TVAAMRF Chapter 32

Translator’s Note:

Final exams are finally over, it’s holiday time! I can finally get back to updating! TAT

Anyway, I want to let you know that the previous chapter was accidentally uploaded incomplete—it got cut off.
I recommend rereading the last part of the previous chapter before starting this one, but no worries if you don’t want to!

I’m really sorry for the inconvenience, and happy reading~ UwU

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Chapter 32 – Tyrant 4

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Almost as soon as he spoke, a pair of strong hands gripped him, taking control of the reins. With a sharp tug, they forced Chi Xue to halt abruptly, stopping just before the fence. The wooden barrier trembled under the horse’s powerful hooves.

Su Tang sat on the horse, his back drenched in cold sweat, his clothes clinging damply to his skin.

The palace attendants rushed over anxiously, having been terrified when they saw Chi Xue charging toward the fence. They had witnessed everything clearly—the Imperial Consort daring to call the Emperor by his given name, a flagrant act of treason. Yet, they tacitly agreed to pretend nothing had happened.

In the palace, one naturally learned to play dumb. Since the Emperor hadn’t rebuked the Imperial Consort, they wisely chose to act as if they hadn’t heard anything. The Chief Steward, however, noticed far more. During Chi Xue’s charge toward the fence, the Emperor had multiple opportunities to intervene but remained motionless until the Imperial Consort called his name. Only then did he rein in the horse at the last possible moment.

Watching this scene, the Chief Steward felt a chill run down his spine, his heart pounding with shock.

Having served the Emperor for years, the Chief Steward knew his extreme and volatile nature all too well. He had always believed that such a cruel and ruthless ruler could never experience true love. But at this moment, he wasn’t so sure. He had witnessed the Emperor’s obsessive and brooding gaze earlier, and it seemed the Emperor might genuinely harbor feelings for Lady Su, contrary to what he had assumed was a fleeting whim.

But was gaining the love of a tyrant truly a blessing?

The Chief Steward knew that if Lady Su hadn’t called out the Emperor’s name at the last moment, the Emperor would have let him die. A normal person, when in love, would cherish, dote on, and wish the best for their beloved. But a tyrant, when he falls for someone, likely seeks control and possession above all else, demanding to be the sole focus of their life. Just now, he had used life and death as a test, forcing Su Tang to make an instinctive choice.

The Chief Steward suddenly felt a pang of pity for Lady Su.

Su Tang’s face was deathly pale, still shaken by the near-death experience, his body trembling uncontrollably. Xiao Chengyan dismounted first, then lifted Su Tang down from the horse.

This was Su Tang’s first time riding a horse, and at such a breakneck pace. He hadn’t noticed it while on horseback, but the moment he dismounted, the searing pain on his inner thighs became glaringly obvious, the result of excessive friction. Compounding this, the shock of the ordeal had left his legs weak and unsteady.

Fortunately, Xiao Chengyan firmly held Su Tang by the waist, preventing him from collapsing to the ground in embarrassment the moment he dismounted.

Su Tang wanted to walk on his own, but the moment he took a step, the pain flared sharply, nearly forcing him into a penguin-like waddle. Without a word, Xiao Chengyan swept him up into a horizontal carry and strode off the Military Training Ground.

The Chief Steward immediately summoned the Imperial Dragon Carriage, and Xiao Chengyan settled Su Tang inside.

The carriage was resplendent in gold, exquisitely carved with openwork dragon motifs and draped with silk curtains. A retinue of palace attendants surrounded it, carrying fans and parasols, their presence radiating imperial majesty.

By the time they returned to the palace chambers, the Imperial Physician-in-Chief was already waiting.

This wasn’t because the Imperial Physician had foreseen Su Tang’s injury. Rather, as a Medicinal Human, Su Tang required regular check-ups, during which the physician would replace his medicinal broth and bath herbs.

Thus, upon his return, Su Tang was immediately confronted with a large bowl of bitter medicinal broth.

Su Tang frowned, genuinely reluctant to drink it. But remembering Xiao Chengyan’s headaches and the possibility that drinking the medicine might help cure him, he resolved to endure it.

He lifted the bowl, intending to gulp it down in one go, but Xiao Chengyan seized his wrist, stopping him. Turning to the Imperial Physician-in-Chief, he asked in a commanding tone, “Will this medicine harm his body?”

The Court Physician froze, clearly unprepared for the Emperor’s sudden question. After a moment’s hesitation, he bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, this medicine poses no harm to the body.”

