Chapter 53 is too revealing, you're not allowed to wear it.

Chapter 53 is too revealing, you're not allowed to wear it.

A rustling sound of fabric rubbing came from behind the screen.

A moment later, a small, fair hand touched the edge of the screen, and then Tang Li walked out with light steps.

"Your Highness, look!"

Tangli twirled around like she was presenting a treasure, and the layers of mermaid gauze skirt spread out like purple smoke, drawing a graceful arc in the air.

It must be said that the craftsmanship of the Imperial Clothing Bureau is truly impeccable.

This "purple shimmering dress" seems tailor-made for Tang Li.

The delicate purple color made her already fair skin look even more radiant, and her slender waist, cinched with a silver belt, made her figure appear incredibly supple.

The most ingenious part is the neckline design.

That was the most fashionable "semi-open" palace dress among the noble ladies of the capital at the time.

The neckline was quite low, revealing a large expanse of delicate, jade-like collarbone, as well as a long, fragile swan neck that seemed as if it would break with the slightest touch.

With her movements, the snow-white scenery on her chest was faintly visible, exuding a seductive charm that seemed to want to say something but couldn't.

She is both innocent and alluring.

"How is it? Isn't it especially beautiful?"

Tang Li was extremely satisfied with her outfit.

She lifted her skirt, raised her chin slightly, and her eyes gleamed with a triumphant light:

"This is the 'man-slaying' style! As soon as I stand at the palace banquet tomorrow, those Miss Zhao and Miss Li will be completely outshone by me! Let's see how they'll squeeze into the Prince's mansion then!"

She was completely absorbed in her dream of "dominating the battlefield" and did not notice that at this very moment, the air pressure around the man sitting in the main seat was dropping at an alarming rate.

Pei Yunjing was still holding a teacup, but his fingertips had already turned white.

His gaze was fixed on Tang Li's dazzlingly white collarbone and neck.

Is it pretty?

nice.

It's absolutely gorgeous.

That skin was so white it made him want to take a bite, and that slender neck made him want to leave some kind of mark on it.

but--

The scene of tomorrow's palace banquet suddenly appeared in Pei Yunjing's mind.

The magnificent hall was brightly lit.

The entire court, including civil and military officials, imperial relatives, and those dissolute young men who spent their days cockfighting, dog racing, and lewd-eyed scoundrels…

If Tang Li were to walk in dressed like this...

The men's gazes would then swarm like sticky flies, landing on the "ingredient" he had carefully nurtured.

They would stare at her collarbone, stare at her neck, and even fantasize about more disgusting things.

[Buzz—]

An unnamed malevolent aura, mixed with an unknown acidic fire, instantly surged to Pei Yunjing's forehead.

He wanted to kill someone.

She wanted to gouge out the eyes of everyone who dared to look at her.

"come over."

Pei Yunjing put down his teacup with a "clatter," his voice hoarse and devoid of emotion.

"Um?"

Tangli, unaware of the situation, assumed it meant she was to admire the dress up close, so she happily moved closer, even puffing out her chest to show off its exquisite details:

"Your Highness, look at the embroidery..."

Before he could finish speaking...

A large hand suddenly reached out.

Pei Yunjing did not appreciate the embroidery skills.

His long, slender fingers grabbed the edge of Tang Li's open collar, the movement rough and forceful—

Pull it up!

"Sizzle—"

Although the mermaid veil was sturdy and didn't tear, it still made Tangli's neck ache from the tightness.

Her collarbone, neck, and even chin, which were originally exposed, were completely covered by layers of clothing.

"Ugh! Your Highness, what are you doing? You're strangling me!"

Tang Li gasped and tried to struggle, but Pei Yunjing pressed down on the back of her head with one hand, rendering her unable to move.

Pei Yunjing frowned, his face filled with disgust and loathing as if he had seen something filthy.

With his other hand, he grabbed a thick cloak from the side and, without thinking twice, draped it over Tang Li's head, wrapping her up like a tightly wrapped rice dumpling.

"Take it off."

Pei Yunjing coldly uttered two words, his eyes filled with malice:

"It looks awful."

"Ugly...ugly?"

Tang Li peeked her head out from under the cloak, looking incredulous: "What's wrong with it? It was made by the best embroiderers in the Imperial Wardrobe! It's the most fashionable style in the capital!"

"Popularity?"

Pei Yunjing sneered, his gaze sweeping coldly over her covered chest, his tone extremely sarcastic:

"Showing off one's arms and legs, what kind of behavior is that?"

"Tangli, are you going to a palace banquet or to a brothel to sell your smiles?"

He stood up, looking down at her with a mocking gaze.

"Dressed like this and parading around in public, are you afraid people won't know that the Regent's Palace has no rules? I can't afford to lose face like that."

Tang Li blushed with anger at his sharp tongue.

Selling smiles?

Can this lunatic utter a single word about ivory?

This is clearly normal palace attire!

Where are your legs showing?

"But……"

"No buts."

Pei Yunjing didn't give her a chance to refute.

He pointed to the most conservative piece of clothing in the pile, the one with the highest collar:

"Change to that one."

"If you dare to let me see you showing even an inch of skin you shouldn't be showing tomorrow..."

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, his voice carrying a chilling madness:

"I will gouge out the eyes of all those who look at you."

"Then we'll skin you alive."

Tang Li: "..."

abnormal!

Pervert!

She stormed behind the screen, clutching her clothes and muttering curses under her breath.

Pei Yunjing sat back down in his chair, listening to the sounds behind the screen, and his tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed slightly.

He picked up the now-cold tea and drank it all in one gulp, trying to suppress the inexplicable heat in his heart.

What's ugly about it?

What's shameful about it?

Those are all excuses.

There is only one real reason, and it's one he would never admit—

That's his.

Only he can see it.

He felt like he was losing out if anyone even glanced at him.