The Tyrant’s Drama Queen Empress

CHAPTER 3: He's Too Despicable

　　Shen Ling had no idea what kind of nonsense Xie Yuanxun pulled after she left. Her nerves had been stretched tight the whole day, and now that she was finally somewhere safe and comfortable like Chang Le Palace, the tension slipped away and exhaustion followed.

　　She lay on the bed to rest, eyes closed, a faint smile on her lips. But after a while, that smile faded and any trace of drowsiness vanished.

　　Just thinking about everything she went through today made her hands and feet turn cold. All that lingered in her heart was fear. She hadn’t expected the Emperor of this Palace to be so terrifying. If she had known, she wouldn’t have entered the Palace even if someone beat her to death.

　　Shen Ling fretted. “I really acted too impulsively.”

　　She tried hard to recall everything the book had written about the Emperor. She wanted to understand him better so she wouldn’t accidentally offend him someday. But all she remembered was that the novel spent most of its pages on the male and female leads. How could she have paid attention to anyone else, much less remembered anything about the Emperor…

　　Emperor?

　　Shen Ling suddenly jolted upright.

　　She remembered a scene from the book. The reason the Shen family eventually agreed to the romance between the male and female leads wasn’t just because of the original Shen Ling’s help. Their feelings also deepened during a royal banquet.

　　At that banquet, a certain Prince from the Imperial Clan wanted to curry favor with the Emperor and presented him with a rare white lion. No one expected the lion to go berserk, break free from its cage, and charge straight at the Emperor. The male lead, Shen Jinxiu, blocked the attack and took a full claw swipe to the chest. The Emperor killed the lion with his own sword, and afterward, it was discovered that the Prince had secretly driven the lion mad in an attempt to assassinate the Emperor. The Emperor ordered him to be executed by branding, burned alive on the spot.

　　And afterward, the Emperor even complained that Shen Jinxiu was meddlesome.

　　In Shen Ling’s opinion, that lion might have been a terrifying beast to everyone else, but in front of the current Emperor, Xie Yuanxun, it was probably no more than an oversized housecat that happened to swing its claws at the wrong person.

　　Back then, the entire Shen family was already preparing white funerary cloth, fully expecting Shen Jinxiu to die from his wounds. No one believed he would survive. But somehow, under Shen Xi’s care, he pulled through.

　　The moment his wounds healed, he told Shen Kangzheng and Madam Jiang that he wanted to marry Shen Xi. Madam Jiang said Shen Xi was blessed. Shen Kangzheng thought she had saved his legitimate son. So they agreed to the match. Later, when Shen Jinxiu entered Court to work, the Emperor noticed that he was still alive and casually bestowed a noble title on him. Shen Xi naturally became the wife of a Marquis.

　　Later on, Emperor Xie Yuanxun passed away. He had no children, and most of the Imperial Clan had already been slaughtered by his own hands. The Court couldn’t find a suitable heir. Chaos spread, rebellions broke out everywhere, and the Da Liang Dynasty fell. Shen Jinxiu became a trusted right-hand man of the new Emperor and rose to great success.

　　After the new dynasty was established, Shen Jinxiu once sighed in private that the fall of the Da Liang Dynasty happened for one reason only: Xie Yuanxun's desire for its destruction.

　　While Xie Yuanxun was still alive, every ambitious person was nothing more than a dog lying at his feet.

　　If Xie Yuanxun had wanted the Da Liang Dynasty to continue, he wouldn’t have left not a single heir. He died, yes, but he dragged an entire dynasty into the grave with him.

　　The current Emperor, Xie Yuanxun, could be described as the most willful and unrestrained ruler to ever sit on the throne. At the same time, he was vicious, ruthless, and treated killing like a casual hobby.

　　Shen Ling agreed completely. Other men might at least show some pity for a beautiful woman. They might hesitate, soften, spare her. But Xie Yuanxun? Absolutely not. His refusal to be swayed was carved into stone.

