Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: A Dangerous Move – The Enchanting Empress

That morning at the Taiji Hall, the court was in an uproar.

Word had spread that Su Yang had taken the sons of several noble families to the underbelly of the city, indulging in drinking, gambling, and even worse. The worst part was they hadn’t made it back, ending up detained in the place they had been partying.

The scandal sent shockwaves through the court.

Minister Wei Zheng immediately seized the opportunity to push for punishment, insisting that the emperor strip Su Yang of his honorary status as a sworn brother. According to him, as long as Su Yang held that title, rumors would never die down.

After all, the streets were already buzzing with gossip that Su Yang was nothing more than Guan Yinbi’s plaything.

How else could he act so recklessly?

Hearing all this, Li Er didn’t bother defending Su Yang. In fact, he had been waiting for an opportunity to deal with him. He, too, felt that Guan Yinbi had grown far too indulgent with Su Yang, almost to the point of obsession.

However, because of her influence, he couldn’t just openly make a move against him. Instead, he decided to use the upcoming literary duel as an excuse to get rid of Su Yang through someone else’s hands.

After all, Su Yang had already declared that if he lost the duel, he would accept whatever punishment was given to him.

When the time came, even if Guan Yinbi wanted to protect him, she wouldn’t dare cross that line in front of the entire court.

And sure enough, the moment she heard about what had happened in court that morning, she was livid.

While she wasn’t exactly pleased with Su Yang’s actions, she couldn’t stand how many people were so eager to bring him down.

They wanted him dead.

To her, Su Yang wasn’t just anyone—he was the destined wise minister of the Tang Dynasty, and she wouldn’t let anyone lay a hand on him.

With that in mind, she immediately ordered her people to prepare a carriage and set off for the Eastern City.

Inside a secluded residence in the East Market, Guan Yinbi had arrived in disguise, careful not to draw attention.

“Su Yang.”

She sighed, looking at him with a mix of frustration and concern.

“You just promised me that you’d focus on your studies at the academy. And now, after only a few days, you’ve already stirred up this mess?”

Her tone carried a trace of exasperation, but what truly troubled her wasn’t just his reckless behavior—it was his upcoming literary duel against Li Tai.

“What am I supposed to do with you?” she murmured, shaking her head.

“Do you even realize who Li Tai’s mentor is? He was taught by one of the Four Great Scholars of the early Tang era. You challenging him to a literary duel is exactly what he wants.”

Her expression darkened with worry. Even if the outside world wasn’t certain, she herself had little faith that Su Yang could win. In all likelihood, Li Tai would tear him apart.

“Listen to me,” she said, her voice firm.

“Just let this whole thing go. Ignore it, pretend it never happened. Yes, it might hurt your pride, but that’s still better than giving them an excuse to destroy you.”

She knew better than anyone—everyone at the court, including the emperor, was waiting for a chance to take Su Yang down.

But Su Yang simply smiled.

“Don’t worry, my sister. I’m not reckless,” he assured her.

“If I challenged Li Tai, it’s because I know I can win.”

His confidence was unwavering. He even chuckled, as if he found her concern unnecessary.

After all, he wasn’t just any scholar—he was the ultimate literary genius. Forget Li Tai’s prestigious mentor, even the legendary poet Li Bai himself would have to bow before him.

“But…” she started, still unsure.

Before she could continue, Su Yang smoothly changed the subject.

“How’s your health?” he asked, his eyes glinting mischievously.

“It’s about time for another therapy session, isn’t it?”

His voice was calm, but there was something else hidden in his words. Without waiting for her response, Su Yang stepped closer and gently helped her toward the private chamber.

“You—”

She sighed, shaking her head in resignation.

Guan Yinbi knew there was no talking him out of this. In the end, she simply lay down on the couch, allowing him to continue his treatment.

She had to admit—Su Yang’s massage techniques were nothing short of miraculous. After the last session, even her long-standing ailments had improved significantly. The imperial physicians had been astonished, unable to explain how he had managed it.

“I’m your sworn brother,” Su Yang said with a smirk, his gaze lingering on her figure.

“I would never embarrass you.”

His hands pressed firmly against her back, his movements deliberate and controlled. But as the session continued, his touch gradually became bolder.

At first, he remained disciplined, focusing on the massage. But as time passed, and as Guan Yinbi gradually drifted into sleep, completely relaxed under his touch, Su Yang grew more daring.

His fingers traced the smooth curve of her back, then her slender waist…

And finally, his eyes locked onto her full, inviting hips.