Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Zhangsun Wuji’s Complaint – The Emperor’s Fury

Deep within the royal palace, inside the imperial study, the night had long settled in. The candles burned low, casting flickering shadows on the walls. It was already past the first watch, yet the Li Er showed no signs of retiring. He remained seated on his couch, meticulously reviewing stacks of reports.

He had no choice.

The Tang Dynasty was still in its infancy, and everything was in a state of rebuilding. There was no room for complacency.

Especially after the coup at the Xuan Wu Gate.

Though no one dared to voice their thoughts openly, he knew the people whispered behind his back. They called him a usurper, a man who had seized the throne through bloodshed. After all, he had not only killed his own brother but had also imprisoned his father to take the crown.

That was why he had to prove himself—a just and wise ruler. He needed to show the world why he was the rightful king.

…

“Your Majesty,” a eunuch announced, stepping into the study with a respectful bow. “Lord Zhangsun requests an audience.”

Li Er waved a hand, granting permission.

Before the man even entered the room, his wails echoed through the halls. “Your Majesty! You must bring justice for me!”

Zhangsun Wuji stumbled inside and fell to his knees, tears streaming down his weathered face.

Li Er’s expression darkened. “What happened?” He rose from his seat, startled.

Zhangsun Wuji had always been composed, as unshakable as a mountain. Seeing him this distraught was deeply unsettling.

“You have no idea, Your Majesty,” Zhangsun Wuji cried. “This morning, my son went to visit Su Yang. Not only was he denied entry, but that scoundrel ordered his servants to beat my son in the streets! They broke nearly a dozen of his ribs! The physician said that if he’d arrived any later, he might not have survived!”

He wiped his tears, his voice trembling with both sorrow and fury. “My son is the only heir to the Zhangsun family. If something happens to him, what am I supposed to do?”

Zhangsun Wuji took a shaky breath before continuing, “I know Su Yang is the Empress’s sworn brother. No matter how much anger I feel, I dared not go to him for answers myself.” His tone was heavy with frustration. “Even though the Empress is my own sister, our statuses are vastly different. There are lines I cannot cross.”

Li Er’s brows knitted together. Even with his composed nature, he couldn’t hide his shock.

“Su Yang has always been a quiet and respectable man,” he murmured. “Are you sure this isn’t some misunderstanding?”

When the Empress had insisted on making Su Yang her sworn brother, Li Er had been reluctant. However, he eventually relented. Still, he had secretly ordered people to observe Su Yang behavior. If the man ever stepped out of line, he would deal with him personally.

But in all this time, Su Yang had never abused his connection to the Empress. He had always been polite, humble, and kept a low profile. He never threw his weight around or acted out of turn.

How had he suddenly changed overnight?

“Your Majesty, you’ve been fooled by his act!” Zhangsun Wuji protested, his face flushed with rage. “He behaved himself before, but only so he could gain your trust. Now that he thinks he’s untouchable, his true colors are finally showing!”

He clenched his fists. “Everyone in the city knows Su Yang has become the most notorious playboy in Chang’an! I’m not making this up—there are witnesses!”

Zhangsun Wuji glared, his voice laced with barely contained fury. “Go ask the owner of the Golden Rose Tavern if you don’t believe me.”

He wanted to say more—to voice the rumors spreading in the streets. Whispers claimed Su Yang wasn’t really the Empress’s sworn brother. Some said he was nothing more than a favored plaything she kept by her side.

Otherwise, how else could he act so recklessly?

Who else would dare to attack Zhangsun Wuji’s son in broad daylight?

Li Er’s hands tightened into fists. His eyes burned with barely restrained anger.

“Unbelievable!” His voice thundered through the room. “Wuji, get up. I promise you, justice will be served.”

If these accusations were true, then Su Yang had gone too far. He would not allow anyone to tarnish the dignity of the royal family.

Chang’an would not become another kingdom ruled by unchecked power and corruption. That would not happen under his rule.