TVAAMRF Chapter 29

Chapter 29 – Tyrant 1

A palace attendant approached with lowered head and respectfully asked, “Young Master, do you require anything?”

Su Tang shook his head decisively. “You may all leave. I wish to be alone.”

The attendant obeyed and withdrew, stationing himself outside.

According to the palace staff, the Tyrant wouldn’t return for another hour. Su Tang had to remain prepared to attend to him at any moment.

Bored, Su Tang contacted the System. “Tongtong, I’m so bored! Let’s watch a show together.”

The System, always indulgent toward its Host, immediately projected Su Tang’s favorite absurdly hilarious drama in full-holographic projection. The immersive realism made it particularly enjoyable, and Su Tang devoured three episodes in one sitting, nearly choking with laughter. The only downside was the lack of live comments from fellow viewers to share the joy. Still, Tongtong’s occasional razor-sharp remarks were equally entertaining.

The two were so engrossed in the show under the covers that they almost missed the Tyrant’s arrival. Fortunately, the System’s inhuman multitasking capabilities allowed it to swiftly shut off the projection and alert Su Tang to the Tyrant’s presence.

Su Tang, still riding the high of the show, felt a pang of disappointment as the screen vanished. Only then did he notice the approaching footsteps.

After a long day of work, Xiao Chengyan returned to his bedchamber to find the covers on his bed bulging, clearly indicating someone was hidden beneath them.

A thought struck him, his face turning icy, his eyes darkening with a surge of irritation and disgust. He felt the urge to kill rising within him once more. Just as he was about to order the intruder dragged out and executed, the person beneath the covers seemed to sense his presence and lifted their head to look at him.

Both froze in surprise.

Xiao Chengyan was astonished. He hadn’t expected the person sent to him to be so strikingly beautiful, with jade-white skin, raven hair, and crimson lips, like a snow demon.

Su Tang was equally stunned. Having read the plot, he had imagined the Tyrant as a fearsome and monstrous figure. Instead, he saw a strikingly handsome young man in opulent brocade robes, his ink-black hair cascading like clouds. His sword-like eyebrows framed phoenix eyes, and his features were flawlessly sculpted. The only imperfections were his pallid complexion, faintly bluish shadows beneath his eyes, and an unhealthy pallor, likely due to his chronic headaches.

But what struck Su Tang most was the Tyrant’s uncanny resemblance to Luo Yuan from his previous world. At first glance, it was as if Luo Yuan had simply grown his hair long.

Su Tang couldn’t help but ask mentally, “Tongtong, are the villains in every world the same person?”

The System remained cryptic, refusing a direct answer. “The Host’s relationship with the villain is… unique. You should know best.”

Su Tang had already been fairly certain before he even asked. It wasn’t just the man’s appearance; there was also an indescribable feeling. He was convinced that the tyrant before him was Luo Yuan.

Xiao Chengyan’s gaze darkened as he stared at the figure on the bed. The man stared back, his eyes clear and pure, devoid of fear. Lost in thought, Su Tang unconsciously loosened his grip on the brocade quilt, letting it slip down to reveal his body clad only in a thin gauze robe—a hazy, tantalizing sight.

Xiao Chengyan’s eyes darkened further. To his surprise, he felt no aversion. The irritability from his headache had vanished, replaced by a different kind of heat that surged through his chest, spreading rapidly to his limbs. An unprecedentedly intense impulse flooded his senses.

As the Emperor, the supreme ruler, he needed no restraint. Whatever he desired, he could take. No one could command or hinder him.

Before Su Tang could recover, a cold, dark shadow loomed over him.

Caught off guard, Su Tang instinctively resisted, but Xiao Chengyan quickly pinned his hands above his head, immobilizing him.

A ferocious kiss descended—brutal and demanding, their lips and tongues entwined like a ravenous beast devouring its prey, desperate to tear it apart and swallow it whole.