Xiao Chengyan stared down at the dark, foul-smelling concoction for a long moment, his face twisted with obvious disgust. “Couldn’t you make it less bitter and foul?”

The Court Physician replied respectfully, “It is possible, Your Majesty, but it might compromise the medicine’s efficacy. If Your Majesty dislikes the taste, the Imperial Consort may eat some candied fruits after taking the medicine without any ill effects.”

A Palace Attendant immediately placed a delicate dish of candied fruits beside Su Tang.

Su Tang drained the medicine in one gulp, his face contorting into a miserable grimace from the bitterness. He quickly stuffed two candied fruits into his mouth, barely managing to recover.

The Imperial Physician-in-Chief, having completed his duties, was about to take his leave when Xiao Chengyan suddenly ordered him to fetch a bottle of wound medicine. Without questioning, the physician promptly handed over a porcelain-white jade bottle.

Xiao Chengyan held the medicine bottle and turned to look at Su Tang. The Chief Steward glanced at them and quickly signaled the surrounding Palace Attendants, who retreated one by one. The Chief Steward lingered last, standing guard outside the door to await further instructions.

Xiao Chengyan looked at Su Tang and said, “Take off your clothes.”

Su Tang’s eyes widened in shock. “……!!!”

In broad daylight?! What does this Dog Emperor want?! To do that in the middle of the day?!

Su Tang’s face flushed slightly.

Xiao Chengyan continued, “Didn’t you scrape your leg? Gu will apply the medicine for you.”

Su Tang: “……”

Ashamed of his own lewd thoughts, Su Tang’s face burned even hotter.

Xiao Chengyan gazed at Su Tang’s flushed cheeks, thinking they resembled his favorite foreign berries—vibrant red and plump, making him want to take a bite and see if they were as juicy as they looked.

Because the injury was in an awkward place, Su Tang was reluctant to undress. He whispered, “No need… I can do it myself.”

Xiao Chengyan’s expression instantly turned cold. As Emperor, how could he tolerate disobedience? Ignoring Su Tang’s refusal, he stepped forward, grabbed Su Tang’s waistband, and yanked it open.

Su Tang jumped back in alarm, protesting frantically, “I told you I’d do it myself!”

Xiao Chengyan said coldly, “Let Gu apply the medicine, or die. Choose.”

Su Tang: The hell kind of choice is that?!

Su Tang looked up and met Xiao Chengyan’s gaze. He could tell the man wasn’t joking; if he refused, he would truly be killed.

This is the Tyrant, Su Tang thought, staring at the familiar face. Having grown accustomed to Luo Yuan’s gentle nature, he often forgot.

Su Tang pursed his lips, admitting defeat. He stopped struggling and obediently began to undress.

Even so, he couldn’t help feeling resentful.

If it were Luo Yuan, he would never force me like this.

Su Tang had spent an entire lifetime with Luo Yuan, their intimacy enduring until death. Now, in this new world, his memories had been idealized, retaining only the good aspects of Luo Yuan.

In reality, Luo Yuan and Xiao Chengyan were the same person. Their fundamental nature remained unchanged, including their obsessive tendencies and extreme possessiveness. Su Tang had often been driven to tears by their encounters.

Regardless, Xiao Chengyan eventually pinned Su Tang down and applied the medicine. Though somewhat humiliated, Su Tang found the cooling sensation on the chafed areas from riding quite soothing.

Well, this lifetime’s Luo Yuan is truly mentally ill, Su Tang thought. I shouldn’t take it too seriously. I’ll just humor him as a patient. Besides, Xiao Chengyan has shown remarkable self-control around me, never once losing his temper.

Two days passed.

When Xiao Chengyan returned from court and dined with Su Tang, his expression was peculiar.

How to describe it?

If Su Tang had to put it into words, it was as if Xiao Chengyan’s usual demeanor was already gloomy and brooding, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, ready to erupt into madness at any moment. But today, his face was even more malevolent than usual. When he stared at Su Tang, it was as if he were contemplating what cruel methods he should use to kill him.

Under that scalp-numbing gaze, Su Tang remained… remarkably calm.

Xiao Chengyan’s madness wasn’t new, and Su Tang, with his upright character and clean conscience, had no reason to fear. Even if Xiao Chengyan went berserk and tried to kill him, he wouldn’t let himself suffer. He’d finish his delicious meal first.

So Su Tang picked up his chopsticks and began eating with gusto, his face radiating pure enjoyment.

Mmm, today’s shrimp balls are especially springy and sweet—truly delicious.

The Tyrant Xiao Chengyan sat beside him, watching him eat with little interest, occasionally picking at his own food.