　　If Xie Yuanxun had been a Prince who suffered abuse or injustice before ascending the throne, then maybe his cruelty and bloodlust could be explained. But the problem was… he wasn’t.

　　He wasn’t.

　　Xie Yuanxun was the son of the former Empress, the most favored child of the late Emperor. After the Empress passed away, the Emperor took young Xie Yuanxun to his side and raised him personally, showering him with affection. Even though the Emperor never officially named a Crown Prince, everyone in Court and beyond knew that if he ever decided to choose one, it would be Xie Yuanxun. He might not have been Crown Prince in name, but he held all the privileges of one.

　　Before his death, the Emperor arranged everything for Xie Yuanxun’s future. He left him capable Ministers and Generals, and even personally chose an Empress for him. The Emperor passed away with no lingering worries. But once Xie Yuanxun ascended the throne, he did not change the violent nature he already had as a Prince. If anything, he became even more unrestrained.

　　He killed his siblings, both those who opposed him and those who supported him. He also killed several beauties in the harem who tried to gain favor. Some women he killed simply because he glanced at them one day, remembered them the next, and felt displeased. There was no rhyme or reason. The few women who remained in the harem rarely left their palace halls. Unless the Emperor summoned them, they didn’t show their faces at all.    

　　Did the Court officials never try to rein in Xie Yuanxun when he acted like a lunatic?

　　They actually wanted to, but the moment they saw that even the Empress, the woman the late Emperor had personally chosen as the mother of the nation, was killed by him, they completely lost the courage to oppose him. A few officials with more guts stood up to remonstrate, but Xie Yuanxun killed them as casually as swatting flies.

　　Shen Ling felt listless just thinking about it. In her eyes, Xie Yuanxun was a natural-born maniac with a full set of antisocial traits.

　　Staying near someone like him meant nine lives would still not be enough.

　　Still worrying like that, Shen Ling eventually drifted off to sleep.

　　The next day.

　　Shen Ling slept until noon. When she woke, the palace maids helped her wash and get dressed. The maid doing her hair had incredible skill. The hairstyle she created was so elegant and ethereal that Shen Ling almost wanted to hold up the bronze mirror and ask it who the most beautiful woman in the world was.

　　As she sat there, more maids came over. One fanned her, another massaged her legs. They pressed so comfortably she almost moaned from bliss. She wanted to read, but she didn’t even need to hold a book. Someone came to read aloud for her, lively and vivid. When she got hungry, they brought an entire table of dishes with perfect knife work, perfect plating, and perfect flavor. Surrounded by all this pampering, all of Shen Ling’s worries from last night vanished without a trace.

　　Living like this had to be what immortals enjoyed. Even with a terrifying Emperor somewhere in the Palace, Shen Ling felt completely unbothered. She didn’t believe that with so many beauties here, Xie Yuanxun would still remember her. With that confidence, she skipped off to the pavilion to enjoy the scenery.

　　Reality, however, proved that Xie Yuanxun did remember her.

　　In Qianyang Palace, Xie Yuanxun sat high on his throne, clearly unfocused, his mind wandering somewhere far away. Below him, officials who had matters to report stepped forward. Those without issues stayed silently in their places.

　　Minister Qu of the Ministry of Revenue, stepped out and spoke. “Your Majesty, this minister wishes to report that Governor Li, the governor of Bohai, has failed in his duties. Of the disaster relief funds sent to the victims of the recent floods, only one or two parts in ten actually reached them. The remaining silver is unaccounted for. I beg Your Majesty to send someone to investigate.”

　　Prime Minister Yang stepped forward. “Your Majesty, this minister also requests a full investigation. Governor Li is absolutely loyal to Your Majesty. He would never do anything to wrong you.”

　　Governor Li belonged to Prime Minister Yang’s faction. With the disaster relief funds involving many parties, there was no way Prime Minister Yang would allow Minister Qu to pin the entire blame on Governor Li.

