Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Li Er’s Fury—Was Su Yang Really the Empress’s Secret Lover?

Rumors had been swirling in the capital that Su Yang, a mere commoner, wasn’t just the Empress’s sworn brother but her secret lover.

As the reigning Emperor, Li Er,  of course, had heard the gossip.

It enraged him, but he didn’t let it get to him too much. After all, he and the Empress had been through thick and thin together—their bond was unshakable.

He trusted her completely. There was no way she would do something so disgraceful.

That said, if anyone dared to speak of it in his presence, he’d have them dragged out and executed on the spot.

The next morning, after court, Li Er didn’t return to his study. Instead, he slipped out of the palace in disguise. He had one goal: to meet this Su Yang.

It was the first time he was going to see the man in person.

And he wasn’t going for a friendly visit. He was going to demand answers.

…

Eastern City, in Chang’an

Li Er didn’t head straight to Su Yang’s residence. He took his time gathering information.

And what he found out was outrageous.

Just as his minister Zhangsun Wuji had reported, Su Yang had changed. The once mild-mannered and humble man was now an arrogant, lawless troublemaker. People had even given him a nickname—“The Supreme Scoundrel.”

Li Er didn’t even need to ask why no one had reported him to the authorities. Everyone knew the reason. The Empress was backing him.

“This is absolute madness,” Li Er seethed. But what angered him the most wasn’t Su Yang’s antics—it was the damage these rumors were doing to the imperial family’s reputation.

People were starting to wonder. Was Su Yang acting so brazenly because he had the Empress’s approval?

There was an old saying—when the beam at the top is crooked, the ones below it will be, too.

“Looks like I’ve been too soft lately,” Li Er muttered, his expression darkened.

With that, he made his way straight to Su Yang’s residence.

…

Outside Su Yang’s Residence

Two burly guards stood at the gate, their fierce expressions intimidating the passersby.

Li Er’s face twitched in irritation.

These guards were elite soldiers from the imperial Golden Guard—personally assigned to protect the Empress. Yet here they were, standing guard for Su Yang.

That alone spoke volumes about how much she favored him.

“Your Ma—”

The guards recognized him instantly. Their faces turned pale, and they almost dropped to their knees, but Li Er silenced them with a sharp wave of his hand.

He was here incognito, so no need to make a scene.

With a stern expression, he stepped inside.

…

Inside the courtyard

Su Yang was in high spirits, playing with a parrot he had just bought.

“Enjoying yourself, are you?”

“You’ve caused this much trouble, and you still have time to play with birds?”

The moment Li Er stepped in, his sharp gaze landed on Su Yang, his voice thick with anger.

Su Yang turned, startled.

“Li—”

“Hey, my brother-in-law! What brings you here?”

He barely stopped himself from calling out the Emperor’s name. Quickly setting the birdcage aside, he rushed forward with a bright smile.

“Would’ve been nice if you sent word ahead! I’d have prepared a proper welcome.”

“Who the hell is your brother-in-law?” Li Er snapped. He nearly cursed out loud but held back.

Ignoring Su Yang’s flattery, he strode straight into the hall and took the seat of honor.

Su Yang, still smiling, poured tea for him.

“Here. Have some tea.”

“So, what brings you here today?”

Of course, he already knew why the Emperor had come. It had to be about the beating he’d given Zhangsun Chong.

Li Er narrowed his eyes, staring hard at Su Yang.

Without touching the tea, he got straight to the point.

“Why did you beat Zhangsun Chong in the middle of the street?”

“And don’t give me any nonsense about seniority. I want the truth.”

If not for the Empress’s sake, he would have had Su Yang thrown in front of the Minister of Justice already.

Su Yang shrugged.

“I didn’t like him, so I beat him up. Simple as that.”

Li Er was speechless.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

He slowly stood up, staring at Su Yang as if he had just grown a second head.

“That’s your reason?”