Forcibly Snatched by the Tyrant After Transmigrating into a Book 3

Chapter 3: “Is Your Majesty planning a midday indulgence?”

Chu Yi ran a fever on and off for two days. In a semi-conscious state, he was only aware of someone constantly feeding him medicine, wiping his body, and changing his clothes, which made him feel much more comfortable.

When he opened his eyes again, he was startled by the magnificent golden splendor before him. The bed curtains seemed to be sewn with gold thread, the bedding was likely silk, and the beams of the bedchamber were made of cloud-topped sandalwood…

While Chu Yi was still admiring his surroundings, a palace maid, carrying freshly heated tea, entered the room. Seeing that he was awake, she said a word to a younger maid beside her and then approached.

The palace maid curtsied to Chu Yi. “Young Master, would you like to change your clothes?”

Chu Yi felt a little awkward, still not quite used to the rules and etiquette of this ancient era. He pointed to himself. “You’re calling me Young Master?”

The palace maid nodded. “Young Master, you may not know, but His Majesty has been personally taking care of you these past few days. He hasn’t allowed any of us to serve you and has barely slept a wink. He’s already gone to morning court without even a moment’s rest…”

Chu Yi was unimpressed. He hadn’t even settled the score with this tyrant for nearly choking him to death!

And now he sends a little palace maid to say a few nice words, thinking I’ll just let it go? Not a chance!

He put on his shoes by himself, took the clothes from the rack, and after studying them for a long time, still couldn’t figure them out. In the end, it was the palace maid who helped him dress properly.

He truly didn’t understand why people in ancient times wore so many clothes. With three inner and three outer layers, he couldn’t even tell which were undergarments and which were outer robes…

An image of himself messily tearing at his clothes that day unintentionally surfaced in his mind. Why did I have to be so proactive! Ah! The aphrodisiacs in ancient times are truly too potent!

Under the palace maid’s care, Chu Yi had his morning meal. He deliberately tried to get friendly with the young maid, learning her name and getting a general idea of the palace layout.

Using the excuse of needing the latrine, he managed to slip away from his attendants. He finally found the palace gate and was about to walk out with a feigned air of arrogance when he happened to overhear the guards chatting.

Guard Left: “His Majesty was attacked a few days ago, and now he’s ordered us to be extra vigilant. Anyone coming in or out must show a token. How are we supposed to stop those important figures?”

Guard Right: “Stop complaining. How much silver have their subordinates stuffed into your hands that you haven’t taken? Besides, His Majesty said that anyone who tries to force their way through should be tied up and handed over to the Imperial Guard. Those who resist are to be killed without mercy.”

Chu Yi thought to himself that, one, he had no token, and two, he had no silver…

He immediately turned around and walked back. A tyrant was a tyrant, after all. It seemed he would have to think of another way to escape.

Although it was a palace from a book, it was rendered with lifelike detail. As Chu Yi pondered, he was unexpectedly captivated by the scenery within the palace walls…

The next second, he accidentally bumped into someone’s chest. Chu Yi had a bad feeling.

He didn’t need to look up; there was no doubt that only one person could wear the yellow robe before him.

Chu Yi silently took a step back, trying to distance himself from the tyrant, but Sheng Qianheng’s arm immediately wrapped around his lower back. In an instant, Sheng Qianheng’s scent was right under his nose, making the hair on his arms stand on end. “Your Majesty, it was this subject’s carelessness that I bumped into Your Majesty. My crime deserves ten thousand deaths.”

Seeing the resistance in Chu Yi’s entire body, Sheng Qianheng raised a hand as if to tidy his messy sideburns. “Your body has just recovered, yet you’re running all over the place. You even sent Ruotao away. How mischievous~”

Chu Yi ducked his head slightly, but fearing the tyrant’s unpredictable temper, he had no choice but to lean back in. “Has Your Majesty just finished morning court? Ruotao said Your Majesty hasn’t rested well these past few days. How about this subject accompanies Your Majesty back to the bedchamber for a short nap?”

