TFRLTOP Chapter 64 Part 1

Chapter 64: The Tyrant’s Beloved 

◎I’ve even taught her how to harm Me…◎

An hour earlier.

“Your Majesty’s archery is truly remarkable! I can hardly express the admiration I feel!”

Emperor Wan Qian had just released an arrow that hit the bullseye. Hearing the flattery from behind him, he barely reacted—only letting out a soft chuckle. He reached back, and Zhou Changzun promptly handed him another arrow with utmost respect.

He shot again. Another bullseye.

Lowering his bow, Wan Qian slowly turned his head. “Minister Zhou, it seems you finally relented and returned from Jiangbei?”

Zhou Changzun’s playful smile vanished at once. He clasped his hands respectfully and said sincerely, “Your Majesty, the situation in Jiangbei is far from optimistic.”

“Is it the incompetence of the officials or the disobedience of the common people?”

Zhou sighed. “Both factors exist, but the main problem is the remnants of the previous dynasty plotting rebellion, stirring trouble everywhere. Natural disasters are merciless, and when those with ill intent exploit them, human disasters follow.”

Wan Qian considered this for a moment, then decisively said, “Then execute the officials of the Jiangbei cities.”

He said it with blunt finality.

“Your Majesty, but…” Zhou Changzun broke into a cold sweat.

It wasn’t over. Wan Qian continued: “As for those restless refugees, execute some of them as well. If there’s no fear instilled, they won’t understand consequences. I’ll show them their place.”

“Your Majesty, you mustn’t!” Zhou Changzun knelt quickly, alarmed. “The people were merely incited because they are unrefined. Their crimes do not merit death. With disasters upon them, people are already fearful…”

Wan Qian waved him off, silencing him. “My decision is made. They are but troublemakers—kill them.”

Zhou tried to protest further, but Wan Qian immediately issued another order: “I recall ministers Ke, Jing, Chang, and Song are quite zealous regarding this matter. Let them go to Jiangbei and replace the incompetent officials.”

These four ministers were usually brash and outspoken. Wan Qian had long been annoyed by them, yet Zhou knew that, despite their sharp tongues, they were loyal and diligent.

Moreover, they were older men.

“Let them go. Their families remain in the capital. Whether for the safety of their descendants or to secure their future, I trust they will do their utmost.”

Wan Qian did not care whether they lived or died.

Zhou Changzun knew arguing further was futile. The emperor had always ruled through intimidation, and such methods had brought the court more stability than during the late emperor’s reign. But who could know what currents or storms might lurk beneath the calm surface?

“Your Majesty, forgive my ignorance. The traitor Jiang Wenyuan colluded with the remnants of the previous dynasty. Yet according to investigations, his eldest daughter Jiang Ruotian seems implicated as well. Why, then, does Your Majesty still keep her in the harem?”

He had wanted to suggest that all three Jiang women might harbor ill intent, but recalling Wan Qian’s unusual favor toward the youngest, who had risen swiftly and received continuous rewards, he swallowed the words.

“I once thought Jiang Ruotian, like her father, was colluding with the remnants. Now it seems otherwise. There is still an undercurrent in the court. I intend to investigate further.”

“Ah, Minister Zhou, I have another matter for you.”

Zhou leaned in to hear the emperor’s order. Wan Qian whispered briefly, and Zhou acknowledged immediately.

“Make a scene. Since someone is fishing in troubled waters, let them see what real trouble is.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall attend to it immediately.”

After Zhou left, Wan Qian shot a few more arrows, but boredom crept in. He called for Gao Fu. “Tell me, if I kill indiscriminately, will I face retribution?”

Gao Fu hastily said, “Your Majesty is wise and valiant, merely ridding the world of vermin. How could it be called indiscriminate killing? Officials and the people will understand Your Majesty’s intentions.”

“Hmph,” Wan Qian scoffed, “the world’s hatred of me is already inevitable.”

He thought: It doesn’t matter. I need no one’s adoration. I am the Son of Heaven. The entire realm belongs to Me—could a few ants overturn it?

Kill the guilty—what is there to fear? So long as she…

No, she harbors no love for Me.

But I will not let her go. Life or death, she will be bound to Me.

“Your Majesty,” Gao Fu whispered, “Your Majesty…”

“Hm?” Wan Qian snapped out of his thoughts.

Gao Fu stepped aside, letting an imperial guard go forward. The guard reported that Consort Lan seemed to be lost in the palace.

“Lost? She went out without attendants? Where is she now?” Wan Qian asked repeatedly, urgency creeping into his voice.

The guard gave the location. Wan Qian immediately led men to her.

“Worthless servants! Your master goes out and you don’t even follow her!” Wan Qian roared. “And you too—why report so late? How long has she been walking alone?”

“She left Lady Ling’s quarters about half an hour ago. She hasn’t allowed anyone to follow,” the guard replied.

Wan Qian’s steps paused. “Oh? Is that so?”

Scheming again? Planning something?

Soon, those two will be executed.

If she weren’t still somewhat close to them…

He hurriedly pressed on until he saw her slender figure by the high wall. His heart eased slightly.

Her chin was propped on her hand, brows furrowed as if pondering some dilemma. She looked utterly adorable.

Wan Qian stopped, his deep voice bridging the distance between them.

“Missed me this much after only a few hours?”

Ming Ming shot another bullseye, elated. “Again! No, wait—you let go! I’ll do it myself!”

Wan Qian, eyes full of affection, handed her another arrow, eager to watch his beloved in action.