“Talk. Reveal your secrets and you’ll suffer less.” Zhao Xu sent a meaningful glance toward the torture instruments in the chamber. He reached toward the branding iron sitting in the charcoal basin and used it to poke at the red-hot coals.

  The branding iron’s triangular head already burned a bright red.

  Noble Lady Zhou began to sweat profusely. She swallowed hard, staring blankly at the expressionless Zhao Xu.

  This man was truly heartless! He had warmly embraced her earlier only to be this cruel to her now.

  He once spoke touching words of love that could make anyone blush as their heart skipped a beat. Yet there was no light in the heavens now. That same man had become ruthless and hostile.

  Zhao Xu was the emperor, possessing unrivaled status. He looked even more imperious with his straight eyebrows slanting upwards, his bright eyes, and handsome, noble appearance.

  This man was brimming with charm. Sometimes Noble Lady Zhou was also captivated by it. He had authority, power, and good looks. To have such a man as a husband would fill any woman’s heart with pride.

  But now, he was going to torture her.

  “Your Majesty…” Noble Lady Zhou looked at Zhao Xu through her tear-filled eyes. Her eyes were full of hurt and deep love for him.

  Zhao Xu’s expression remained indifferent. “The wound on your back has already healed without the slightest scarring. I want to try scalding you with this branding iron. Will you still recover as quickly as before?”


  Zhao Xu held the branding iron and walked towards Noble Lady Zhou. Her face was ashen and she trembled as she looked at it. As Zhao Xu approached, she could sense the heat of the branding iron as it neared her.

  Zhao Xu held the iron up. “I want to try branding your face first. I believe that with Noble Lady Zhou’s abilities, it will certainly be restored as before.”


  “No, don’t…” Noble Lady Zhou leaned her head away, trying to escape the scorching iron’s heat. Even though it hadn’t touched her skin, she felt a blistering pain.

  “No, I’ll tell you everything! I’ll tell…” Noble Lady Zhou spoke up immediately. She was unable to imagine what kind of pain she would suffer should that piece of iron be pressed against her face.

  She came from a modern society. When had she ever been exposed to such a cruel punishment? She was indifferent when she saw that kind of thing on TV but now it was her turn to be kidnapped and tied up. This kind of pain, this torment…


  “Speak. Utter a single false word and you’ll meet a tragic end.” Zhao Xu’s expression was tranquil. As if it didn’t matter to him.

  When Noble Lady Zhou saw Zhao Xu act like that. she couldn’t accept it. She bleakly said, “Your Majesty. Could it be that you don’t have a trace of feelings for me despite being my husband? Despite the fact that one night as husband and wife should result in a hundred days of grace? Your Majesty, were you always this heartless?”


  “You’re not Zhou Ningning at all. You’re merely a wandering ghost,” Zhao Xu said, his tone indifferent. He didn’t care to deal with Noble Lady Zhou’s depressing, wounded words.

  Noble Lady Zhou laughed bitterly. “Zhou Ningning died. She died in the Cold Palace. I was the one who accompanied Your Majesty day and night! I’m no wandering ghost. I came here by accident, that’s all.”


  “That’s not what I want to hear. Tell me, how did the wound on your back heal? Was there really an elixir?” Zhao Xu’s tone turned eager. “Who were you talking to before?”


  “Your Majesty…” Noble Lady Zhou looked miserable.

  But Zhao Xu was very impatient. He’d given an inch and now she wanted a mile. He immediately waved over an imperial bodyguard who held a long whip. The bodyguard swung the whip at Noble Lady Zhou.

  “Ah!” Noble Lady Zhou shrieked. The sudden pain from the whip lashing her body was scorching. Especially in the area of impact. Noble Lady Zhou’s consciousness began to fade from the pain.

  Noble Lady Zhou murmured, “Save me, save me…”


  “Speak! A whip soaked in chili water will be far less pleasant.” Zhao Xu was apathetic. “Don’t test my patience.”


  Translator: Kiara