Quick Transmigration: The Villain Is Too Pampered and Alluring - Chapter 78

After hearing Bai Chengze’s words, Sheng Nuan was deeply shocked, and at that moment, customer service finally pulled up Bai Chengze’s data.

In the original storyline, after the identity of Princess Lin’an was exposed, the sickly Ninth Prince died suddenly as well, and Bai Chengze reclaimed his identity, eventually ascending to the throne to become emperor.

However, shortly after ascending to the throne, a number of court officials began to notice that this new emperor was acting a bit strangely…

The first thing he did after ascending the throne was to secretly reduce the late emperor’s remains to ashes, and then he began to implement a tyrannical rule in the court, enforcing the principle of “Those who follow me will prosper, while those who oppose me will perish.”

Any minister who dared to show any opposition was ruthlessly suppressed by him, leading to chaos in the court as factions ran rampant. Ten years later, he was overthrown by the rebel army led by Xiao Dingcheng, marking the end of his reign and the downfall of the dynasty.

Later, he became infamous in the annals of history as Tang Lizong¹, a name synonymous with cruelty and brutality, a testament to the savage tyranny he once wielded.

Judging by his series of actions after taking the throne, it was clear that he had gone mad…

“A tyrant?” Sheng Nuan was dumbfounded.

Customer service added: “Host, according to the data, Bai Chengze in the original storyline experienced something far worse than being starved and beaten in his childhood, which likely led to his twisted mentality as an adult…”

Sheng Nuan was startled. “What?”

The system quickly clarified, “That’s from the original storyline. In this world’s narrative, the time period in which the host appeared coincidentally helped him get through the critical moment of the incident, so Bai Chengze in this world did not experience those events…”

Only then did Sheng Nuan feel a slight sense of relief. Still, she hesitated and asked, “Does that mean there’s a chance he won’t turn into a tyrant?”

Customer service replied seriously, “It’s impossible to predict unknown variables. Moreover, the medicine he’s been taking does affect his mind and behavior…”

Sheng Nuan felt a little uneasy.

Although she had unknowingly helped him, she still couldn’t imagine what the palace, a place that devoured people, had put that helpless child through after she left thirteen years ago.

Thirteen years ago, she had left without saying goodbye. Thirteen years later… despite his difficult circumstances, Bai Chengze still went to great lengths to protect her, yet she regarded him with suspicion, avoiding him like he was a venomous snake.

At that moment, Bai Chengze’s voice interrupted her thoughts again.

In a low tone, he said, “Sister, you should go… Don’t worry, I won’t let those people hurt you.”

Sheng Nuan felt a mix of emotions and paused for a moment before saying somewhat uneasily, “Let’s get out of the water first. We’re going to wrinkle up.”

Bai Chengze made a soft sound of agreement, then turned and walked a few steps away, keeping a respectful distance, with the water mist separating them.

It was clear that his actions that day had been out of desperation.

Sheng Nuan felt a pang of guilt for her previous suspicions and doubts. She turned and exited the hot spring pool, using her internal energy to dry her clothes.

Moments later, Bai Chengze approached from the other end of the pool, already dressed in a long robe, without a trace of impropriety.

Stopping a few steps away from Sheng Nuan, Bai Chengze softly asked, “Do you still blame me, Sister?”

He no longer had the wicked and cold demeanor he displayed at the restaurant that day. His expression was gentle as he looked at her, as if her response was of utmost importance to him.

Sheng Nuan shook her head.

A light sparked in Bai Chengze’s eyes, and he smiled warmly. “Sister is so kind.”

Sheng Nuan, overwhelmed by the flood of information she had received tonight, felt a bit dazed. Meeting Bai Chengze’s gentle gaze, she didn’t know how to respond so she chose to simply look away.

“You should rest early. I’ll head back first.”

Bai Chengze seemed reluctant but still obediently nodded. “Take care, Sister.”

Sheng Nuan turned and walked away… but just as she stepped out of the pool, she heard a sudden dull thud from behind.

She was taken aback and quickly turned back, only to see Bai Chengze leaning against a chair, sitting on the floor… She rushed over to help him up, frowning. “If you’re not feeling well, why didn’t you say anything?”

Bai Chengze smiled weakly. “I didn’t want Sister to worry. I know you want to distance yourself from me, and I didn’t want to trouble you.”

Sheng Nuan was momentarily speechless, and after a brief silence, she said, “I didn’t mean to distance myself from you.”

Bai Chengze’s face brightened, looking very happy. “Mm, Sister still cares about me, and worries about me…”

Sheng Nuan didn’t say anything more, helping him up as they started to walk out. Halfway there, seeing his condition, she hesitated. “You can’t go out like this, can you?”

Bai Chengze gave a soft hum of agreement, and in the next instant, right before Sheng Nuan’s eyes… his body quickly transformed, shrinking back into the previous appearance of a woman.

Sheng Nuan was once again left speechless, her gaze instinctively sweeping downward…

So, is he a man or a woman right now?

