With the groundwork laid in the previous three incidents, Lianxing grew bolder and her methods became increasingly secretive.

Taking advantage of Xi Linghao's brief nap or visits to other concubines, she used a trusted maid to lure Zhao Zheng to a long-abandoned, cluttered storeroom in a side hall under the pretext of "a lapse in palace security that needs to be secretly reported." The storeroom was dimly lit and filled with dust. As soon as Zhao Zheng stepped inside, the door behind him was quietly closed.

“Commander Zhao…” Lianxing’s voice, husky with a hint of allure, rang out in the darkness. Immediately, a soft, fragrant body pressed against him from behind, its arms encircling his strong waist like water snakes.

"Madam! You!" Zhao Zheng's body tensed instantly, and he tried to break free, but was held even tighter.

"Don't move..." Lianxing pressed her burning cheek against his broad back, her voice filled with heartbreaking pleading and deadly allure, "Zhao Zheng... hug me... just for a little while... this palace is too cold, too terrifying... only by your side do I feel safe... please hug me, okay?" Her fingers deftly slipped into the gaps in his armor, caressing his firm chest.

Those cool, soft fingertips, as if carrying an electric current, instantly shattered Zhao Zheng's last line of defense! The desires that had been aroused over the past few days, the suppressed palpitations, and Lianxing's current weak and helpless dependence, all surged forth like a burst dam, overwhelming his reason! He roared, turned abruptly, and like a hungry beast, fiercely pulled the beauty who had willingly thrown herself into his arms, showering her with predatory kisses!

In the dimly lit warehouse, heavy breathing and suppressed moans mingled, the rustling of armor against gauze fabric creating an ambiguous sound. Zhao Zheng was lost in this forbidden and dangerous haven of tenderness, temporarily forgetting his identity and duties. Meanwhile, from an angle unseen by him, Lian Xing's lips curled into a cold, smug smile.

"Master, Commander, Shadow Three has something important to report." Inside the study of Qiwu Palace, a shadow guard, as silent as a shadow, appeared and knelt on one knee.

A-Yuan put down the report in her hand, and Xiao Chengkang also stopped preparing the medicine.

"explain."

"It's about the lady from Lan Yue Pavilion and the guard commander Zhao Zheng." Ying San's voice was flat, yet every word was chilling. "For the past half month, the two have been in unusually frequent contact. At first, it seemed the lady was deliberately pestering him, and Commander Zhao was able to restrain himself. But after the snowy day when he presented the fur coat, Commander Zhao's attitude softened. Last night... the two were alone in the abandoned 'Treasure Storage' in the Western Six Palaces for nearly half an hour. There were strange noises coming from inside the storage room. I dared not get too close, but when Commander Zhao came out, his clothes were slightly disheveled, and his expression... was unusual." Ying San's words were concise, yet he described the key encounters with crystal clarity.

A-Yuan and Xiao Chengkang exchanged a glance, both seeing the coldness and a hint of understanding in each other's eyes.

"As expected, they couldn't hold back any longer." Xiao Chengkang sneered. "Lianxing's move was ruthless, but it also gave us an opportunity."

“Zhao Zheng…” A Yuan tapped her fingertips on the table, “If the Emperor’s trusted bodyguard commander is exposed for having an affair with his favorite concubine… In the Emperor’s fury, Lianxing will surely die! And the Lin family behind her will also be implicated!”

“But if we expose them now, the evidence is not conclusive. Zhao Zheng is in a high position and will surely turn around and accuse us. Even Father may not believe us completely.” Xiao Chengkang pondered. “We need to wait until they are deeply mired in the situation and we have irrefutable evidence! Then we will choose the most appropriate time to let Father ‘witness’ it firsthand!” A calculating glint flashed in his eyes.