Although Sheng Qianheng didn’t know what Chu Yi was plotting, as long as the man stayed by his side, it was fine. He knew he had frightened him earlier. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

On the walk back to the bedchamber, the two remained silent.

Chu Yi was afraid of misspeaking and being punished by the tyrant; Sheng Qianheng was afraid Chu Yi would bring up leaving.

It wasn’t until they were inside, with only the two of them staring at each other, that Chu Yi saw Sheng Qianheng begin to undress. Then, Sheng Qianheng turned and walked toward him, reaching out as if to undo his belt. Chu Yi immediately grabbed his wrist. “Why do Ruotao and the others all call me Young Master?”

Sheng Qianheng met his gaze, knowing that he was already resisting his touch. He could only resort to a gentle approach. “I’ve been the one taking care of you these past few days. They naturally assume you are the consort I intend to take. It’s only logical for them to call you Young Master. They are merely servants who know how to read the situation.”

Chu Yi pressed his lips together slightly, his eyes fixed on the token hanging from the clothes rack. “But I am a man. Since the previous dynasty, there has been no precedent for taking a male consort… Your Majesty, this subject also does not wish to be trapped in the deep palace…”

Sheng Qianheng wasn’t overly surprised that Chu Yi’s words these past few days were so different from before; he simply attributed it to him being frightened. “Without your permission, how could I randomly take a consort? Besides, we made a promise before: you would not take a wife, and I would not take a consort. Or are you planning to pretend that day never happened? Does A-Yi still wish to marry and have children, abandoning me to fend for myself?”

Chu Yi finally tore his gaze away, rendered speechless by Sheng Qianheng’s shameless words.

After much thought, he could only pretend to pinch the tyrant’s fingertips and, relying on the fuzzy memories in his mind, said, “A-Heng, that’s not what I mean. It’s just that you’ve just conquered the Western Xia, and the situation is currently unstable. You should be focusing on court affairs, not indulging in romantic dalliances. Can we discuss the matter between us at a later date?”

Sheng Qianheng watched as Chu Yi led him toward the bed. He had indeed been exhausted these past few days and couldn’t be bothered to guess at his little schemes. He had already dispatched guards to protect Chu Yi in secret; Chu Yi wouldn’t be able to escape even if he grew wings. “I’ll listen to you. Lie with me for a while.”

Chu Yi silently climbed onto the bed, carefully arranging his clothes to ensure there was no possibility of them being removed, before lying down stiffly and pulling the covers up.

Sheng Qianheng, on the other hand, lay down casually on the outer side of the bed, closed his eyes, and his breathing steadied. It seemed he had truly fallen asleep.

Chu Yi had only been awake for less than four hours. Being asked to accompany the tyrant for a nap now was truly difficult. He peeked at the tyrant beside him out of the corner of his eye.

He was about five chi and six cun tall, with a well-proportioned figure. This tyrant had strong, handsome features—thick brows, large eyes, deep-set features, and lips of a moderate thickness.

The tyrant’s looks unexpectedly matched Chu Yi’s sexual preferences perfectly!

Fearing that his lust would cloud his judgment, Chu Yi came to his senses and began to ponder how to steal the token without the tyrant noticing. Recalling the earlier situation, the tyrant seemed quite gentle with him. Could he also be a fatuous ruler?

In that case, if he threw himself into his arms, could he swipe the token while the tyrant was distracted?

But for now, the quickest way was to wait for the tyrant to fall into a deep sleep and quietly get out of bed to take it. Chu Yi lay ramrod straight on the bed for nearly half an hour before he dared to slowly sit up. He waved a hand in front of Sheng Qianheng’s face a couple of times, and after confirming the other was sound asleep, he silently lifted his leg, intending to climb over the tyrant.

