The gold and turquoise ring on that finger was still there; it hadn't been removed.

Su Tiyue recognized it...it was indeed the ring her second brother never parted with.

"What does the Vice Governor mean by this? My second brother is not someone you can mess with." She closed the box, trying to appear calm.

Han Zhou looked at her casually, showing no fear whatsoever towards the Consort Shu before him: "Your Highness, whether or not this person can be harmed is not up to you. Believe me or not... with just one order from this servant, the Su family will have to hold a grand funeral tomorrow..."

Su Tiyue gritted her teeth, gripping the wooden box tightly in her hand, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force: "Vice Governor, what a boastful tone. You went to great lengths to lure me here, which means your target is me..."

Su Tiyue thought for a moment and said, "Vice Governor, please speak frankly. What do you want me to do?"

People from the Eastern Depot all seem to use similar methods, as if they all employ the words "coercion" and "enticement" to the extreme.

For example, Xiao Heye...

For example, Hanzhou.

Han Zhou raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms, and slowly circled her twice, looking her up and down before speaking unhurriedly: "Since Your Highness is a straightforward person, this servant will get straight to the point."

He said, "I'd like to ask Your Majesty for a favor tomorrow night..."

"Alright, but may I ask where Master Xiao is? And does he know about your threat to me?"

"I wonder if Your Highness is worried about him, or about your patron falling from grace?" Han Zhou's words were full of mockery and sarcasm. "Your Highness may not know, but because of a case involving officials in Yong'an City, my brother has been summoned for questioning by the Dali Temple these past few days and will not be back until tomorrow night. Also, this servant did not threaten Your Highness; I simply wish to ask Your Highness for a favor."

Su Tiyue frowned and said irritably, "That Vice Governor's way of inviting people is quite unique. Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Han Zhou paused, a smile hidden in his eyes.

He leaned close to Su Tiyue's ear and whispered a few words...

After hearing this, Su Tiyue pursed her lips, her bright eyes dimmed instantly, and she lowered her gaze, saying softly, "Is the Emperor also here?"

"Yes," Han Zhou replied.

I see.

Su Tiyue instantly understood Han Zhou's ultimate intention after going around in circles.

She said, "I will do as you say. I beg the Vice Governor to show mercy and spare my second brother's life."

"Of course. But... Your Highness, this matter must be kept secret from your Master Xiao." Han Zhou looked at her without a smile.

Su Tiyue sneered and said slowly, "After tomorrow, Master Xiao will know everything. How long do you think you can keep it from him?"

Han Zhou waved his hand, looking fearless: "We'll know what will happen after tomorrow... Your Majesty, this servant is looking forward to your performance tomorrow night."

Su Tiyue didn't speak, and walked out with a gloomy face. When she reached the center of the inner courtyard, she turned around and looked at Han Zhou, who was standing motionless at the door. She asked Han Zhou, "You did that in the flower room too, didn't you?"

Sometimes a woman's intuition is very accurate. Although this was Su Tiyue's first time meeting Han Zhou, she could vaguely sense his malice towards her.

Adding to the matter of her second brother, Su Tiyue was certain that the person who locked her in the flower room last time was Han Zhou.

Han Zhou crossed his arms over his chest, leaning casually against the doorframe. He grinned at Su Tiyue, neither admitting nor denying anything.

...

Back at Tingyu Tower, Su Tiyue sat on the soft couch, looking dazed, her eyes fixed on the brocade box Hanzhou had given her before she left.

The box didn't contain anything strange or unusual...

It is a long, flowing dress with tassels in the style of the Western Regions.

Han Zhou wanted her to perform a dance for the Emperor.

Han Zhou seems very persistent about this matter.

He simply wanted to destroy Su Tiyue and, incidentally, extinguish the delusional thoughts that Xiao Heye had been suppressing in his heart.