Bai Chengze felt a bit shy, lowering his gaze and whispering, “What are you looking at, Sister?”

Sheng Nuan snapped back to her senses, almost choking but quickly tried to cover it up. “N-nothing, nothing at all.”

Maybe her cover-up was too poor, but the next moment, without any warning, Bai Chengze seized her hand and pressed it against his chest…

Flat and hard, nothing extra.

“I’ve only changed my appearance, I’m still a man. Soon, I won’t need to take medicine to hide my form anymore… So, Sister, could you please not look at me like that?”

He whispered softly.

Sheng Nuan felt embarrassed and awkwardly explained, “I… I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Bai Chengze responded with a quiet “mm.” “Sister is the only family I have left. If you also reject me and distance yourself, then I’ll truly have nothing.”

The beauty’s eyes were watery, and he looked at her softly, pleading gently… For a moment, Sheng Nuan couldn’t help but feel that she had gone too far in the past few days!

Yes, his behavior that day was indeed a bit excessive, but ultimately, he had acted to save her. Because of this, he was suspected by those people and endured such severe punishment.

Yet she had avoided and distanced herself from him. Isn’t she a little too heartless?

Just then, she heard Bai Chengze quietly plead again, “Sister, please don’t avoid me anymore, okay?”

Seeing his sorrowful yet hopeful gaze, Sheng Nuan nodded firmly. “Okay.”

Bai Chengze finally smiled.

After watching Sheng Nuan leave Jingluan Courtyard, Bai Chengze turned and disappeared into the shadows like a ghost.

Moments later, in a large and luxurious room, Bai Chengze lazily reclined in the highest chair, resting his chin on one hand, his expression languid and indifferent as he listened to a group of grey-robed men engage in a heated debate below.

“The news of the Liao invasion has already reached the palace. Bai Xuping intends to issue an edict to send the Duke of Zhenbei to the front lines, hoping to use the Liao forces to eliminate Duke Xiao Ceyuan and seize control of his military power…”

“Bai Xuping is digging his own grave. We are at the most critical juncture now. As long as we follow the plan, success is certain!”

“As for the siege crossbow, he still has his doubts. Many of our people have been removed from the city defense, so we must proceed with caution.”

“The woman who intruded that day has been identified as the favored concubine of the Duke of Zhenbei’s Heir Apparent. She has considerable skill and once saved Xiao Dingcheng during the assassination attempt. She saw us that day. I believe we should eliminate her to ensure no loose ends.”

Sitting in the highest seat, Bai Chengze raised his eyes coolly…

The man was about to say something when he suddenly realized something was wrong. Instinctively, he reached for his throat and felt it wet with bl00d. Staggering backward, he fell into his chair, sliding down to the floor, convulsing in disbelief as he looked up at Bai Chengze.

The faces of the other grey-robed men paled instantly…

“I remember that I told you that day not to lay a hand on her.”

Bai Chengze smiled in a way that was neither entirely a smile nor entirely serious. “It seems Lord Wei didn’t take my words to heart.”

Raising his hand, he caught the delicate dagger, thin as a cicada’s wing, that had flown back to him. Bai Chengze slowly wiped the bl00d off the blade with his fingers, raising an eyebrow lightly. “Please, continue, gentlemen. Why aren’t you speaking?”

The grey-robed men stood rigid, and then, cold-faced guards stepped forward without blinking, dragging the lifeless elder in grey robes, who had his eyes wide open, out of the room.

Bai Chengze let out a soft chuckle and slowly stood up. “Take your time discussing, my Lords. Just be sure to let me know the outcome… After all, I am merely a pawn and a puppet in your hands, so I won’t stay to listen any longer.”

With that, Bai Chengze disappeared from the room.

The grey-robed men seemed to collectively breathe a sigh of relief, but then exchanged helpless and regretful glances!

Pawn? Puppet?

At this point, who would dare treat him as a puppet…

They had once allowed him to grow up in pain and torment, hoping to forge him into a sharp weapon to fight and plunder for them, the unseen kings behind the scenes… But the weapon became too sharp and powerful, ultimately turning against those who sought to wield it.

They had all been firmly trapped by the young lion who had grown into a monster…

Sheng Nuan, of course, had no idea that as soon as she left, the “weak, helpless puppet” Bai Chengze had gone and killed someone.

She lay in bed, tossing and turning, and it wasn’t until the middle of the night that she finally managed to fall asleep, waking up when the sun was already high in the sky.

As she was getting dressed, Xiao Dingcheng arrived.

Seeing Xiao Dingcheng’s bloodshot eyes and hesitant expression, Sheng Nuan immediately knew that the next plot point had come.

Xiao Dingcheng was here to ask her to give the credit for saving the Ninth Prince to Liu Rumian and elevate Liu Rumian to the status of equal wife…

1. Tang Lizong – Lizong translates to ‘Cruel Ancestry’ or ‘Tyrannical Ancestor.’ So Bai Chengze’s posthumous title of Tang Lizong means Cruel Ancestor of the Tang. It suggests that he became infamous in history for his brutality. ↵