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WARNING... For my readers, please be advised that there is (slight h) in this chapter!  18+ only and eyes beware :)

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Li Qian took her away after that, swept up in her innocent beauty and fierce courage. He learned everything he could about her after she awoke, immediately attracted by her presence as if they had known each other for time immemorial. Perhaps she was a gift from God, a reward for his brutal and cold service to the Emperor for so many years. At the very least, she offered redemption in the form of a shining smile and soft body. In fact, she was fourteen when they met; her tiny frame was underdeveloped because of hardship and woe.

It didn't matter, as Li Qian was immediately obsessed. Her wet eyes and trembling heart captivated his bones at first glance. Unable to take a wife, Li Qian petitioned Emperor Cheng to allow her to remain as a maidservant in his household, but the Emperor could see he held her like a glistening treasure in his palm.

Jiao Jiao bloomed under Li Qian's care, becoming more poised with each interaction. She was sixteen when he first took her as his woman, and there was no going back after that. His propensity for taking her clothes off at any opportunity was legendary with his men. They became used to walking in on spring scenery in every corner of the house and gardens. Her tender breasts heaved as Li Qian bounced her up and down on his thick cock or rode her from behind at the dinner table. Jiao Jiao had eyes for no one, but Li Qian, and the gardens were her favorite place to make love.

She was seventeen when she got pregnant and bore a son. Her eyes held his as she screamed in pain until finally, the pressure released, and they heard a weak cry. She held their son in one hand and him in the other and declared her life was perfect.

Enraptured by his little darling, Li Qian forgot to watch for shadows lurking in the Imperial Palace. He had given his all to his country and Emperor; however, jealous seeds sprouted when Emperor Cheng noted Li Qian's devotion had diverged. The Emperor's new concubine, Lady Xue, quickly wormed her way into the Emperor's heart, serving him zealously in the dark of night and whispering words of jealousy and ambition.

General Li Qian, celebrated for his strategic brilliance and dedication to the empire, continued to lead his troops to victory against all odds. His unwavering loyalty to Emperor Cheng was unshakeable, and the people adored him for his selfless sacrifices; however, Emperor Cheng could see that Li Qian's heart was drawn elsewhere. Lady Xue saw that Li Qian's eyes never glanced at her shimmering beauty, and her insidious influence began to poison the Emperor's mind, clouding his judgment and stoking his paranoia.

As whispers of dissent filled the palace corridors, Lady Xue seized the opportunity to manipulate the Emperor. With honeyed words, she sowed doubts about General Li's loyalty, painting him as a potential threat to the throne. The Emperor, torn between his devotion to the empire and his infatuation with Lady Xue's supple body, was swayed by her cunning manipulations.

One fateful day, a decree echoed through the empire. The Grand Commandant, General Li Qian, was accused of treason, a crime that carried the penalty of death. The loyal general who had dedicated his life to protecting the realm was now branded a traitor. Shock and disbelief rippled through the nation as the news spread like wildfire. Emperor Cheng's Imperial troops invaded his home, and everyone in the household was dragged to the Imperial Palace.

When the shouts rang out in the courtyard, Li Qian saw the confusion in Jiao Jiao's eyes, the panic as she whirled towards the commotion, the pain as she was pulled away. Li Qian ran for cover with his good boy and called for his men to bring his wife, but she was gone. He couldn't escape Emperor Cheng's clutches; his tiny baby ripped from his hands before his eyes were covered and hands tied.

General Li's heart died as he was forced to his knees before the Emperor. His tiny son lay broken in a bloody heap beside him. He was forced to watch as Jiao Jiao's head was lowered and finally removed from her body. Li Qian's soul screamed, his eyes burned, his flesh rent as he clawed at his restraints. He gasped to the heavens that he would meet his beloved darling again. Their red thread of fate may be frayed but not severed. His two beautiful flowers; gone but never forgotten.

Emperor Cheng watched his childhood friend shuddering in pain and finally felt a small ounce of doubt and remorse. A thread of fear wove into his very being as he heard the curse Li Qian laid on his head. Just before he died, Li Qian met his eyes, burdened by the false accusations and the betrayal of the Emperor he had served so faithfully. As he knelt in blood and suffering before the imperial court, he looked toward Lady Xue, and at that moment, he saw a glint of triumph. The evil concubine had orchestrated his downfall.