Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I froze, then instinctively argued back.

“How is that possible? Fu Zhaoting has been so obedient these past six months.”

The System pulled up the item interface and enlarged the line of text at the bottom of the medicine bottle until it filled my vision.

“Look carefully. This medicine only lasts for twenty-four hours.”

“As for Fu Zhaoting being obedient…”

The System let out a cold laugh and reminded me, “Have you forgotten the Tyrant Emperor’s twisted little hobby?”

As the infamous Tyrant Emperor, Fu Zhaoting’s greatest pleasure was playing with people’s hearts.

He never killed anyone outright. First, he would raise them to a lofty position.

Then, when they were at the peak of their pride and success, he would carve them up piece by piece.

Even an assassin could be kept at his side as a trusted confidant for months.

Only when the assassin thought he had succeeded and drew his blade would Fu Zhaoting leisurely crush his wrist.

Then he would even disdainfully say to the assassin, “You couldn’t hold back any longer than that? What a useless waste.”

He enjoyed nothing more than the thrill of toying with his prey in the palm of his hand.

Thinking of all this, my legs suddenly went weak, and I collapsed down.

Fu Zhaoting let out a muffled grunt. His large hand caught my waist, his palm scorching hot.

“Who taught you to ride like this?”

His hand moved to the side of my thigh and patted it lightly.

“Sit steady. Stop shaking your legs.”

Trembling, I lowered my head and looked at Fu Zhaoting beneath me, his robes hanging wide open and his face full of desire.

Still unwilling to give up, I asked the System, “What if he really does like me?”

“Stop dreaming, Host.”

The System brought up a data panel. “Target’s favorability rating-N/A. Unable to identify.”

“The system can identify favorability ratings from 0 to 100. If it can’t identify his, that means his favorability toward you has dropped into the negatives.”

The System sighed faintly.

“Not only does he have no affection for you, I’m afraid he’s full of malice toward you.”

My heart died completely.

So terrified that I immediately started climbing off Fu Zhaoting.

Halfway down, Fu Zhaoting grabbed my ankle.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked up, his voice low. “Didn’t you want to ride?”

I swallowed and pulled my foot back.

“N-No, I don’t want to anymore…”

Fu Zhaoting glanced at his now-empty hand and frowned.

“I have to leave the palace tonight. I won’t make it back by the Hour of Hai to serve you to sleep. You don’t want compensation anymore?”

“No, no, I don’t. Your Majesty’s state affairs are more important. Don’t waste your time.”

Fu Zhaoting straightened and leaned closer, his gaze probing.

“Why are you suddenly being so sensible?”

What did he mean? Was he saying I hadn’t been sensible before?

If this were before, I definitely would have rolled my eyes at him.

But now, all I dared to do was squeeze out a timid smile.

“If I behave a little more sensibly, I won’t have to trouble Your Majesty over every little thing. Isn’t that good?”

Fu Zhaoting’s expression stiffened for a moment, but he quickly acted as if nothing had happened.

“Naturally. Nothing could be better.”

He got up and straightened his clothes, then waited for a moment.

Seeing no reaction from me, Fu Zhaoting said unhappily, “Then I shall go review memorials?”

I instinctively grabbed his sleeve. “Your Majesty.”

“I knew it.”

Fu Zhaoting bent down, sounding impatient. “Hurry up and kiss me. I’m very busy.”

Seeing his face come closer, I hurriedly dodged and tentatively said, “Your Majesty, I have always acted recklessly. If there were times before when I failed to follow the rules, could you… forget them?”

Fu Zhaoting paused. “Is that an order to me?”

“Of course not! How would I dare order Your Majesty around…”

“Oh. Then no.”

Fu Zhaoting narrowed his phoenix eyes, pinched my cheek, and smiled with profound meaning.

“My beloved consort may act recklessly, but she is adorable. I can’t bear to forget a single thing you’ve done.”

My breath caught, and despair crashed over me.

It’s over. He was leaving me absolutely no way out!