decor. Each detail spoke of power and history, yet the presence of Bai Jue made it feel intimate and warm.

Bai Jue smiled, his eyes never leaving her face. "Not as beautiful as you, Yang Mi. I'm glad you're here with me." His voice was soft, filled with genuine affection that made her heart flutter.

They were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching the chamber. Tan Qi burst into the room, her face pale with worry, her breath coming in short gasps.

"My lady! Your Highness!" Tan Qi exclaimed, barely catching her breath. "There's been an incident. Liu Jin Yan has disappeared, and Gu Wan Niang is accusing Lady Yang Mi of being behind it!"

Yang Mi's eyes widened in shock. "What? I haven't done anything! How could she accuse me?" Her voice wavered with a mix of disbelief and fear.

Bai Jue's expression darkened. "Gu Wan Niang again. She's always scheming. We need to get to the bottom of this." His protective instincts flared, and he stood tall, ready to defend Yang Mi.

Tan Qi nodded. "I've heard the senior maids are reporting this to the Queen and Queen Dowager. They need to know the truth."

Bai Jue stood, his demeanor resolute. "We must act quickly. I will go and clear your name." His determination was palpable, his every move filled with purpose.

Yang Mi grabbed his hand, her eyes pleading. "Be careful, Bai Jue. I trust you." Her voice was soft, filled with a mixture of hope and fear.

He squeezed her hand gently, his eyes locking onto hers with unwavering resolve. "I promise, I will make this right." His words were a vow, echoing with sincerity and determination.