He never expected that just as he got one leg over, Sheng Qianheng would wake up! He directly lifted his own leg, causing Chu Yi to stumble and fall, sitting right on top of him.

Fearing he would crush the tyrant, Chu Yi propped one hand on his chest and then turned his head back with a charming smile. “Your Majesty is awake?”

Sheng Qianheng was a light sleeper. The slightest disturbance would wake him instantly, let alone the considerable commotion Chu Yi had made.

He propped himself up slightly, reached out to grasp Chu Yi’s waist, and lifted him up so he could sit more comfortably, before teasing, “Where are you going? Trying to run away again?”

Chu Yi let out a surprised “ah,” looking completely flustered, not knowing where to put his hands. For a moment, he couldn’t help but wonder if the book’s description of Sheng Qianheng as a tyrant or a fatuous ruler was wrong. Sheng Qianheng was very skilled; he didn’t even know how many times they had done it that day…

Now, all his interactions with him felt far too natural… He had great potential to be a fatuous ruler. Or could it be that he had many concubines in secret, and the book just didn’t mention them?

He felt a strange sensation beneath him. Sheng Qianheng seemed to be aroused. Chu Yi tried to get up, but Sheng Qianheng’s hands held his waist, pinning him in place. He could only ask with a flushed face, “Is Your Majesty planning a midday indulgence?”

Sheng Qianheng chuckled lightly. Fearing he would push Chu Yi too far, he released his hands. The next second, the rabbit scrambled off him, nearly falling off the bed in the process.

He sat up, looking at Chu Yi’s reddened ears. “Minister Chu, are you shy? Haven’t we already had a midday indulgence before?”

Although Chu Yi had lived for 29 years, this was his first time being so intimate with someone. He had once thought he would only progress to that step after confirming a relationship with someone he loved, but he never expected to be claimed by this tyrant!

But on second thought, they were both adults, each taking what they needed. There was nothing to be ashamed of. He wasn’t a woman, so he didn’t have to worry about things like accidental pregnancy.

After successfully consoling himself, he was just about to turn and retort to Sheng Qianheng, but the man was no longer on the bed.

Sheng Qianheng, now fully dressed, grabbed Chu Yi’s wrist and headed out of the hall. “Accompany Zhen to the imperial study to discuss matters.”

Chu Yi was spun around a full 360 degrees, his head dizzy. He simply couldn’t comprehend this tyrant’s thought process.

Ministers were already waiting in the imperial study. Chu Yi silently followed behind Sheng Qianheng, trying multiple times to break free from the tyrant’s grip to no avail. In the end, he had no choice but to stand beside the dragon throne.

He lowered his head and quickly reviewed the situation. This was a political intrigue novel; with his level of intelligence, it would be difficult to survive. For now, he could only rely on pleasing the tyrant to stay alive!

There were four ministers in the room. General Wang was the first to speak. “Your Majesty ordered this subject to thoroughly investigate the assassination at the sacrificial ceremony. This subject has not found much, but what I have has been placed in a brocade box. I did not expect the Prince Regent to be present as well. What is Your Majesty’s meaning in this?”

“Is the title of Prince Regent just for show?” Sheng Qianheng glanced sideways at Chu Yi, his eyes curving slightly. “Speak freely. Is there anything that the Prince Regent, my beloved Minister Chu, cannot hear? Whatever you’ve found, present it.”

Chu Yi was completely stiff. Didn’t this tyrant say he was revoking his title of Prince Regent? Why had he gone back on his word?

General Wang immediately dropped to one knee and continued, “The Prince Regent can naturally hear it.”

Sheng Qianheng noticed Chu Yi seemed to be daydreaming and deliberately squeezed his fingertips. “What are you thinking about?”

Chu Yi could only nod and smile. “Your Majesty, since General Wang has matters to report, this subject can withdraw to avoid suspicion.”