After the meal, Palace Attendants brought over porcelain dishes arranged with delicate pastries—each one exquisitely crafted, glistening, and utterly charming.

Su Tang reached for his favorite honey peach pastry. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Xiao Chengyan’s gaze turned inexplicably dangerous the moment he opened his mouth to take a bite.

A chill ran down the back of Su Tang’s neck. After a moment’s hesitation, he twisted his wrist and offered the pastry to Xiao Chengyan. “Your Majesty, would you like some?”

Xiao Chengyan’s lips curled into a cold, enigmatic smile. “Gu doesn’t eat such things,” he said disdainfully.

Su Tang shrugged and popped the pastry into his mouth, chewing casually before swallowing. He reached for another.

Xiao Chengyan stared at him, his expression suddenly complex. “You just swallowed it whole?”

Su Tang tilted his head in confusion. “What else would I do?”

In the next moment, Xiao Chengyan’s gaze turned as if he were looking at an imbecile.

Enraged, Su Tang threw caution to the wind, ignoring the tyrant’s madness. “If Your Majesty wants some, just say so!” he snapped. “Why are you glaring at me like that? Hmph! If you don’t want any, then take them all!”

With that, he grabbed two pastries and shoved them directly into Xiao Chengyan’s mouth.

Xiao Chengyan likely never imagined anyone would dare treat him this way. Caught off guard, he allowed Su Tang to succeed, his cheeks bulging with pastries, leaving him momentarily stunned.

He looked like a silly hamster.

The Chief Steward pressed his lips together, struggling to suppress his laughter. He wasn’t laughing at His Majesty, truly—he had simply recalled a particularly amusing memory.

Fortunately, the Tyrant’s awkwardness lasted only two seconds. His eyes turned icy as he spat out the pastries, glaring menacingly at Su Tang as if to say, “You’re dead.”

The Chief Steward, standing nearby, felt torn between amusement and exhaustion. Every day, he endured the Imperial Consort’s daredevil antics, which pushed the Emperor to the brink of madness. At his age, his heart simply couldn’t withstand such constant stress.

He had assumed the Emperor would let Lady Su off again, as he had countless times before. The Chief Steward lowered his gaze, pretending not to see anything.

But the next moment, the Emperor declared, “The Imperial Consort has shown contempt for imperial authority. Give him twenty lashes as a warning.”

The Chief Steward’s head snapped up, his thoughts racing: Your Majesty, are you finally going to assert your authority?! This brazen Imperial Consort has long deserved a lesson. I can’t wait!

At the Tyrant’s command, the Chief Steward immediately ordered Palace Attendants to seize the Imperial Consort.

Su Tang wore an expression of shock and grievance, his face practically screaming, “What did I do wrong?” His peerless, jade-like features were profoundly moving. Even the Chief Steward, who had been displeased with his lack of respect for the Emperor, now felt a pang of sympathy.

Whenever someone was punished, they would typically kneel and beg for mercy, struggling and wailing, which only further enraged the Emperor and often implicated other Palace Attendants. Thus, the Chief Steward stepped forward, intending to offer the Imperial Consort a few words of advice to avoid unnecessary drama.

But before he could reach him, the Imperial Consort unexpectedly cooperated, walking out without needing to be forcibly escorted. His calm, composed demeanor—were it not for his lowered head—made it seem as if he were merely going for a stroll.

Su Tang’s fearlessness stemmed from a simple reason: his adorable System. After mentally confirming that he could block pain, what was there to fear? Even if he died, he’d just move on to the next world. Goodbye, see ya never.

Of course, Xiao Chengyan wouldn’t get away with treating him like this. Su Tang was very good at holding grudges.

Su Tang walked out with his head bowed, his heart burning with anger as he silently cursed Xiao Chengyan as a madman with a brain full of holes. He remained oblivious to the Tyrant’s expressionless gaze fixed on his retreating figure, waiting for him to beg for mercy.

But Su Tang showed no sign of pleading. He simply left with his head down, his retreating figure radiating a pitiful air of resignation.

Suddenly, Xiao Chengyan’s heart surged with violent rage. His eyes turned bloodshot and flushed crimson, his reason consumed by a savage desire for destruction. If he won’t obey, then I’ll destroy him.

As Emperor, his spies permeated every corner of the palace. What could happen within these walls that he didn’t know? Even the fact that a note was hidden inside the pastry Su Tang had eaten—a note written by Su Tang’s childhood friend, who reportedly harbored feelings for him and planned to rescue him from the palace—was known to Xiao Chengyan.

