This Is What a Villain Is Like

Emperor Xia’s chest heaved with anger. It was the first time she had realized just how sharp-tongued he could be. To make matters worse, his nonchalant expression was utterly infuriating.

"Regarding the loss of the Dragon-Suppressing Seal, it was I who misplaced my trust. I am no Saint. How could I be expected to never take a wrong step?"

"I am the Emperor. If I weren’t vigilant in all matters, how could I sit so securely in this position today?" she explained, patiently suppressing her irritation.

’What ruler isn’t deeply suspicious?’ She already considered herself quite magnanimous and tolerant.

Jiang Lan nodded in profound agreement. "That’s a fair point. As the ruler of a nation, Your Majesty certainly should be."

Emperor Xia looked down at him and scoffed. "And yet, I, the ruler of this nation, am still being manipulated and pushed around, am I not?"

"Indeed," Jiang Lan agreed with a nod.

Emperor Xia was so angry her hands clenched into fists. She slowly relaxed them and said with a blank expression, "I know you and the Prime Minister are not cut from the same cloth. As his son, you cannot approve of his actions, nor do you wish to see the people of this world plunged into suffering."

"That is why you have secretly helped me on numerous occasions. And for that reason, I believe you are capable of great things—that you can prevent future turmoil from shaking the foundations of Great Xia..."

Jiang Lan cut her off with a chuckle. "Your Majesty, you really need to work on your sales pitch."

"I’m not as noble as you make me out to be—all for the country and its people, for the sake of the dynasty. I’m just a hedonistic, selfish man..."

Emperor Xia didn’t believe a word of it. Staring straight at him, she said, "Then you must have a reason. It couldn’t possibly be because of me, could it?"

Jiang Lan’s gaze lingered on her face as he spoke with great earnestness. "Actually, Your Majesty has hit the nail on the head. I’ve managed to land a true beauty, and she happens to be the ruler of the world, the Empress of Great Xia. Countless young, talented men are no doubt green with envy, dying to take my place."

Emperor Xia finally heard a pleasant word from his lips, though she knew he was being insincere. She scoffed. "And yet, from where I’m standing, you look completely reluctant. Anyone who didn’t know better would think I’m the one who took advantage."

"And are you so very willing, Your Majesty?" Jiang Lan shot back with a smile.

Emperor Xia fell silent. While she wasn’t exactly thrilled, she wasn’t as opposed to it as he might have thought.

But given her status, she would never admit that aloud.

"Enough small talk. It’s time to get down to business. I’m sure Your Majesty has an idea of what’s coming."

"We may have performed the marriage rites, but we have none of the affection. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to establish some ground rules."

"For the stability of Great Xia, and for your own sake, Your Majesty." Jiang Lan’s smile vanished, his expression turning serious.

"Speak," said Emperor Xia, her chin still tilted up, her gaze looking down at him.

"Are Your Majesty’s eyes located above your nostrils? If this is the attitude you intend to take with me starting tonight, do you expect me to crane my neck just to speak with you?" Jiang Lan asked, his tone unhurried.

Emperor Xia huffed. ’If he hadn’t provoked me in the first place, would I be acting like this?’

Still, she did as he said and sat down across from him. She then noticed his gaze seemed to drift, intentionally or not, toward her chest. A little confused, she glanced down and saw a glimpse of fine, snow-white skin, faintly visible beneath her form-fitting, light-pink robes.

Emperor Xia immediately reached up to clutch her robes closed. She wanted to shoot Jiang Lan a vicious glare, but then she saw the corner of his mouth curl into an amused smile. At that, she dropped her hand, composed and not the least bit flustered.

She was the sovereign of Great Xia. How could she blush and stammer over something like this, like some common maiden?

Since Emperor Xia was feigning indifference, Jiang Lan decided to appreciate the view openly and without shame.

He had to admit, back when Emperor Xia dressed as a man, binding her chest, he’d had no idea of her... impressive grandeur. But appreciating her from this close, he could now glimpse its astonishing scale.

That’s what you call a top-tier beauty—the kind who can’t see her own toes when she looks down.

"Do you like what you see?"

Just as Jiang Lan was lost in admiration, a voice as cold as frost, a voice that seemed to freeze the very air, cut through the silence.

Emperor Xia’s eyes were chilling, like daggers of ice that could bore bloody holes right through him.

"It’s not bad," Jiang Lan admitted with perfect composure.

Emperor Xia couldn’t stand his shameless composure. She snatched her outer robe and draped it over her shoulders, covering herself completely.

’And what does he mean, "not bad"?!’

"Get to the point," she said, her face cold.

"Three ground rules. One: you will not interfere in my personal life in the name of our marriage. Two: you will not..." Jiang Lan held up three fingers, waving them casually in front of her.

The moment she heard the first rule, Emperor Xia’s elegant eyebrows shot up, and she cut him off without a second thought.

’As the Feng Jun, if he continues to frequent the Desire Immortal Pavilion, won’t I lose all face?’

’This isn’t a set of ground rules; it’s an unequal treaty.’

"Jiang Lan, do not force my hand on our wedding night..." A chill emanated from her eyes. With a CRACK, her hand crushed the wine cup, which turned to fine powder.

"The Dragon-Suppressing Seal..." Jiang Lan said, completely unruffled.

At his words, Emperor Xia forcibly swallowed her anger, but her eyes remained cold and hostile.

Jiang Lan smiled, the very picture of a man who knew he had her right where he wanted her.

"Don’t push it," Emperor Xia said, her tone softening considerably.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I know exactly how to handle things..." Jiang Lan continued.

Of course, Jiang Lan also promised that, publicly, he would uphold her dignity and her rule, doing everything he could to help her secure her throne and stabilize the dynasty.