That night, hidden in the shadows, Liana observed the Sixth Concubine with a predatory gleam in her eyes. As predicted, the concubine, her face a mask of desperation, sought out Lord Wei. Liana watched as the concubine led the esteemed guest into a dimly lit room, Elara's chamber, now a vacant space for visitors. Peering through a crack in the partially open window, Liana waited with bated breath, a cruel anticipation building within her.
To Liana's initial disappointment, the encounter wasn't the scandalous affair she had hoped for. The Sixth Concubine, using the guise of seeking help with a "personal matter," made a blatant attempt to seduce Lord Wei. However, Lord Wei, to Liana's surprise, politely but firmly rebuffed her advances. "Madam," he said, his voice carrying clearly through the window, "you are my friend's concubine. Please maintain decorum." The concubine, however, remained persistent, her seductive whispers continuing.
An idea sparked in Liana's mind, a more elaborate and devastating plan. She needed to involve the captain. Acting quickly, she grabbed a large jug filled with water and positioned herself strategically near a well-traveled corridor. As the captain passed by, Liana deliberately stumbled, sending the jug crashing to the ground, water splashing across his polished boots.
"Oh, Master Captain, I am so clumsy! Forgive me!" Liana exclaimed, feigning distress. She gestured to the broken jug. "Oh dear, what should I do? Sixth Madam instructed me to deliver a special wine… alcohol… to the guest room."
A flicker of understanding crossed the captain's face. He knew the Sixth Concubine's reputation and her penchant for clandestine encounters in that particular guest room. The mention of alcohol being delivered to a guest room, especially Elara's old chambers, immediately raised his suspicions. Without a word, his expression hardening, he strode towards the room.
He began to bang loudly on the door. "Madam! Open this door! Now!"
Inside, the Sixth Concubine paled. "Hide!" she hissed at Lord Wei. "Quickly!"
But Lord Wei remained rooted to the spot, a curious expression on his face. "Wait," he murmured to the panicked concubine. "Do exactly as I say." He whispered a quick instruction into her ear.
The concubine, her mind racing, he hides behind the curtain. Only then did she cautiously open the door for the furious captain.
"Who were you with?" the captain snarled, his eyes scanning the room. "I heard voices! Some… wild man?"
The Sixth Concubine feigned innocence. "Master Captain, you wound me! I was merely waiting for you. I thought perhaps we could… have some private time." She moved towards him, her voice a seductive purr, her hands reaching out.
The captain, momentarily swayed by her charms, allowed himself to be drawn in. He slowly began to remove her slippers, his hands tracing a path up her leg.
Meanwhile, Liana, still hidden in the shadows outside, watched intently through the window. As the captain's attention was fully occupied, Lord Wei silently and swiftly climbed down from the window inside, landing just inches from Liana's face.
Liana clapped a hand over his mouth, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Shhh! Not a word, my lord," she whispered urgently. "Isn't the Sixth Concubine a… friend's concubine, my lord?" she whispered, her voice laced with calculated innocence. "Surely, His Highness should be aware of such… indiscretions." She gestured towards the window. "Just move aside, quietly."
Lord Wei, a slow smile spreading across his face, seemed to grasp the intrigue of the situation. He moved silently to the side as Liana stealthily closed the window and locked the latch from the outside.
Then, Liana let out a piercing scream. "Snake! There's a snake! Help! Help His Highness!" she cried, her voice carrying through the night. She subtly gestured towards the locked room and mouthed to Lord Wei, "His Highness is near."
As guards rushed towards the commotion, Liana turned to Lord Wei, a knowing glint in her eyes.
The guards, alerted by Liana's screams, began to bang on the locked door. When they finally forced it open, they were met with a scandalous sight: the Sixth Concubine and the Captain, caught in a compromising position, their state of undress leaving no room for doubt. Lord Wei stood a discreet distance away, a picture of shocked surprise.
One of the guards, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the implications for the Captain's loyalty, immediately rushed off to inform Kieran of the shocking discovery. The air crackled with tension, the unfolding drama reaching a fever pitch as they awaited the arrival of the enraged ruler.