The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

That afternoon, when Wu Tian carried the black jade chessboard into Qingyi Palace, he was filled with emotion.

This chessboard is His Majesty's private collection. It is made of cold jade found in the far north, which is warm to the touch, cool but not icy in summer, and warm but not dry in winter. It is a unique treasure in the world.

His Majesty cherishes it so much that even the Empress has never asked for it.

The eldest princess did mention it once, taking advantage of the emperor's favor, but the emperor only said lightly that he was used to it and did not give it to her.

However, because Princess Qingruo had taken a few lessons in chess on a whim, he sent them over.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered this chessboard to be brought here for you to play with." Wu Tian bowed, his tone even more respectful than usual.

He has served His Majesty for most of his life and sees things most clearly.

His Majesty's feelings towards this princess are different now. They are different from the respect he shows to the Empress, and different from the indulgence he shows to the Eldest Princess. Instead, it is a tender care and a favoritism that even His Majesty himself may not be aware of.

At that moment, Shen Qingruo was leaning against the soft couch by the window, flipping through a storybook.

She paused for a moment when she saw Wu Tian leading several young eunuchs to carry in the familiar chessboard. She put down her book, stood up, and spoke gently:

"Isn't this the one His Majesty usually wears? Chief Steward Wu, what is this?"

Wu Tian smiled and said, "His Majesty personally instructed that this chessboard would be better for Princess, who is a beginner in chess, so you can keep it to pass the time."

He waved for the young eunuch to set up the chessboard, and then presented several brocade boxes, saying, "These are little trinkets that His Majesty has chosen for you to enjoy."

She raised her watery eyes and looked at Wu Tian, ​​"Did His Majesty say anything else?"

Wu Tian bowed slightly: "His Majesty only said that Your Highness should rest well, and if there is anything lacking, you can just give the order to this servant."

Shen Qingruo nodded gently: "Thank you for your trouble. Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty."

"This servant will certainly convey the message." Wu Tian bowed and quietly withdrew with his men.

Silence returned to the hall. Shen Qingruo walked to the chessboard and picked up a warm, smooth black piece.

Xiao Jiu's ball of light excitedly spun in her mind, "Aruo, Shen Wangxi gave you all of this?"

"This is his most prized possession from the Taiji Hall! Shen Jingyan once begged and pleaded for it, but she still couldn't get it."

"Hmm." Shen Qingruo gently put down the chess piece, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger. "He probably thinks that this will make up for it."

"Whether it's compensation or pity, it's a good sign," Xiao Jiu said excitedly. "It means he cares about you more and more."

"Look, even that old fox Wu Tian is more respectful to you now."

Shen Qingruo walked to the dressing table and sat down. Her expressionless face was reflected in the bronze mirror.

Yes, she also sensed the change in Wu Tian's attitude.

But what she wanted was far more than just material rewards and a change in the servants' attitude.

What she wanted was to truly penetrate Shen Wangxi's heart, making him unable to let go.

Shen Qingruo opened the system shop and finally stopped at the Seduction Techniques.

"Xiao Jiu." She lightly tapped the icon with her fingertip. "What exactly is this seductive technique?"

"This?" Xiao Jiu's sphere of light lit up. "This is a trick to cultivating a seductive body, it's a little different from what you, Aruo, are born with."

"Innate charm is an inherent allure that lingers in the bones and body, while acquired charm is achieved step by step through specific breathing and physical training."

It explains in detail: "It allows you to better control your gaze, tone of voice, body language, and even your reactions in bed. It lets you know how to sway your hips most seductively, what kind of sweet voice is most alluring, and how to give him the most desired and unforgettable response when he touches you."

Shen Qingruo felt a little embarrassed just listening to it.

She was no longer an innocent virgin. Having experienced that night in the inner palace of Taiji Hall, she vaguely understood the meaning behind Xiao Jiu's words.

"I'm not a virgin anymore, can I still learn?" she asked softly.

"Of course!" Xiao Jiu affirmed. "Precisely because she is no longer a virgin and understands human affairs, her cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort."

"This seductive art will make you irresistible to men, inside and out, and will also make your body more aroused, and teach you how to enjoy yourself."

Shen Qingruo looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes and brows still held the innocence of a young girl, but they had also quietly acquired the charm of a woman.

She recalled that night when Shen Wangxi was on top of her, so engrossed that he couldn't bear to leave. His usual aloofness and nobility were shattered, and he was as excited as a young boy.

She liked the way he was obsessed with her.

Shen Qingruo took a deep breath and said firmly, "Xiao Jiu, help me exchange for the charm technique."

"Great, Aruo." The orb of light shone brightly.

Shen Qingruo felt her limbs and body stretching. She adjusted her breathing according to the seductive technique, and felt her lower abdomen expanding and contracting.

"Yes, that's it!" Xiao Jiu cheered. "From now on, I guarantee that once Shen Wangxi gets involved with you, he won't want to let go."

Looking at her rosy cheeks in the mirror, Shen Qingruo gently bit her lower lip.

With his innate allure, he was already unable to control himself; and with this acquired seductive skill, how could he possibly push her away?