He wanted to kill.

Though Su Tang had foolishly swallowed the pastry whole, oblivious to the hidden note, Xiao Chengyan still yearned to kill. He wanted to slaughter the childhood friend who dared to covet what was his, to annihilate the man’s entire family, and even to kill Su Tang himself.

Xiao Chengyan’s head throbbed violently. His deathly pale face, coupled with his icy, sinister gaze, made him resemble Yama, the King of Hell, a terrifying figure straight from the underworld.

Su Tang was distracted, chatting with the System, and couldn’t see Xiao Chengyan’s expression. But the palace attendants, ever vigilant around the Tyrant, immediately sensed His Majesty’s fury. Their hands trembled as they struggled to perform their duties.

Just as Su Tang was about to kneel and take his punishment, the Tyrant suddenly changed his mind. “Stop,” he commanded coldly.

The attendants froze, turned, and bowed their heads, awaiting the Emperor’s orders.

The Chief Steward clasped his hands, lowered his gaze, and glanced upward at the Emperor for instructions.

Xiao Chengyan pressed his temples, barely suppressing his rage. “Get out,” he snarled.

The Chief Steward led the attendants away quietly and swiftly.

Su Tang tried to leave as well, but the Chief Steward, well-versed in the Tyrant’s moods, stopped him. If the Imperial Consort turned and left now, the Emperor would surely fly into a frenzy.

Left standing alone outside the door, Su Tang received a deep bow from the Chief Steward as he passed. “Please, Your Highness,” the Chief Steward whispered, “do not provoke His Majesty further.”

Su Tang sighed inwardly. The problem is, I don’t even know why Xiao Chengyan is angry! Just because I didn’t coax him to eat and ate the pastry myself? Is he a three-year-old? Even a three-year-old wouldn’t call for executions over a tantrum!

Su Tang sighed inwardly. He realized he had been wrong to call Luo Yuan a pervert in the previous world. Compared to Xiao Chengyan, Luo Yuan seemed remarkably normal.

If it weren’t for their identical faces and an inexplicable sense of familiarity, Su Tang would have ignored him completely.

He actually considered hitting me with a punishment rod just now?

Su Tang huffed, lowering his head to pick at his fingers. His own temper flared, and he refused to enter the room.

Xiao Chengyan, seated behind his desk, frowned when he noticed Su Tang hadn’t come in. His gaze darkened as he stared at the young man. He had been determined to punish Su Tang with the rod, intending it as a warning against any thoughts of escape—a reminder that he knew everything. But the moment he saw Su Tang standing there, head bowed and looking so pitiful, his heart inexplicably trembled. He remembered how afraid Su Tang was of pain, his skin so delicate that even a slight force would leave a red mark. If he were truly struck with the rod, he might faint from the pain.

This thought only fueled Xiao Chengyan’s frustration. If he’s so afraid, why doesn’t he beg for mercy? Why doesn’t he admit his mistake and promise to stay by my side, never leaving? I might have spared him then.

Yet, even as Xiao Chengyan was about to carry out the punishment, he couldn’t restrain himself any longer and called out to stop.

Xiao Chengyan glared at Su Tang, who was standing in the courtyard outside the hall. His voice was cold as he commanded, “Are you going to come in, or do you want Gu to personally invite you?”

Su Tang rolled his eyes inwardly but obediently walked into the hall, taking tiny, dragging steps that clearly showed he didn’t want to approach.

Xiao Chengyan’s expression darkened further. “Why are you moving so slowly? Are you dissatisfied with not being punished? Gu can summon the executioners immediately.”

Su Tang hesitated for a second, gritted his teeth, and strode toward him, his steps forceful. He stopped a meter away and plopped down cross-legged, his face radiating indignation.

Xiao Chengyan glanced at him, baffled by his anger. He had already withdrawn the punishment order and even tolerated Su Tang’s little escape attempt right under his nose, giving him a second chance. Yet Su Tang was still throwing a tantrum?

The veins on Xiao Chengyan’s temples bulged, his mood souring further. “Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer.”

Su Tang forced a fake smile, pretending to be obedient as he scooted toward him… by one centimeter.

Xiao Chengyan’s face darkened even more.

Since Su Tang refused to come closer, Xiao Chengyan went to him. He not only sat beside him but also grabbed Su Tang’s hand, holding it firmly in his palm. Feeling the real touch filled the emptiness in his heart, slightly easing his restless mood.

Xiao Chengyan held Su Tang’s hand, gently kneading and rubbing it like a kitten’s soft paw pads. The light pressure tickled slightly.