Su Tang felt as if he were suffocating from the kiss. He succumbed for a moment before struggling again.

Xiao Chengyan’s dissatisfaction flared, a crimson glint flashing in his eyes, tinged with murderous intent.

Su Tang finally wrenched free, but instead of fleeing, he pressed closer to Xiao Chengyan, wrapping his arms around the man’s neck. His chest heaved, his slightly swollen red lips parted in gasps, and the corners of his eyes were flushed with desire.

Xiao Chengyan froze, then a sinister smile curled his lips. His sickly pale face twisted into a dark, crazed grin.

You chose this yourself.

Now you belong to me.

Regret won’t save you.

Xiao Chengyan lowered his head and bit Su Tang’s neck fiercely, like a predator seizing its prey’s vital point, or branding him as his own. The force carried a feral intensity, so painful that Su Tang yelped aloud.

The bite ignited Su Tang’s own craving—for blood.

Xiao Chengyan’s slender neck lay exposed before him, the tempting scent of fresh blood emanating from the carotid artery beneath the thin skin. Su Tang’s eyes reddened, his pointed canines itching. As Xiao Chengyan continued his assault, Su Tang surreptitiously stole two sips of blood, his face flushed with drunken satisfaction.

After drinking his fill of blood, Su Tang found Xiao Chengyan’s frenzy overwhelming. He tried to slip away, but the Tyrant, smirking coldly, seized his ankle and dragged him back for more.

They were entangled all night, and Su Tang lost consciousness at some point.

Before dawn, Xiao Chengyan had already risen and dressed. Normally, Su Tang, who was supposed to attend to the Emperor, would be serving him at this hour. But Su Tang remained curled up beneath the covers, fast asleep with no sign of waking.

Palace maids filed in with washing utensils, their heads bowed in awe, afraid to look up or make a sound.

Only the Chief Steward, Xiao Chengyan’s longtime personal eunuch and now the Grand Eunuch, noticed that the Emperor was already up while Su Tang still slept—what audacity!

But then Xiao Chengyan deliberately lowered his voice, saying, “Let him sleep. Don’t disturb him.”

Having served the Emperor for years, the Chief Steward immediately detected the faint indulgence in his tone and knew he was in a good mood.

The Chief Steward quickly acknowledged the order, but his gaze accidentally fell upon the bite marks on the Emperor’s neck, sending a shock through him.

Countless beauties had been presented to Xiao Chengyan over the years—curvaceous or slender, fair or dark—but he had either executed them or gifted them to his ministers. To this day, the imperial harem remained empty.

In the imperial court, the matter of an heir had been raised, but the Tyrant had executed anyone who dared to mention it.

Xiao Chengyan leaned back on the dragon throne, propping his chin with one hand. “Since you have time to meddle in my private affairs,” he said lazily and coldly, “you must be too idle. What use is there for those who can’t serve the court? Kill them.”

In an instant, blood splattered everywhere.

The courtiers fell silent, trembling like cicadas in winter.

From that day forward, no one dared to bring up the topic again. Originally, the courtiers had raised the issue hoping to send their daughters into the palace, thereby securing benefits for their families. But witnessing the Tyrant’s ruthlessness, they realized that sending their daughters would only be sending them to their deaths.

The Chief Steward discreetly glanced behind the gold-embroidered bed curtains, where a hazy figure lay asleep behind the intricately carved dragon-patterned wooden frame.

He had assumed that the young master from the Marquis’s Estate, even as a Medicinal Human, would have been executed by the Emperor last night, given his volatile nature. Yet, to his surprise, the young master was not only alive but also enjoying the Emperor’s favor. Still, the Chief Steward refrained from currying favor with the young master. The Emperor’s moods were fickle—he might seem fond one moment, only to suddenly fly into a rage and have the man killed the next.

Su Tang finally woke up near noon. The palace maids waiting outside immediately entered to attend to him.

