Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Zhangsun Chong’s Fury—Changle Is Mine!

In the 21st century, everyone knew that the nightlife in Chang’an was dazzling, a city bathed in golden lights and overflowing with extravagance.

But back in this era, things were different.

The Tang Dynasty hadn’t yet undergone major reforms. The empire still prioritized agriculture over commerce, and night markets were unheard of in Chang’an.

As a result, once night fell, the city went under strict curfew. The streets were dark and eerily quiet.

Still, even with those restrictions, it was undoubtedly more exciting than the palace.

The imperial palace was synonymous with discipline and authority. Just stepping inside made people anxious, afraid to even breathe too loudly, lest they unwittingly cause trouble.

It made sense, though. After all, this was the heart of the empire.

Because of this, many within the palace longed to escape and experience a bit of freedom. High-ranking officials and noble families had the luxury of leaving whenever they pleased, but the imperial princes and princesses? That was a different story.

Their movements were strictly controlled. Unless they found a way to sneak out, they weren’t allowed to leave.

And tonight, Princess Changle had done exactly that.

Under the cover of darkness, she had slipped out of the palace and headed straight to a residence in the Eastern District.

“Su Yang, it’s been forever! Did you miss me?”

The moment she stepped inside, she greeted Su Yang with a playful smile.

“Of course I did.”

Su Yang’s lips curled into a grin. “I missed you every day. Even in my dreams.”

There was no denying it—Princess Changle had inherited every bit of her mother’s beauty. She was slightly curvier than most, but that only added to her charm. She was the kind of woman a man couldn’t help but want to hold close.

“Liar.”

Changle rolled her eyes at him, though she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “If you missed me so much, why haven’t you come to visit me at the palace?”

She liked Su Yang, a lot.

He was, without a doubt, the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. His fair complexion and striking features were enough to make even her feel a pang of jealousy at times.

…

Meanwhile, across the Eastern District, in another grand residence…

“Are you sure about this?”

“Changle snuck out of the palace?”

“Why didn’t she tell me?”

Zhangsun Chong’s eyes lit up with excitement as he questioned the servant who had delivered the news.

His feelings for Princess Changle were no secret. Everyone knew he was infatuated with her—including the emperor himself.

Even the Emperor had considered the possibility of marrying Changle off to him. It made perfect sense. After all, Zhangsun Chong’s father, Changsun Wuji, was not only the emperor’s closest confidant but also his brother-in-law. Strengthening that bond through marriage seemed like a natural course of action.

“Where did she go?” Zhangsun Chong pressed, already signaling for his attendants to prepare his carriage.

The servant hesitated before answering. “P-Princess Changle… she went to Su Yang’s residence.”

A tense silence filled the room.

Crash!

The teacup in Zhangsun Chong’s hand shattered against the marble floor as his expression darkened with fury.

“Him again?”

His voice was low, but the rage in it was unmistakable.

He had never liked Su Yang.

It was obvious that Changle shared a close bond with him—too close for comfort.

Su Yang might have been the adopted brother of the empress, but there was no blood relation between them. If he had any designs on Changle, then that was a serious problem.

Zhangsun Chong scoffed. “That bastard.”

Without wasting another second, he stormed toward his carriage. He was going to Su Yang’s residence immediately.

That low-born nobody needed to be reminded of his place.

If he had any sense at all, he’d keep his distance from Changle.

At best, he was the empress’s sworn brother. At worst, he was nothing more than a commoner who had gotten lucky.

Did he actually think he could challenge someone like Zhangsun Chong?

How ridiculous.

His father was the Minister of Personnel—a third-rank official and the emperor’s brother-in-law.

More importantly, the empress herself was his aunt.

Did Su Yang really think he stood a chance?