　　The two factions immediately began arguing. Xie Yuanxun didn’t listen to a single word. Instead, he beckoned Senior Eunuch Feng over and whispered a few instructions. After hearing them, Senior Eunuch Feng bowed and quietly withdrew.    

　　Xie Yuanxun had no interest in staying in Qianyang Palace to listen to more Court matters. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll end the meeting here.”

　　The Ministers were speechless.

　　No, Your Majesty, there is something. Weren’t we just talking about Governor Li and the disaster relief silver?

　　But seeing the clear impatience on Xie Yuanxun’s face, no one dared to open their mouth and risk getting executed on the spot.

　　Xie Yuanxun rose and strode away. Prime Minister Yang followed first, and Minister Qu wasn’t discouraged either. He still had the memorial tucked in his sleeve, and the Emperor would see it eventually.

　　Someone whispered anxiously, “Prime Minister Yang, Minister Qu completely blindsided us today. Should we send someone to warn Governor Li? If His Majesty decides to investigate, anyone who touched that silver is done for.”

　　Prime Minister Yang replied, “No need. This matter won’t explode. Think about it, why do you think Minister Qu stepped forward? Because that silver went out through his hands. He’s scared of being implicated. Every time silver leaves the Ministry of Revenue under his management, he writes a report. This time is no different.”

　　“With you saying that, I feel more at ease.”

　　After leaving Qianyang Palace, Xie Yuanxun didn’t return to the Taiji Hall. Instead, he headed straight toward Chang Le Palace.

　　As he entered, all the palace maids and eunuchs knelt to greet him. Not seeing Shen Ling anywhere, he asked, “Where is Shen Guiren?”

　　A maid answered, “Your Majesty, Shen Guiren went to the pavilion outside to enjoy the scenery.”

　　“Enjoy the scenery?”

　　Xie Yuanxun raised his brows. “What a coincidence. I also have something for her to enjoy.” He turned and went to find her.

　　Shen Ling had no idea Xie Yuanxun was looking for her. She leaned lazily against the pavilion railing, feeding the fish with the pellets a palace maid kept handing over.

　　As she fed them, she casually popped one piece of fish food into her own mouth. She chewed twice, and her eyes lit up. It actually tasted pretty good.

　　A hand suddenly pinched her cheek. “Are you a fish?”

　　Shen Ling froze. That familiar pinch, that familiar voice.

　　—It was him. The Emperor.

　　Shen Ling said, “Your Majesty, this concubine is not.”

　　—I am a perfectly normal human being. Are your eyes broken?

　　Xie Yuanxun’s mood brightened even more. “Since you’re not a fish, why are you eating fish food?”

　　Shen Ling replied, “I was just curious. I won’t do it again.” She quickly tossed the remaining pellets into the water.

　　Xie Yuanxun asked again, “Is it tasty?”

　　Shen Ling smiled, “No, it's not tasty.”

　　—Just kidding, it smells good, and it tastes even better.

　　—Don't even think about eating it.

　　—I won’t give you even one piece, I hope you crave it to death!

　　Shen Ling asked, “Your Majesty came to see this concubine?”

　　Xie Yuanxun sat beside her and took her hand. “Yes. I brought something good for you to see. Your attendants said you were enjoying the view, so I came over.”

　　“What good thing does Your Majesty want to show this concubine?”

　　Xie Yuanxun said, “Take a guess.”

　　Shen Ling replied, “This concubine is too foolish to guess.”

　　—Guess my ass!

　　Xie Yuanxun burst out laughing.

　　Shen Ling took a deep breath.

　　—I knew it, he really is a lunatic. Laughing for nothing. What are you laughing at, you idiot!

　　Xie Yuanxun laughed even louder.

　　Shen Ling, “…”

　　When he finally stopped laughing, he said, “Feng, bring the beauty over for Shen Guiren to see.”

