Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Signs of Betrayal—Li Er Was Jealous!

Deep within the imperial palace, inside Lijing Hall, Li Er sat with a stern expression.

His recent undercover trip had been for one reason—to confront Su Yang. He had wanted to see for himself whether the rumors about the young man’s arrogance were true. And once he had confirmed it, his anger only grew stronger. He had been planning to strip Su Yang of his honorary status as the adopted brother of the Guan Yinbi.

But before he could act, something unexpected happened.

Just as he was about to issue the order, a palace maid in green robes arrived in a rush, delivering an urgent message from Guan Yinbi. She had summoned him to the palace for a private discussion.

The moment Li Er stepped into the chamber, his voice was sharp.

“Don’t tell me you have no idea what your so-called ‘sworn brother’ has been up to.” His gaze was stern with frustration. “How much longer do you plan to shield him? Do you even know what people are saying outside these palace walls?”

Guan Yinbi, however, remained unfazed. Unlike the other imperial consorts, she never cowered before him. With a calm expression, she replied, “And what? Don’t tell me you actually believe those rumors?”

Her words made Li Er falter. The rage in his eyes dimmed, and the anger on his face melted into an awkward smile.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” he said, his tone softening. “But your dear ‘brother’ has definitely crossed the line this time.”

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Let’s set aside all the other things he’s done. Just yesterday, he beat Zhangsun Chong senselessly in the middle of the street. I can’t just let that slide, or I’ll have a hard time keeping Zhangsun Wuji in check.”

“Besides,” Li Er added with a pointed look, “isn’t Zhangsun Chong your nephew?”

He watched her closely, unable to stop the sting of jealousy from creeping into his chest. The way she favored Su Yang—wasn’t it a little too much?

Guan Yinbi remained indifferent. “I already heard about what happened. Su Yang is my sworn brother, and if he did anything wrong, I’ll handle it myself. You don’t need to trouble yourself over it.”

She then warned him, her tone leaving no room for argument, “Don’t touch him.”

Li Er let out a bitter chuckle. “I have to ask—what kind of magic spell has that boy put on you? You always take his side, no matter what.”

His jealousy flared even stronger. He couldn’t understand it. Why did she favor Su Yang so much?

Guan Yinbi’s expression turned serious. “He is a blessing to the Tang Dynasty,” she said firmly. “He has the talent to bring peace and prosperity.”

Her conviction left Li Er stunned. He blinked at her, momentarily speechless.

A blessing to the empire? Talent?

What talent did Su Yang possibly have?

Li Er was baffled. Other than his good looks, what did that brat have?

And as for that ridiculous prophecy about a divinely chosen minister…

Li Er scoffed inwardly. What nonsense.

But he didn’t dare say it out loud. He wasn’t stupid enough to challenge her directly.

In the end, he had no choice but to drop the subject.

Before leaving, Guan Yinbi made one thing crystal clear. No matter what Su Yang did, she alone would be the one to discipline him. No one else was allowed to interfere.

…

The next morning, at the Court Assembly.

Inside the grand Taiji Hall, Li Er sat on his throne, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the court officials gathered below. His golden robe shimmered as he subtly exhaled, his expression unreadable.

But when his eyes landed on Zhangsun Wuji, his mood soured.

He had promised the man that he would seek justice for his son. Yet in the end, he had returned empty-handed.

To his surprise, however, Zhangsun Wuji showed no sign of displeasure. Li Er quickly realized why—he must have already met with Guan Yinbi the night before.

The other officials glanced at one another, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease. One thing was clear. Su Yang’s status had just risen dramatically in their eyes.

After all, even the son of the Minister of Appointments had been beaten senseless, yet nothing came of it. Who in their right mind would dare cross Su Yang now?

At that moment, a voice broke the tense silence.

“Your Majesty,” a court official stepped forward. “I have a matter to report.”

The emperor’s eye twitched at the sound of that voice.

It was Wei Zheng.

D*mn it.

That man never brought good news.

Wei Zheng was notorious for his sharp tongue and unyielding nature. Unlike the other officials, he wasn’t afraid of imperial authority. If he believed he was right, he wouldn’t hesitate to point a finger straight at the emperor’s face and call him out.

And, sure enough, the moment he opened his mouth, the entire hall fell into uneasy silence.

The officials held their breath.

Whatever was coming next—it wasn’t going to be good.