Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Ever-Graceful Guan Yinbi and the Journey to the Imperial Academy

Deep within the palace, inside the Hall of Governance.

“Good day, dear sister.”

Su Yang stepped inside, quickly wiping away his usual exaggerated grin. He straightened up, looking at Guan Yinbi with nothing but respect.

When it came to the Empress, Su Yang truly admired her. He knew that Li Er’s reputation as a wise and enlightened ruler—his ability to usher in an era of prosperity—owed a great deal to her influence behind the scenes. Without her guidance and support, such a golden age wouldn’t have been possible.

It was no wonder history would remember Guan Yinbi as one of the greatest Empresses of her time.

But admiration aside, Su Yang had to admit—she was stunning. Her beauty was undeniable, and her figure was simply exquisite. More than that, she carried herself with an elegance that made her truly unforgettable.

And so, every time Su Yang stood in her presence, a rather inappropriate thought crept into his mind.

He had a sister to rely on when in trouble, but… what about when there’s no trouble?

He shook the thought away instantly.

Guan Yinbi had treated Su Yang like family ever since she took him in as her sworn brother. The way she doted on him, she might as well have been his own mother. If he ever dared to cross the line, he wouldn’t even be able to call himself a man.

Then again…

Even Li Er himself wasn’t exactly the most righteous man. He had stolen more than a few women from other men. That thought made Su Yang smirk to himself.

“Relax, Su Yang. There’s no need for formalities here.”

Guan Yinbi’s warm smile softened the air as she gestured for him to come closer.

He didn’t hesitate. Su Yang strode over and sat beside her on the couch, ready to listen to whatever she had to say.

He had a strong feeling that he knew why she called him here—it had to be about the incident with Zhangsun Chong.

“Su Yang,” she said gently, “what’s been going on with you lately?”

“You seem a bit… impatient.”

That confirmed it.

But what really caught him off guard was her tone.

She wasn’t scolding him. She wasn’t even angry. Instead, she looked at him with genuine concern.

That threw Su Yang for a loop.

He had done plenty of reckless things, but beating up Zhangsun Chong was a big deal.

Even if she wasn’t going to punish him, she should at least be giving him a lecture, right?

Truthfully, Guan Yinbi had considered doing just that. But in the end, she held back.

She firmly believed in the words of the celestial dream she had. If the vision had told her something, it must have held some truth.

Besides, the more she thought about it, the more she realized Zhangsun Chong had been the one at fault. He was arrogant—demanding Su Yang kneel before him the moment they met.

Anyone would have been furious.

As for Su Yang’s other so-called reckless behavior…

Guan Yinbi understood.

A commoner who had suddenly been elevated to nobility—especially as the sworn brother of the Empress—was bound to feel a little untouchable.

If anything, the fault was hers for not guiding him better.

“Su Yang,” she said, her tone calm but firm, “I can’t change who you were before.”

“But now that you’re my sworn brother, you need to be more mindful of your actions. Every word you speak, every step you take—it all matters now.”

She had already heard about the morning court session. One of the ministers had criticized her for taking Su Yang under her wing.

That angered her.

But she would never interfere with political affairs directly.

Instead, Guan Yinbi had a different plan.

She wanted Su Yang to study at the Imperial Academy. It would help temper his temper and force him to develop discipline. More importantly, it would be a way to prove himself, not just to the king but to the entire court.

“Would you be willing to go?” she asked, her voice gentle but expectant.

She believed in him.

She believed he had the potential to do great things.

Su Yang was stunned for a moment—but then, excitement flooded through him.

He had been itching for a challenge.

And now…he was about to be thrown into the heart of it.

“Of course, dear sister,” he said immediately. “I’ll do whatever you think is best.”

That response made Guan Yinbi smile with relief.