Su Tang had expected to wake up with a sore back and weak legs, barely able to walk, after the previous night’s events. To his surprise, he felt no discomfort and was even quite energetic. Could it be because he had drunk blood?

Feeling guilty, Su Tang raised his hand to touch his face. He had just finished bathing and was about to dress when a little eunuch outside gently reminded him, bowing his head, “Young Master, please wait. The Dress Bureau has sent attendants to measure you for seasonal palace robes.”

Although the Chief Steward wasn’t sure how long the eldest illegitimate son of the Marquis’s Estate would live, given the Emperor’s current attitude, all necessary preparations had to be made. Otherwise, the servants would suffer the consequences.

Thus, Su Tang remained in a single layer of undergarments while three palace attendants took his measurements. Then came the elaborate and luxurious palace robes. Too many layers and intricate fastenings left Su Tang helpless; he could only let the attendants dress him.

Once dressed, Su Tang, who had risen late and missed breakfast, naturally felt hungry. He asked the nearest palace maid about food.

The answer startled him: “Your Majesty has decreed that he will dine with the Young Master. Since His Majesty has not yet returned, this servant dares not serve the meal. Please wait a little longer.”

Hearing this, Su Tang couldn’t press the matter. He swallowed hard, his mouth watering, and let out a soft sigh.

The palace maid glanced up and saw the young master’s delicate frown, his face tinged with melancholy. Her heart skipped a beat, and she blushed as she asked, “If Young Master is hungry, this servant can fetch some pastries. Would that please you?”

Su Tang nodded, of course.

He quickly finished the plate of peach blossom cakes the maid brought. The imperial kitchen’s pastries were exquisitely crafted, each bite-sized morsel a testament to culinary artistry. Yet, despite their refined taste, they left him feeling unsatisfied.

The palace maid stood nearby, surprised by how quickly he ate. Though his pace was brisk, his movements remained graceful and captivating, a feast for the eyes. Watching him was a pleasure in itself.

She quietly observed Su Tang. To have survived the Tyrant’s wrath, he must possess remarkable qualities. His demeanor seemed pleasant enough. Eager to curry favor, she was about to approach him when the Tyrant himself returned.

Xiao Chengyan strode into the hall, his gold-embroidered brocade robes billowing like stormy waves. His imposing presence radiated authority, his face twisted with fury.

The Tyrant’s eyes were bloodshot, veins throbbing on his forehead. Clearly, someone at court had provoked him again. The offender was undoubtedly dead, yet the Tyrant’s mood remained foul. His headache persisted, driving his eyes crimson and casting an even darker shadow over his already menacing aura.

The palace attendants, upon witnessing the scene, immediately began to tremble uncontrollably. With a swift motion, they knelt in obeisance, their fear so profound that they dared not utter a sound. They knew that crying for mercy would only enrage the tyrant further, hastening their demise.

The Chief Steward, trailing behind Xiao Chengyan, gestured for the attendants to swiftly set the meal.

One by one, the attendants entered the hall, silently and efficiently arranging a table laden with delicacies.

Xiao Chengyan sat with a terrifying expression, wordless and motionless, his chopsticks untouched.

The palace attendants knelt in perfect formation, shivering and awaiting the tyrant’s command, too afraid to move without it.

Su Tang, of course, sensed the ominous atmosphere. He remained as silent as a chicken, though the tantalizing aroma of the food before him made him swallow involuntarily.

Xiao Chengyan turned to Su Tang, observing his calm yet yearning expression. “Why are you sitting so far away?” he suddenly said. “Come sit beside Gu.”

Su Tang obediently rose and took the chair beside Xiao Chengyan.

Damn, it smells even better up close.

Did my stomach just growl?

Su Tang placed his hands demurely on his knees, but his eyes, fixed on the feast, practically glowed with green envy.

Xiao Chengyan’s headache still throbbed, but seeing Su Tang’s demeanor, he found it rather amusing.

