Returning after a three-year escape from death, the tyrant has turned evil.

Chapter 123 Forcibly Applying Medicine to Her
Song Yi complained of being hungry, but when it came to actually eating, she couldn't eat much; she ended up leaving some rice in her bowl.

She held her chopsticks in her hand, staring blankly at the dishes on the table, motionless.

Jiang Lanye glanced at her and knew she was full. He said calmly, "If you can't eat anymore, then don't."

Song Yi snapped out of her daze, glanced at the remaining rice in her bowl, and suddenly, right in front of Jiang Lanye, picked it up and finished it in a few bites.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Lanye immediately frowned.

"Be careful, you might feel unwell later."

Song Yi patted her belly and said seriously, "Jiang Lanye, we can't waste it."

She had lived a life of luxury in the palace before, and she had never thought of this before. Having gone through so much along the way, she didn't want to waste a single bite of the food.

Hearing her say that, Jiang Lanye's eyes softened.

"You've eaten your fill. I'll carry you back to rest."

Song Yi responded and proactively raised her arms, waiting for Jiang Lanye to hug her.

Her posture was so natural that Jiang Lanye chuckled almost imperceptibly and picked her up tightly.

Outside the door, Miss Meng lingered, reluctant to leave. Hearing the commotion inside, her eyes lit up, and she immediately turned around to look.

Unexpectedly, she saw Jiang Lanye holding Song Yi steadily, oblivious to everyone else, and thus missed her.

Miss Meng stared at his departing figure, remaining rooted to the spot for a long, unsettled time.

Seeing this, the maidservant asked worriedly, "What's wrong, Miss?"

She opened her mouth, unable to resist asking, "Does His Majesty usually dote on Consort Yun like this? What about the others in the palace?"

Why did he only allow Consort Yun to accompany him this time?

He doesn't mind the trouble; he carries her everywhere he goes.

The maidservant was also somewhat bewildered, and said earnestly, "His Majesty must have many concubines he is willing to favor, but perhaps this one is especially favored."

Upon hearing this, Miss Meng's shoulders immediately slumped, feeling somewhat defeated.

"Think about it."

"Miss, do you really want to enter the palace? Our residence is not close to the capital."

She whispered, "So what if it's far? Once I enter the harem, I'll enjoy a lifetime of wealth and honor."

Judging from the light shining in her eyes, she clearly longed for the bustling capital city in the distance.

The young maid hesitated, not wanting to discourage her, yet also afraid that she might really get too involved.

"But Miss, His Majesty will stay another day, and he will leave early the day after tomorrow."

Miss Meng was taken aback and suddenly turned to look at her.

"Leaving first thing the day after tomorrow?"

"Yes."

She clenched her fists and murmured, "The chances are running out..."

inside the house.

Jiang Lanye carefully put Song Yi down and let her sit on the edge of the bed. Suddenly, he half-squatted down, gently held Song Yi's ankle, and took off her shoes.

"Let me see how your injury is."

Song Yi was startled and instinctively tried to pull her foot back.

Jiang Lanye looked up at her, puzzled.

Song Yi pursed her lips, looking at Jiang Lanye's subservient position at this moment, and obediently put her feet back. Jiang Lanye took off his socks, revealing his fair and smooth feet.

The thought that Jiang Lanye, who was a fearsome emperor in front of others, was now half-squatting in front of her, with his golden crown easily visible to Song Yi, made her realize how deeply moved she was.

Suddenly, she felt playful and deliberately stretched out her foot, gently stepping on Jiang Lanye's chest. She then pressed down slightly, wrinkling his clothes and casually stepping on the dark dragon pattern embroidered with gold thread.

Seeing Song Yi's actions, Jiang Lanye did not stop her, but his eyes suddenly darkened, like pitch-black ink, with desire surging within them.

He first looked at the feet that were wreaking havoc in his arms, then lifted his eyelids to look at Song Yi.

His gaze was forceful and aggressive. As Song Yi looked at him, she suddenly became timid and tried to pull her foot back. But then—without even looking down—he accurately predicted Song Yi's next move, quickly raised his hand and grabbed her foot, not allowing her to leave.

Song Yi quickly shouted, "Stop making a fuss! Stop making a fuss!"

Jiang Lanye moved his hand up, avoiding her injured ankle, grabbed her calf with one hand, and pulled her forward.

Then, he immediately bent down and pressed down on her.

Song Yi quickly raised her hand to push him away.

Seeing how quickly she backed down, Jiang Lanye asked with a half-smile, "Not uncomfortable anymore? Hmm? Then how about I continue?"

She knew that Jiang Lanye had restrained himself today and was considerate of her physical condition.

"No, no, I'm still... feeling unwell."

Jiang Lanye pinched her waist as a warning, then slowly stood up.

Song Yi awkwardly propped herself up to stand up, and looking at his once impeccably dressed robes, now disheveled from being rubbed by her feet, she guiltily looked away.

Jiang Lanye glanced at her and said, "I'll go get the medicine."

Realizing what he had said, Song Yi's face flushed red, like the fiery clouds on the horizon.

Not long after Jiang Lanye left, he returned with a small jade jar in his hand, containing some milky white ointment.

He placed the items on the table, then carefully washed his hands before slowly walking towards Song Yi.

"Come here, let me take a look."

Realizing what he was about to do, Song Yi quickly said, "No need... I can do it myself."

Jiang Lanye frowned, clearly unwilling, and his eyes immediately turned cold.

"I am here."

He always displayed a consistent dominance in matters of intimacy between the two.

Song Yi was unwilling. She supported herself on the couch and watched Jiang Lanye approach before moving to the corner of the wall.

Jiang Lanye watched her move until her back hit the wall, then slowly picked up the ointment and easily pulled her back.

In front of Jiang Lanye, all of Song Yi's resistance and struggles would be futile if he wanted to.

……

After a stick of incense.

Jiang Lanye picked up a handkerchief and wiped his fingertips, then casually untied the ribbon on Song Yi's wrist.

Song Yi never expected that the red silk that Jiang Lanye had specially brought would be used at this time.

She touched the red marks on her wrist with a pitiful expression, as if she was truly afraid of Jiang Lanye, and looked at him warily with her wide, reddened eyes.

He put the ointment away, reached out and wiped the corner of her eye, and said in a low voice, "It's all swollen, you have to apply the ointment."

"Well... isn't it all your fault?"

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

Jiang Lanye couldn't help but chuckle softly, saying, "I'll be more careful next time."

Song Yi immediately replied, "There won't be a next time."

Jiang Lanye raised an eyebrow slightly; the words seemed somewhat familiar.

"Alright, don't be angry. I'll be back late tonight. If you're sleepy, go to sleep first. You don't need to wait for me."

Song Yi knew Jiang Lanye had something important to discuss, so he nodded and was about to respond when he suddenly remembered something and immediately said warily:

"Wait, if you go there, won't that Miss Meng try to get close to you again?"

Jiang Lanye said calmly, "I will not get close to her."

Song Yi couldn't help but say, "But she might get close to you."

(End of this chapter)