Chapter 22: A New Married Woman Has Appeared, How Can We Stay Still?

  Su Qing explained everything he clearly knew, but that was all.

  As for the future direction of the plot, he only knew the general outline.

  It wasn't because he hadn't followed the story—rather, from this point on, multiple branching paths would emerge.

  This was an important turning point in the plot, leading to many different possibilities.

  For the protagonist, this was the road to the peak.

  But for himself, a minor antagonist, this was the beginning of an inevitable downfall.

  Just like in a game, villains were always destined to exit the stage—it was just a matter of how.

  However, this time... he would be the one guiding the main direction instead of struggling within it.

  "Huh?"

  The Empress's eyes flickered with unmistakable surprise.

  Faced with this unexpected informations, she was somewhat skeptical.

  It wasn’t that she doubted her loyal minister, but rather... he clearly hadn't been doing proper work!

  So where did all this information come from?

  "Your Majesty, everything I’ve said is true. You must believe me!"

  Su Qing looked at the Empress’s doubtful expression and spoke with sincerity.

  "I will allow your next course of action. If you need anything, just ask me."

  The Empress pondered for a moment before giving her answer.

  Although the source of the informations was questionable... this wasn’t their first time working together.

  Perhaps it was information he had obtained earlier but was only now revealing.

  Besides, Prince Qi was already someone who needed to be dealt with.

  Taking action against him was necessary.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

  Su Qing was satisfied with this response.

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  But just moments later, he noticed the Empress’s solemn expression and couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

  "Your Majesty, is there something else you’re worried about?"

  He couldn’t help but ask.

  Truthfully, over the years, he had rarely seen the Empress with this expression.

  Every time she did, it meant something important was about to happen.

  "There’s one thing you must remember—be careful of that consort. No matter what, do not let yourself get devoured!"

  The Empress looked at her minister, her gaze uncharacteristically serious, with little trace of her usual amusement.

  She had a deep impression of that consort, which was why she said such words.

  "Then... Your Majesty, why not gift me something for protection? It's dangerous for me out there!"

  Upon hearing this, Su Qing’s face showed a concerned expression.

  Of course, this was just an act.

  He knew exactly what he was dealing with, so there was no real reason to worry.

  In fact, he was even feeling a hint of anticipation.

  But he couldn't let that show.

  His Empress was dominant by nature—acting weak was the best way to gain her favor.

  As a man, one must be flexible.

  Asking his backer for protection was nothing to be ashamed of. It was important to speak up without hesitation.

  Some people mocked those who relied on benefactors, but in reality, they simply lacked the opportunity.

  If given the chance, they would act even faster than anyone else.

  "Ridiculous. You haven't even completed your mission, yet you dare ask for a reward."

  "As a minister, you should be thinking of me first. We’ll talk about rewards once this is over."

  The Empress's face showed slight disdain at his words.

  Without hesitation, she reached out and began kneading the young man’s face relentlessly.

  Her words sounded strict, but their interaction was surprisingly intimate and natural.

  In truth, it wasn’t that the Empress was unwilling to give him something—it was simply due to the system’s restriction.

  [Your minister is about to face his first solo trial in life. Do not provide excessive assistance!]

  [Reminder: This is also a test for the host.]

  The Empress didn’t quite understand why such a notification appeared, but she had no choice but to comply.

  She was somewhat worried, but... she would keep an eye on things from the shadows, just in case.

  If he succeeded, she would definitely reward him handsomely!

  "I understand."

  Su Qing mumbled, his words somewhat garbled as his face was being pinched.

  Damn it!

  This was humiliating.

  One day, when he turned the tables, he would repay this tenfold!

  Unconsciously, the Empress, who prided herself on overseeing all things, felt a slight shiver in her body.

  By the time she snapped out of it—

  Su Qing was already gone.

  Although he hadn’t received any extra resources from the Empress, he didn’t feel burdened by it.

  After all, the Empress herself was his greatest trump card!

  With their relationship, he already held absolute leverage.

  The only real concern was... that venomous Princess.

  The true power behind Prince Qi’s household, the mysterious consort, was not someone to be taken lightly.

  Openly, she wouldn’t dare make a move, but in the shadows, there was plenty of room for manipulation.

  If he was going to visit her tomorrow, he had to be extremely careful.

  And if he could avoid meeting her entirely, that would be even better.

  ---

  The next day.

  The capital city was bustling with noise and excitement near Prince Qi’s residence.

  Gongs and drums resounded, firecrackers crackled—

  At a glance, the lively scene was full of festive cheer, bringing smiles to many faces.

  Today was a day of double celebration, and many passersby hurried to join in, hoping to bask in the good fortune.

  Of course, plenty of people privately ridiculed the event.

  Celebrating a birthday and taking a new concubine on the same day—wasn’t that a bit improper?

  It carried an air of... envy, jealousy, and resentment.

  Prince Qi truly lived up to his reputation—aging but still vigorous!

  But ordinary folks could only watch from afar. They had no qualifications to enter.

  Only high-ranking officials and noble families were allowed inside. There were no commoners among the guests.

  Each guest arrived with extravagant gifts and beaming smiles.

  As they presented their offerings, the servants at the entrance announced them loudly:

  "The Minister of Rites presents a pair of white jade ornaments!"

  "Master Jin presents a pair of emerald corals!"

  "Master Zhang presents..."

  Each gift showcased the sender’s status, leaving onlookers in awe.

  The attendees were all people of high standing.

  After all, Prince Qi was still an uncle of the Emperor.

  Despite all the political turmoil, he remained an unshaken pillar.

  At the very least, he had to be given proper respect.

  But was that really the case?

  Ever since the Empress took full control and dominated ten nations, the royal princes had suffered greatly.

  With her firm grip on power, their influence had steadily declined.

  Prince Qi, despite his apparent prosperity, was little more than a caged ornament.

  Would he accept such a fate?

  Thus, secretly supporting the rebels—under the guise of restoring the rightful order—became his most crucial strategy.

  Diverting the Empress’s absolute control and securing more power for himself.

  And this newly acquired concubine—she was the key piece in his plan!

  Yet tonight’s real protagonist was someone else—

  At this moment, in front of Prince Qi’s residence, a classic scene was unfolding.

  The protagonist, a live-in son-in-law accompanying the young lady of the Ye family, had just been denied entry.