The Tyrant’s face, without him realizing it, had lost its earlier agitation. He rested his chin on one hand, watching Su Tang with keen interest, and asked softly, “Does Beloved Consort wish to eat?”

Su Tang’s scalp prickled at the cloying term “Beloved Consort.” Of course he wanted to eat—he was starving! But he remembered the strict social hierarchy of ancient times, and that the man before him was a ruthless madman who killed on a whim. The Tyrant was clearly in a foul mood, and hadn’t even touched his own meal. How could Su Tang dare to greedily ask for food?

So, Su Tang pursed his lips, forced a professional smile, and said, “It’s fine… I’m not particularly hungry.”

No!

He was starving!

He could devour an entire ox!

But the Tyrant was, after all, a tyrant—his thoughts complex and inscrutable. Upon hearing Su Tang’s words, his expression darkened abruptly. “Since Beloved Consort has no appetite,” he said coldly, “throw it all away. The cooks who prepared this are useless.”

Su Tang froze, bewildered.

Wait, the food is fresh and hot! Why waste it? What does “useless” mean? Damn it, is he going to kill them now?

As Su Tang watched the servants move to clear the table, panic surged through him. He grabbed Xiao Chengyan’s sleeve. “Wait!”

Xiao Chengyan turned, his dark eyes deep and unfathomable, radiating an indescribable chill.

Su Tang swallowed hard. “…Your Majesty, I do want to eat.”

Xiao Chengyan reached out and placed his hand on the back of Su Tang’s neck, gently kneading it. This slender, vulnerable spot was now in his grasp, and with the slightest pressure, he could easily kill him.

His hand was icy cold, like a block of ice. Su Tang found the massage surprisingly pleasant; his neck had been a little stiff, probably from sleeping in an awkward position the night before.

In this eerie atmosphere, Xiao Chengyan suddenly rescinded his command, ordering the palace attendants to set down the dishes.

When Su Tang had spoken up earlier, all the attendants had been terrified, thinking the young master would be executed on the spot for provoking the tyrant. But to their astonishment, the tyrant’s expression had inexplicably softened, and he had even complied with Su Tang’s request to serve the delicacies.

He could actually change the tyrant’s orders.

For a fleeting moment, the palace attendants wondered if this young master might be even more terrifying than the tyrant himself.

“Didn’t you say you were hungry? Eat. Or do you want Gu to feed you?” Xiao Chengyan sat languidly, watching Su Tang with a smile.

Su Tang glanced at him. He was indeed hungry, so he didn’t hesitate. He picked up a spoon and scooped up a piece of white jade tofu. It wobbled slightly before melting in his mouth, releasing a savory, smooth, and utterly delicious flavor.

“Is it good?”

Su Tang’s eyes sparkled, and he nodded vigorously without hesitation.

Xiao Chengyan declared, “Who made this dish? Reward them.”

The Chief Steward hastily bowed and responded with a respectful “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Su Tang ate his favorite dishes with gusto, and Xiao Chengyan declared rewards for each one. The scene resembled a tyrannical emperor indulging his bewitching consort.

Feeling Xiao Chengyan’s gaze, Su Tang grew uncomfortable. He turned his head and asked, “Your Majesty, aren’t you eating?”

Unlike Su Tang, who was thoroughly enjoying his meal, Xiao Chengyan wore a world-weary expression, as if nothing could pique his interest. Hearing Su Tang’s question, he glanced at the sumptuous dishes on the table and said impatiently, “I don’t want to eat.”

Su Tang stopped eating and stared at him. Xiao Chengyan’s skin was unnaturally pale, with bluish shadows beneath his eyes, making him look gloomy and listless. Under normal circumstances, Su Tang wouldn’t meddle, but this was the lover he had spent a lifetime with.

Su Tang’s eyes were filled with reproach and accusation.

