놛's hot lips pressed down aggressively, mixed with the strong smell of alcohol, making me feel nauseous. I turned my head and bit 놛's chin hard.

"Hiss—" Li Heng let go of me in pain and looked at me in disbelief, his eyes full of hurt and anger, "How dare you bite me?"

"If Your Majesty wants to be bitten by a minister, please respect yourself!" I pushed her away and wiped my lips that had been touched with my sleeve, my disgust evident in my words.

I admit that Li Heng is a very attractive man, especially when he is in the state of an emperor, it is even more irresistible. However, I came here to be a plaything for him in the harem! Moreover, I know very well that his "pleasure" is based on his curiosity and desire to control me. Once I lose my value, what awaits me will be an abyss of eternal damnation.

"Self-respect?" Li Heng seemed to have heard a big joke, and laughed in anger, "Who do you think you are? Everything you have is given by me. Without me, you are just an ant at the mercy of others!"

"Your Majesty is right," I looked straight at me and said word for word, "I am indeed an ant, an ant that you will control forever!"

After saying that, I turned around and walked away, no longer paying attention to the gaze behind me that seemed to want to devour me.

When I got back to the mansion, I immediately ordered the servants to strengthen the guard. No one could go out without my permission. I knew that I had completely angered Li Heng today. With his character, he would definitely quit.

In the next few days, Li Heng did not come to see me again, but I knew that he must be secretly monitoring my every move. On the surface, I pretended to be calm and ate and drank as usual, but secretly I stepped up my investigation into Li Heng's plan.

My intuition tells me that Li Heng's "joy" came too suddenly and too strangely, and there must be some conspiracy behind it.

"Sister 께, someone has come to the palace and said that the Empress has summoned you to attend a banquet." The voice of the maid 께cui interrupted my thoughts.

The Queen? Lee Heng's biological mother? Why did she suddenly summon me to the palace? I was confused, but I nodded and agreed.

Imperial Palace, Fengyi Palace.

When I arrived, the banquet had already begun. The queen sat on the throne, dressed in gorgeous clothes, looking elegant and noble, but with a hint of sadness between her brows.

"Your servant Lin Qingya pays homage to Her Majesty the Empress." I bowed respectfully.

"Miss Lin, please stop being polite," the Queen showed a kind smile, "I have heard that Miss Lin is a rare and extraordinary woman. Now that I see her, I find that her reputation is indeed justified."

"Your Majesty, you are too kind," I smiled modestly, "but I am just a little bit knowledgeable in some unconventional ways."

"Miss Lin is too modest," the Queen beckoned me to sit next to her, "I heard that Miss Lin has a close relationship with Prince Rui?"

I was startled, and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Rui treats me like a younger sister, and I respect His Royal Highness Prince Rui very much."

"Oh? Really?" The Queen gave me a meaningful look and raised her wine glass. "Come on, Miss Lin, have a drink with me."

I took the glass and drank it all.

"Miss Lin, I have never told you this," the Queen put down her wine glass and said in a heavy tone, "Prince Rui... is not my biological son..."

I was so shocked when I heard that that I almost dropped the wine glass in my hand.

What? Li Rui is the Queen's biological son? Then what is...?