Chapter 23: What Is a Favored Minister? Arrogant and Overbearing!
The servant at the entrance looked at the newcomer with contempt in his eyes.
As a servant of Prince Qi’s residence, he had a keen eye for people.
"I am from the Ye family..."
Gu Qingzhou’s face flushed red as he attempted to announce his name.
But before he could finish, he was rudely interrupted.
"I know who you are. Aren’t you just the lucky live-in son-in-law of the Ye family? So what?"
"Our prince invited the direct lineage of the Ye family. Other than them, not even a dog should think about stepping inside."
The servant sneered, his voice laced with mockery.
Naturally, he envied such a lucky man.
After all, he wasn’t bad-looking either—why hadn’t he received such luck?
"You..."
Gu Qingzhou instantly realized that he was being called a dog, and his anger flared.
In the Ye family, he had endured countless cold stares and humiliation, always swallowing his pride and enduring it all.
Yet even after leaving the house, he was met with the same kind of contempt, still being pushed around by a mere servant.
Even a lowly gatekeeper dared to look down on him!
It was a truly miserable feeling.
Suddenly—
"Miss Jin, please enter!"
The servant’s face transformed into an ingratiating smile as he welcomed a well-dressed noblewoman.
The lady didn’t even glance at him and walked straight inside.
"Didn’t you just say dogs aren’t allowed in? She’s clearly carrying a dog!"
Gu Qingzhou blurted out.
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"That is the precious pet of the Jin family’s young lady, not some stray dog."
The servant’s tone shifted, nearly speaking down his nose at him.
The meaning behind his words was obvious.
Gu Qingzhou’s face burned as an overwhelming bitterness welled up inside him.
So a son-in-law was worth less than a dog?
He had a family, yet he was treated like a stray. This level of humiliation was unbearable.
As a man, his dignity was being trampled, yet he had no power to resist.
If he made a scene, it would only trouble his celestial wife, and he couldn’t let that happen.
Not causing her problems was the only thing he could do right now.
Ye Xueyi stepped out of the carriage, her eyes filled with anger.
Though her veil concealed her face, her graceful figure and icy demeanor still drew attention.
In truth, she felt a twinge of guilt.
She had sent Gu Qingzhou ahead, not out of arrogance, but because it was necessary for their plan.
The confrontation at the gate was being watched by many.
The goal was to create the illusion of discord between the Ye family and the prince’s residence, giving them distance for future moves.
It would make covert actions easier and remove suspicion.
The only regret was that her nominal husband had to be sacrificed.
Being humiliated so publicly was bound to be difficult for him.
Watching Gu Qingzhou endure it in silence filled her heart with guilt.
At that moment, she suddenly thought of Su Qing.
Perhaps, falling into his hands was a form of atonement for her sins.
Oddly enough, that thought eased her guilt.
Just then, a figure approached, and the crowd parted instinctively.
"This man is a brother of mine. Who do you think you are to stop him?!"
The young man’s voice rang out as he stepped in front of Gu Qingzhou.
The protagonist had suffered humiliation—now it was time for his loyal friend to appear!
At this moment, Su Qing felt like his humanity was shining brilliantly.
Truly, there was no better brother than himself!
Loyalty meant being willing to stand together, even in adversity. A true brotherhood meant sharing burdens—and even sharing wives...
Ye Xueyi was momentarily stunned as she stared at the young man who had suddenly appeared.
Was he doing this... for her?
Gu Qingzhou, on the other hand, felt his eyes redden, nearly overcome with emotion.
He had suffered humiliation from a mere servant while being mocked by onlookers.
He had been prepared to endure in silence, yet at this critical moment, someone stood up for him!
What had he done to deserve such a true friend?
In an instant, their relationship evolved from acquaintances to lifelong brothers.
A friend who helps in times of need is worth more than a hundred who celebrate your success. He would cherish this friendship forever!
The servant’s face turned pale as he recognized the strikingly handsome youth.
In all of the capital, there was hardly anyone who didn’t know him.
He was the Empress’s favored minister, the most influential man in the city!
Offending him would be a death sentence!
"Refusing a guest entry—is this how Prince Qi’s residence treats its visitors?!"
"His Majesty teaches us to treat all people fairly. Yet here you are, making exceptions. So Prince Qi’s estate considers itself above the law, huh?"
Su Qing’s voice was overbearing at first, then turned chillingly sinister.
What started as a personal issue had suddenly escalated into a political one.
A proper favored minister knew how to wield power with mere words.
The servant, already pale, collapsed onto the ground, completely panicked.
This was far beyond something a mere servant could handle.
The gathered onlookers exchanged satisfied glances.
Though no one spoke, many had long despised that arrogant servant.
"Young Master Su, let things slide. It’s a joyous occasion—why make a fuss? Give me some face, and we can be on friendly terms."
A well-dressed middle-aged man stepped forward with a smile.
As the head of the Liu family, he believed his status gave him the right to intervene.
After all, the Liu family was a powerful force in the capital.
"Give you face? And who exactly are you?"
Su Qing glanced at him with disdain.
If there was one thing he despised, it was people who showed up late just to smooth things over, acting as though they were righteous.
Where had this man been when the servant was bullying others?
People like him spoke eloquently but only sought personal gain.
More importantly, as a favored minister, the only person he needed to respect was the Empress!
Everyone else trying to demand respect was simply asking for trouble.
Arrogant and overbearing—he embodied these traits flawlessly.
The gathered crowd was stunned by his words.
The Liu family head’s face turned red, then pale, shifting between emotions, making for an interesting spectacle.
Yet, despite his humiliation, he remained silent.
If anyone else had spoken to him like that, he would have exploded in rage.
In the capital, high-ranking officials and nobles valued their pride above all else.
He had risen to power at a young age through his own cunning and achievements.
But did any of that matter against the Empress’s favored minister?
Of course not.
If Su Qing didn’t care about his so-called status, there was nothing he could do but endure it in silence.