You used to scold me for snacking instead of eating proper meals. Look at you now—you’re not eating anything at all! How are you any better than me? I’ve finally caught you in your own hypocrisy, haven’t I?

Xiao Chengyan couldn’t read Su Tang’s mind, but his sharp intuition allowed him to sense the undercurrents. He raised an eyebrow and asked, “Are you pleased that Gu isn’t eating?”

Su Tang shook his head, then pulled up an old cooking show he’d watched before. In an exaggerated, effusive tone, he described each dish in detail: the rich, flavorful broth, the enticing colors, the complex textures, and the sheer pleasure it brought to body, mind, and soul…

Su Tang took a bite, closed his eyes in bliss, and smacked his lips. “Truly delicious.”

Whether the Emperor was tempted or not remained unclear, but the palace attendants’ mouths were practically watering.

The Chief Steward stood nearby, utterly astonished. Who would dare eat so brazenly before the Emperor? he wondered. Everyone else trembles, their food tasting like cardboard. To act so flamboyantly before the Tyrant is practically begging for death!

Xiao Chengyan’s brow furrowed, his expression turning icy. An inexplicable irritation rose within him—as if Su Tang’s refusal to coax him to eat was a personal affront.

…???

The Chief Steward’s pupils dilated in shock. I must be hallucinating, he thought. How could the Emperor act like a spoiled child?

Then, Xiao Chengyan commanded, “Bring Gu some foreign berries.”

The Chief Steward froze for a moment before signaling to Xiaoxi, his adopted son, to hurry.

Xiao Chengyan added coldly, “Bring plenty.”

The Chief Steward, who had served Xiao Chengyan for many years, knew well that the Emperor loved foreign berries. He had enjoyed them since childhood, but these delicacies were rare, imported from the Northern Lands and difficult to preserve. The Late Emperor, indulging his favored concubine’s fondness for them, had ordered their cultivation, but the results were disappointing. As a child, Xiao Chengyan had received only a small portion to taste.

After ascending the throne, he ordered meticulous cultivation, threatening the Palace Attendants with death if they failed. Perhaps the threat to their lives unlocked hidden potential, for they managed to grow a patch of foreign berries exclusively for the Emperor’s consumption. However, after enjoying them only twice, he lost interest, reverting to his usual listless demeanor, as if only killing could soothe his restlessness.

When the Little Eunuch who served the Emperor returned, he carried a bowl brimming with red berries, their vibrant color and plump, round shapes pleasing to the eye against the snow-white, translucent jade bowl.

Su Tang finally realized that the “foreign berries” they spoke of were strawberries. As everyone knew, strawberries easily release their fragrance, so anyone eating them would inevitably alert those nearby.

Watching the Tyrant eat strawberries, Su Tang suddenly found his own delicious treat less appealing.

Humans are greedy creatures. How could anyone ever have too much of a good thing?

Even if Su Tang were full, he could always find room for another bite of those sweet, juicy strawberries.

His eyes followed the crimson berries as Xiao Chengyan’s slender, jade-white fingers picked them up and vanished into his mouth, making Su Tang involuntarily swallow.

Why is the Tyrant eating these cute little strawberries? It’s ruining his fearsome image! Here, I have lamb chops. A tyrant should be feasting on meat and guzzling wine. Let me take care of these strawberries for you.

Su Tang stared longingly at Xiao Chengyan.

But Xiao Chengyan seemed oblivious, calmly finishing the entire bowl of strawberries, leaving only one at the bottom. His elegant dining manners exuded royal refinement.

As the last strawberry remained, Su Tang grew desperate. He reached out and tugged at Xiao Chengyan’s sleeve, almost pleading, “…I want one too. Give me one, please?”

Though Luo Yuan had become a tyrant in this world, Su Tang couldn’t immediately adapt to ancient life, nor could he mentally superimpose the villainous character from the plot onto Luo Yuan’s familiar face. Looking at that familiar face, he instinctively reverted to their accustomed way of interacting from their previous world.

