Shang Xuan ignored them completely. His focus was on Meihua, who stood by, her voluptuous body swaying slightly as she tried to keep her excitement in check. Her breath came in short gasps, her chest rising and falling with anticipation. The thrill of the moment had overwhelmed her, and she leaned on her sister for support, unable to contain the heat that rushed through her veins.

  Shang Xuan sighed softly. This girl... He knew Meihua had always been the more excitable of the two, but seeing her like this made him feel amused. With Shang Wen incapacitated and humiliated, there was no reason to stay here any longer.

  Helpless to resist the alluring antics of his youngest maid, Shang Xuan decided to pick her up in a princess carry, lifting her effortlessly. Meihua blushed deeply, wrapping her arms around his neck as her body pressed against his. She smiled, delighted by his attention.

  "Let's go home," Shang Xuan said coolly, ignoring the cries of Shang Wen's friends.

  When Shang Xuan arrived back home, he gently set Meihua down and nodded toward Lianhua. "Take her back to your room," he instructed.

  Lianhua gave a small nod, her cold beauty unchanged. "Yes, my lord."

  As Lianhua escorted her excitable sister away, Shang Xuan turned and made his way to his mother's chambers. Shang Yueying was already waiting for him. The moment he entered the room, she smiled knowingly. Information traveled quickly in the Shang Clan, and news of his confrontation with Shang Wen had already reached her.

  "Mother," Shang Xuan greeted with a respectful bow.

  "Xuan'er," Shang Yueying responded, her voice gentle yet laced with authority. "I've heard about what happened today. You broke Shang Wen's arm and humiliated him in front of everyone."

  Shang Xuan nodded, unflinching. "He challenged me like a fool. His jealousy clouded his judgment. I did it to send a message, to deter any other idiots from wasting my time."

  Shang Yueying's eyes gleamed with approval. "You handled it well, but it's not enough. We need to shape the narrative and control the story before his branch of the family retaliates. What do you suggest?"

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  Shang Xuan had anticipated this. "Use your shadow guards to spread word throughout the city. Portray Shang Wen as someone with demonic cultivator tendencies. A young master who would resort to snatching things instead of earning them. His uncle, a former demonic cultivator, has clearly influenced him."

  A smile tugged at Shang Yueying's lips. "Smart. But not enough." She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she considered the larger picture. "We'll go further. We'll spread rumors that Shang Wen's entire branch has been tainted by their dealings with demonic cultivators. The shops they run in the city—three of them, at least—are suspected of trading with demonic cultivators. If we handle this well, we can seize those shops and further weaken their standing within the clan."

  Shang Xuan smiled. His mother's brilliance never ceased to impress him.

  "Thank you, Mother," he said, bowing again.

  "Don't forget to cultivate, Xuan'er," Shang Yueying reminded him, her tone softening. "Strength is everything. Make sure you keep growing stronger."

  "Of course, Mother," Shang Xuan replied.

  As Shang Xuan made his way back to his chambers, he was stopped by Meihua, the youngest of his twin maids. She was standing in the hallway, wearing a revealing outfit that highlighted her curvaceous figure. Her cheeks were flushed with a soft blush, and her eyes gleamed with desire as she looked at him eagerly, clearly anticipating a misty night together.

  Shang Xuan smiled. He could tell what she wanted. Without a word, he took her in his arms, hugging her close as he looked deeply into her eyes. Meihua's breath hitched as she closed her eyes, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, her arms wrapping tightly around him as their bodies pressed together.

  Shang Xuan's hands roamed her body, feeling her warmth, her softness. Meihua moaned softly against his lips, her body trembling with excitement. She had wanted this moment all night, and now that it was here, she was lost in the sensation of his touch.

  Shang Xuan guided her gently toward the bed, his hands tracing the curves of her body as they kissed, their lips moving in perfect harmony. Meihua's hands explored his chest, feeling the strength beneath his clothing, and her heart raced with excitement as she pressed herself against him.

  Their kisses deepened, growing more passionate by the second as Shang Xuan's hands moved over her body, pulling her closer. Meihua's soft moans filled the room as Shang Xuan laid her down on the bed, his hands never leaving her skin. Her body shivered with anticipation, her mind lost in the moment.

  Shang Xuan leaned down, his lips brushing against hers once more as his hands began to explore her further. Meihua's breath quickened, her heart pounding as she melted into his touch, eager for what was to come. Finally, with a deep, lingering kiss, Shang Xuan pressed her against the bed, their bodies intertwined as they gave in to the passion between them.