Stealing the Phoenix Throne: The Empress Who Conquered the Emperor's Heart

She entered the palace as a pawn, a shield for the emperor's hidden first love—destined to bear the jealousy and schemes of every concubine while receiving nothing but hollow affection. But Xie Wanning refuses to be a mere substitute. If the emperor wants to play pretend, she'll turn his own game against him. With calculated tears, practiced charm, and a dangerously soft touch, she weaves herself into his heart—one seductive move at a time. What begins as manipulation becomes an intoxicating dance of power and desire. When she finally walks away, untouched and triumphant, the emperor discovers…