Taming Tyrants I

Arc 1: Beauty and the Beast (23)

Hong Cha woke up after feeling someone touching her lips. She opened her eyes and Nian Xiaoyuan's arrogant handsome face welcomed her sight early in the morning. His gaze was half-lidded as if wondering deeply. Nian Xiaoyuan closed his eyes and stopped meddling with her. Hong Cha leaned closer to him. She submissively snuggled to him. Her index finger traced his scars. She can guess it came from blades. Her heart pained to see them on his snow white skin. It would have been perfect. But if he is too perfect, wouldn't that make him a male god like System Wu said?

"You're so handsome, ah." Hong Cha complimented and lifted her hand on his face. She fiddled with a long lock of his golden hair between her fingers. It actually feels comfortable to be embraced by a man. His masculine scent also drowned her to be submissive. "Nian Xiaoyuan, was it wrong if you were to like me?"

Her tone was mixed with sadness. Hong Cha took his other hand and interlaced their fingers. She sighed as if relieved and satisfied. Nian Xiaoyuan listened in secret. He continued to pretend asleep.

"Its impossible Zhao Xue can resist you. I fell for you after half a year of being with you. It sounds ridiculous but I do love you. Sigh, what should I do? All you think about is Zhao Xue. You keep coming to me when Zhao Xue doesn't want to see you. Am I just a tool for you to vent on?" she bit her lip as a sob unintentionally escaped. Hong Cha curled in his arms and breathed heavily. "Nian Xiaoyuan, if only I have the courage to tell you this. Will you reciprocate or throw me out?"

Nian Xiaoyuan slightly opened his eyes. She was busy drying her tears. The girl is crying again, because of him. But why doesn't he feel happy? Does he pity her this much? In fact, he finds it strange. There are no woman aside from her who can bring his mercy out.

Once more, Hong Cha left the palace the same day and entered the city jail. She visited Lin Xingjin shortly. He is not responsive and its not her problem. She can enter his life bit by bit.

"Nian Xiaoyuan." Hong Cha entered the dragon chamber as Nian Xiaoyuan was dressed by servants for his wedding. Today, he will marry Zhao Xue as his empress. Only few days left for the fated betrayal. The servants finished and made him wear his ree robe. They all left after Nian Xiaoyuan waved his sleeve. Hong Cha hopped towards him and showed an unpleasant gaze. "You don't suit red. Your eyes keeps contrasting with it. But your hair matched the embroideries. I think you should cancel this wedding and find a proper one. It doesn't suit you."

"Hoh. It sounds like you don't want me to marry Zhao Xue." Nian Xiaoyuan acted oblivious. He noticed her frozen in place. She snorted and looked away.

"If I could, I would have." Hong Cha whispered lowly. She stepped closer and held both his hands. "Nian Xiaoyuan, Kong told me you've been bedding Zhao Xue recently. No wonder you're no longer visiting me."

"Kong knows nothing." he scoffed. Nian Xiaoyuan hadn't been bedding Zhao Xue. He only sleeps with her. She's still vigilant against him. If Hong Cha hadn't advised him to be patient, he would have forced Zhao Xue many times. But because of his patience, Zhao Xue is starting to follow him sometimes.

"Nian Xiaoyuan, I missed you." she abashedly said and hooked her arms around his neck. Hong Cha slowly pressed their lips together. She bit his lip since he wasn't responding. "Well then, its your wedding. I cant covet the husband."

"Funny." Nian Xiaoyuan took it as a joke and chuckled. Hong Cha waved her hand and left. He used his thumb to touch his moistened lips. She still tastes sweet. Should he visit her tomorrow? But isn't that an insult for his wife?

Zhao Xue nervously followed the palace maids with the veil on her. They suddenly stopped and greeted Hong Cha.

"Well, the empress is here." Hong Cha smiled as if mocking Zhao Xue. She gestured for the palace maids to leave for a while. After they left, Hong Cha decided to speak. "Zhao Xue, you're so lucky."

"Lucky? What's lucky about this!?" she asked in frustration.

"What is lucky? Both men I loved are yours! First, Prince Brother. Now, Nian Xiaoyuan? How I wish I could ruin your face." she lifted the veil and glared at Zhao Xue. With a transmigrator against a transmigrator, none of them backed out. "Zhao Xue, you should be happy. Nian Xiaoyuan did everything to get you. He's been too patient with you too. He never used you like how I was used like a tool for him. You are his favorite and the woman he loves. Cherish him well. I could treat him better and try my best to snatch him if you don't want him."

Zhao Xue went silent. These days, Nian Xiaoyuan never touched her. He patiently took care of her. Every time she throws trays of expensive meals, he will not get angry but will have the palace chefs make another. Every time she hurts herself from venting her anger, Nian Xiaoyuan is there to treat her injuries. In fact, she cant tell how many times had she tried to break his limit but he never got angry.

Hong Cha left her dumbfounded. She is now nearing her success. Only a little sacrifice left and the plot will completely collapse.

[Host, the story is nearing its end.]

System Wu sounded agitated. Hong Cha just tittered.

"I know. But before the happy ending, there is a sad betrayal. That is where we can strike." she answered back with confidence. Hong Cha went to a grave and offered an incense to Song Yue's tomb. Kong sat on top of it and restlessly moved his head.

"Cha Hua." a familiar voice called out. Hong Cha turned to look at Lin Xingjin.

"Prince Brother, I ask you to leave Zhou now before Nian Xiaoyuan knows I helped you escape." she continued to burn joss papers, not knowing the gentle gaze coming from Lin Xingjin.