He tried to pull his hand free from Sheng Qianheng’s grasp but found he couldn’t. He looked at Sheng Qianheng in confusion, only to hear him say, “A-Yi, General Wang has worked hard investigating for these past few days. Don’t you want to hear what he has to say?”

Sheng Qianheng signaled for General Wang to present the items he had prepared.

Chu Yi watched as three servants walked forward, each carrying a tray. From a distance, they appeared to be holding several letters, a blood-stained arrow, and…

Sheng Qianheng placed a hand on Chu Yi’s lower back and gave him a push, making him step forward. “The items on these three trays are all related to you. Go on, take a look.”

Chu Yi pressed his lips together. The current plot was completely different from the book. He had no choice but to brace himself and open them.

On the first tray were several letters. The envelopes were addressed to be opened by Chu Yi personally. He picked them up and scanned them quickly. They were letters between him and the rebels! But Chu Yi knew they were forgeries, with his handwriting imitated by the traitors…

Sheng Qianheng toyed with the jade thumb ring on his finger. “Continue. Look at the second one.”

Chu Yi slowly moved to the arrow. The fletching on this arrow was unique, belonging exclusively to Chu Yi’s trusted subordinate.

Chu Yi tried his best to remain calm. “Your Majesty, the handwriting in these letters can certainly be imitated. As for this arrow… a few days ago, my subordinate reported to me that several of his arrows were missing… The arrow must have been stolen and used to frame this subject.”

General Wang pressed on, “What a coincidence that the culprit just happened to imitate the Prince Regent’s handwriting and then steal your subordinate’s arrow for the assassination.”

Sheng Qianheng saw that Chu Yi was finding it hard to defend himself. He watched every expression on Chu Yi’s face but paid no mind to his excuses. He said softly, “Open the third wooden box.”

Chu Yi then walked to the third tray. According to the book, “Chu Yi” was to be executed by a thousand cuts, his head hung from the city walls… He was afraid that opening it would reveal someone’s head…

Chu Yi took a deep breath and mustered his courage before opening it.

The box was empty.

Chu Yi let out a breath of relief, confused. “Your Majesty, this is… empty?”

General Wang continued, “All the evidence this subject has collected proves that the Prince Regent standing here intends to rebel. This third wooden box was prepared by this subject for the Prince Regent.”

Chu Yi swallowed hard, momentarily at a loss for words. On second thought, he simply fell to the ground and pretended to faint.

On the couch in the imperial study, Chu Yi’s face was pale, his brows tightly furrowed. He was only feigning sleep, his mind racing, trying to figure out how to defend himself and how to escape.

Sheng Qianheng sat on the edge of the couch. He had long noticed that although Chu Yi’s eyes were closed as if he had fainted, the slight movement of his eyeballs had already given him away.

He asked the imperial physician, “How is he? Why did he faint?”

After checking his pulse, Imperial Physician Xu placed Chu Yi’s wrist back on the couch and replied, “He merely suffered a slight shock. That, combined with his physical deficiency, caused him to faint.”

After seeing the physician off, Sheng Qianheng walked back to the couch. Watching Chu Yi’s trembling eyelashes, he directly reached out and placed his hand on Chu Yi’s neck, squeezing slightly.

Chu Yi immediately grabbed Sheng Qianheng’s hand, quickly turned, and hid on the inner side of the couch, the fear in his eyes not yet dissipated.

Sheng Qianheng withdrew his hand and straightened his sleeves. “Still pretending to be asleep?”

Chu Yi shook his head…

Sheng Qianheng sat on the edge of the couch with his back to Chu Yi. “Do you think I should suspect you?”

Translator’s Notes

1. chi  and cun : Ancient Chinese units of length. One chi is roughly 33.3 cm, and one cun is 1/10 of a chi. Five chi and six cun would be approximately 186 cm or 6’1″.

2. A-Yi  and A-Heng : The “A-” prefix is a common term of endearment used with names, indicating familiarity and affection.

3. Dragon Throne : The emperor’s throne.