Su Tang didn’t think much of it, but the Chief Steward was furious. How could the eldest illegitimate son of the Marquis’s Estate be so ignorant of etiquette and hierarchy? Daring to address the Emperor as “I” for the second time! If the Emperor hadn’t remained impassive, he would have dragged the man out for a beating—disrespecting imperial authority was a capital offense.

Yet Xiao Chengyan showed no anger. His expression remained remarkably normal, a faint smile playing on his lips as he picked up a vibrant red strawberry. Turning to Su Tang, he murmured, “Want one?”

Su Tang nodded.

Xiao Chengyan seemed unexpectedly cheerful. Leaning on his elbow, he dangled the strawberry and said, “If you want it, come get it yourself…”

Before he could finish the word “get,” Su Tang had already taken the hint. He leaned in and bit the strawberry from Xiao Chengyan’s fingers in one swift motion, accidentally nipping his finger in the process.

The Chief Steward was stunned, and even Xiao Chengyan’s perpetually gloomy face froze in surprise. His hand, suspended in mid-air, twitched slightly, his fingertips rubbing together with a faint dampness.

Su Tang, however, was completely absorbed in savoring the strawberry. Its intense sweetness, juicy tenderness, and subtle milky aroma reminded him of the milk-infused strawberries he’d eaten before—they tasted extraordinary.

After finishing the delicious strawberry with half-closed eyes, Su Tang snapped back to reality and found Xiao Chengyan staring at him with an inscrutable expression. That gaze sent an inexplicable chill down his spine. Instinct screamed danger. He quietly retreated, but in the next instant, the Tyrant’s hand clamped down on the back of his neck, sealing his fate.

Su Tang’s body stiffened as if a venomous snake were slithering across his throat, leaving him trembling with cold dread.

Xiao Chengyan chuckled softly, drawling, “My Beloved Consort has quite the audacity.”

Su Tang flinched, shaking his head vehemently, his face pleading, “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong!”

“I’m actually quite timid, really. Believe me.”

Xiao Chengyan’s ambiguous smile twisted into something sinister, making Su Tang fear his neck would be snapped like a brittle biscuit at any moment. Speaking of biscuits, he suddenly craved one—a warm, cheesy sandwich cookie…

Just as Su Tang was lost in thought, a sudden pain shot through his chin, causing him to hiss involuntarily. He met Xiao Chengyan’s displeased gaze, who coldly demanded, “What were you thinking about? Planning to escape?”

Su Tang looked utterly bewildered. The Tyrant’s temper was truly unpredictable, his thought processes alien to ordinary minds. He’d grown angry out of nowhere and was now unfairly accusing Su Tang. Escape? With so many skilled guards in the palace, he’d be caught before he even made it past the gates. The consequences hardly needed imagining. As a modern man with no knowledge of this era, how could he survive as a fugitive in ancient times? Might as well hand himself over to the executioner. Most importantly, though—

Su Tang shook his head without hesitation, his expression perfectly docile. “I wasn’t thinking of escaping. With you here, why would I run anywhere else?”

Xiao Chengyan’s expression softened slightly, though he remained skeptical. He loosened his grip on Su Tang’s chin, but the delicate skin still bore a red mark, as if he’d been roughly handled.

Xiao Chengyan’s eyes darkened, recalling the previous night. When Su Tang had writhed beneath him, he’d been just as fragile—his tender flesh reddening at the slightest touch, his cries of surrender and tears flowing with the slightest force. Truly—

“Such a delicate thing,” Xiao Chengyan murmured, his gaze fixed on Su Tang’s chin. He gently rubbed it for a long moment, a hint of disdain in his voice.

Holy shit, Su Tang thought inwardly. Delicate? If you squeeze any harder, you’ll crush my bones! Think you’re the only one with strength? Watch out, or I’ll snap your skull like a twig.