　　Shen Ling showed a hint of surprise. A beauty? What beauty? How beautiful?

　　She even felt a little excited. Anyone Xie Yuanxun called a beauty must be breathtaking, right?

　　Soon, Senior Eunuch Feng arrived with the so-called beauty.

　　Shen Ling stared at the human skin he held, unable to recover for a long time.

　　Beside her, the foolish Emperor said proudly, “This beauty danced very well. I remembered that you’ve never seen her perform and felt it was a pity. So I peeled off her skin and brought it for you to appreciate. Well? Doesn’t she look lovely when she dances?”

　　Shen Ling stood frozen.

　　—What the hell! You’re a complete psychopath. A murderous freak! I wanted to see a living beauty, not a skin you peeled off one! Do you think I’m as deranged as you? Xie Yuanxun, you absolute monster!

　　Xie Yuanxun looked at her and asked, “Do you like it?”

　　Shen Ling’s lips trembled. She was on the verge of being scared to death, and this bastard still asked if she liked it?

　　“...I like it.”

　　—I don’t like it at all! I hate it! Do you hear me, you wretched man!

　　Xie Yuanxun said, “Since you like it, I’ll bring more beauties like this next time.”

　　Next time? There would be a next time?

　　Shen Ling’s pupils widened. She had no idea what expression she was supposed to make. She wasn’t a lunatic like him, how could she possibly like that kind of skin-beauty.

　　Xie Yuanxun asked, “Why aren’t you speaking? Could it be that you’re too happy to get the words out?”

　　Shen Ling let out two polite laughs. Since he wasn’t letting her feel comfortable, then she wasn’t going to let him feel comfortable either. Gathering every ounce of boldness she had, she softened her tone until it dripped with sweetness.

　　“Your Majesty, since you are so pleased with this beauty, why not make the most of her? Place her in your bedchamber and let her accompany you every night. Compared to simple incense and warm sleeves, nothing beats falling asleep with a beauty at your side.”

　　—As for me, I wouldn’t dare. If something like that stood by my bed, I’d be scared to death.

　　Xie Yuanxun said, “Your idea is excellent. Very well, tonight I will place her in my bedchamber.”

　　Shen Ling answered cheerfully, “Your Majesty is wise.”

　　That night, in the Taiji Hall.

　　Shen Ling’s voice was stiff as she said, “...Your Majesty?”

　　Xie Yuanxun was in his night robes, half reclining on the bed while gazing at the skin-beauty standing at the bedside. When he saw Shen Ling enter, he lifted a hand and beckoned her over.

　　“Come here.”

　　“Yes.” Shen Ling walked over with a wooden expression.

　　Lying down, she bit onto the corner of the blanket, her resentment practically shooting straight at Xie Yuanxun.

　　—You bastard. You actually made me sleep beside you too. That suggestion earlier was meant to scare you, not to scare me!

　　With something like that standing right by the bed, how was she supposed to sleep?

　　Shen Ling didn’t even dare to breathe too loudly. She didn’t dare to turn, didn’t dare to move, and absolutely didn’t dare to look around. From the corner of her eye, she glanced at Xie Yuanxun and secretly thought:

　　—If I can’t sleep tonight, I’m going to smother you with a pillow.

　　Xie Yuanxun asked, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

　　Shen Ling replied softly, “This concubine wanted to wait for Your Majesty to sleep first.”

　　—What do you mean why? Of course I can’t sleep, you idiot!

　　Xie Yuanxun offered, “Shall I let the skin-beauty climb onto the bed to coax you to sleep?”

　　Shen Ling stiffened. “...Your Majesty is awful. This concubine doesn’t want anyone coming between us. I will sleep now.” A skin-beauty was one thing if she stayed by the bed. But on the bed? She absolutely could not handle that blessing.

　　Shen Ling closed her eyes and drifted off. It wasn’t nearly as hard to fall asleep as she had imagined. By the time she woke, it was already morning.    

  

   

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