Su Tang felt deeply uncomfortable. Just moments ago, he had been determined to ignore Xiao Chengyan, but this conciliatory gesture softened his heart. He stole a glance at Xiao Chengyan’s face, noticing its unnatural, sickly pallor—he looked utterly unwell.

Su Tang pressed his lips together and withdrew his hand from Xiao Chengyan’s grasp. He placed his fingers on Xiao Chengyan’s temples, massaging them gently in hopes of relieving his headache.

When his palm suddenly felt empty, Xiao Chengyan’s heart nearly exploded like a volcanic eruption. His anger surged, but he was stunned when Su Tang didn’t resist. Instead, Su Tang reached out to massage him.

Xiao Chengyan’s nearly explosive rage was suddenly doused with ice water, extinguishing the flames and leaving only wisps of lingering steam.

Caught in this agonizing limbo, neither fully calmed nor fully enraged, he glared sideways at Su Tang, his gaze cold and silent as he scrutinized him with a subtly complex expression.

Su Tang’s back prickled under that intense scrutiny. The gaze felt almost tangible, slowly tracing its way down his body until even his fingertips went numb.

After massaging for a while longer, Su Tang tried to withdraw his hand. But the moment he showed any sign of pulling back, Xiao Chengyan lunged forward, sweeping him up in his arms and carrying him toward the Dragon Bed.

Su Tang froze in shock. By the time he realized what was happening, he had already been tossed onto the bed. He tried to sit up, but a powerful figure loomed over him, pinning him down completely, leaving him no escape. His trembling hand reached out from under the bed curtains, only to be swiftly seized by another pale, large hand, leaving him no choice but to clutch the brocade quilt tightly.

In the past, whenever Xiao Chengyan suffered from his headaches, the Chief Steward would immediately bring him a vial of pills. These were crafted by the Imperial Physician-in-Chief and, while they couldn’t cure the headaches entirely, they provided some relief from the pain, helping Xiao Chengyan barely suppress his murderous urges.

But now, Xiao Chengyan no longer needed medicine. Su Tang was a Medicinal Human, specifically cultivated to treat him. By bonding with Su Tang, Xiao Chengyan could gradually alleviate his headaches. This method sounded utterly absurd, and Xiao Chengyan had initially dismissed it. Yet the moment he laid eyes on Su Tang, he forgot everything. As if possessed by a ghost, he acted instinctively, as naturally as water flowing downhill, as if the two had long shared an intimate bond.

When Xiao Chengyan was with Su Tang, his mood indeed lightened considerably. However, he didn’t attribute this to Su Tang’s medicinal properties. His actions toward Su Tang were simply following his heart, doing whatever he pleased. If he disliked Su Tang, even if Su Tang were the only cure for his condition, he would have killed him without hesitation at their first meeting, never allowing him to live this long.

Su Tang was utterly exhausted, his limbs aching. Even when it was time for dinner, he couldn’t bring himself to get up. Xiao Chengyan carried him to the table and sat him down, then slowly and methodically fed him. Su Tang’s eyes were red from crying, half-closed as he calmly accepted the Emperor’s care. But after a few bites, he noticed the Chief Steward’s complex expression and suddenly remembered this was ancient China. The man before him was a tyrant, the palace rules were strict, and it was utterly inappropriate for the Emperor to be serving him food.

Su Tang reached out to take the spoon, his voice hoarse. “Your Majesty, I can manage myself.”

But Xiao Chengyan’s expression turned terrifying at these words, his cold gaze brooking no refusal.

Helpless, Su Tang could only accept the emperor’s insistence on serving him. What else could he do? Might as well enjoy it.

He stopped trying to feed himself. It’s so much more comfortable to just open my mouth and let the food come. He leaned forward, opened his mouth, and took the spoonful, chewing slowly. With the movement, his collar shifted slightly, revealing a clear, suggestive red mark.

Xiao Chengyan’s gaze fixed on the mark, dark and unfathomable.

After a long moment, Su Tang belatedly realized where the emperor was looking. He followed the emperor’s gaze downward, and when he understood, his face flushed crimson. He hurriedly tugged his collar closed, shielding the mark.

Xiao Chengyan didn’t react with anger. He merely withdrew his gaze and continued feeding Su Tang at his measured pace.

That evening, as they prepared for bed, Xiao Chengyan lay beside Su Tang and pulled him into his arms. Su Tang involuntarily shuddered, clearly still shaken by the emperor’s earlier anger. His body reflexively recoiled, but Xiao Chengyan held him firmly, leaving no room for retreat.

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