Chapter 7: Be a little reserved with me
“My subject finally made it out.” Su Yuzhou now feels a sense of breakthrough. From the beginning to now, all her actions have been cautious. Occasionally, she finds ways to mention Lu Cheng’an in front of the emperor, increasing his presence.
And the emperor finally began to use her beloved courtier bit by bit.
This is not only Lu Cheng’an making a breakthrough, but also Su Yuzhou enduring humiliation and persevering until now.
To ensure that she doesn’t miss any details, Su Yuzhou’s daily schedule is already packed. Most importantly, she finds that whether it’s practicing martial arts or listening to the teachings of the Grand Tutor, it all helps to gradually improve her abilities in various aspects.
She wishes she could study hard even at night to strengthen her abilities.
Of course, Su Yuzhou also noticed that her happiness value had dropped to around 10 points, but she didn’t care much.
Happiness is not important at all.
Mastering her own destiny is the key! Those without abilities can only be manipulated like puppets, and Su Yuzhou will never accept such a life.
[Lu Cheng’an invites you to listen to music at Jingcheng Shuixiang Nianhua.]
[Decline/Accept]
Su Yuzhou thought that listening to music would give her the opportunity to improve her abilities, and listening to music is irrelevant anyway, so she declined.
[Due to low happiness value, you cannot decline.]
[You and Lu Cheng’an listen to music at Jingcheng Shuixiang Nianhua. You are happy, and your happiness value increases.]
Su Yuzhou’s mouth twitches slightly. Why can’t she control her character yet? She glanced at the happiness value, which had increased a bit, but she still felt it was useless. She’ll refuse once her happiness value increases.
[Lu Cheng’an invites you to appreciate the lanterns.]
[Lu Cheng’an invites you to observe the sea at Mount Tai.]
[Lu Cheng’an presents you with a jade pendant.]
Su Yuzhou looked at the daily invitations from Lu Cheng’an filling the screen and felt a little confused. Finally, when the character on the panel showed a smile, her happiness value had reached a level where she could refuse, so she firmly declined all of Lu Cheng’an’s invitations.
Continuing to focus on cultivation.
She must improve her abilities to the point where she can write history with a pen and fight on the battlefield.
[Ding—]
[Your scout reports that in the summer of Zhengying 13th year, Princess Jin recruited Lu Cheng’an’s assistance, and upon hearing that Lu Cheng’an was still unmarried, sent three beauties over. They secretly negotiated in the Lu Mansion for two hours, and Princess Jin left with a big laugh.]
[Lu Cheng’an could not refuse Princess Jin’s generosity and gladly accepted his gifts.]
[You decide to visit Lu Cheng’an.]
Su Yuzhou was furious on the spot.
Princess Jin’s direct method of coming over to snatch people was simply too despicable. She didn’t expect her character to be so clever without her having to do anything; they even knew to go ask questions on their own.
[Lu Cheng’an revealed that Princess Jin and Princess Qin have long been at odds. Princess Jin wants to unite the courtiers to impeach Chang Sunming and hopes he will co-sign the petition.]
Su Yuzhou thought for a moment. Since they are teaming up against Princess Qin, then it’s fine. She thought Princess Jin’s sister had come to snatch someone.
[Before leaving, Lu Cheng’an took away the three beautiful maidens sent by Princess Jin.]
Su Yuzhou still didn’t find anything wrong. She is still focused on researching how to dismantle the faction under Princess Qin’s control.
[In the autumn of Zhengying 13th year, Chang Sunming was impeached by the courtiers. After much hesitation, Emperor Zhengying decided to dismiss Chang Sunming from his position as prime minister. Qin Song became the new prime minister, and another person was selected for the cabinet. The courtiers recommended Lu Cheng’an, the Minister of Rites. With unanimous approval from the courtiers, Lu Cheng’an entered the cabinet.]
“Qin Song is Princess Jin’s man. Chang Sunming’s downfall is a major blow to Princess Qin, but it doesn’t benefit me much either. The Minister of Rites has real power, but Lu Qing, although he entered the cabinet, is not the prime minister. It’s like a promotion in name only, losing real power.”
“That scoundrel Third Brother is also plotting against me.” Su Yuzhou said angrily, “Now, her people are up, Second Brother’s people are down, and my people have also lost real power. She’s the one profiting.”
[In the 14th year of Zhengying, Emperor Zhengying fell seriously ill.]
“Here it comes again, Father Emperor fell ill at this time.” Su Yuzhou was a bit nervous; she died here almost every year.
[In the summer of the 14th year of Zhengying, Lu Cheng’an recommended a folk doctor to enter the palace to treat the emperor.]
[In the autumn of the 14th year of Zhengying, Emperor Zhengying recovered from a serious illness. He increasingly trusted Lu Cheng’an, and the influence of the Han faction’s school of thought was once again enhanced. The influence of the Han Wang faction gradually manifested in the court.]
[In the winter of the 14th year of Zhengying, Lu Cheng’an sent you a pair of bracelets. He watched the moon with you in the night and expressed his feelings to you.]
Su Yuzhou was stunned for a few seconds, then her eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment of thought, she understood the meaning of expressing feelings.
“Isn’t he always from the Han Wang faction?” Su Yuzhou pondered, “Why does he need to express his feelings?”
The next moment, Su Yuzhou’s face suddenly turned red, then she rebuked, “How dare you! How dare you! How dare you!!!”
Although her reaction was somewhat slow, Su Yuzhou still realized what the other party meant.
“I trust you so much!” Su Yuzhou said angrily, “This is truly treachery, hiding evil intentions!”
Su Yuzhou chose to refuse mercilessly.
[Due to your intimacy value, favorability, and happiness being too high, this option cannot be refused.]
Su Yuzhou suddenly realized that before this, Lu Cheng’an had been sending her gifts and inviting her to participate in a series of friendship-building activities.
“This simulation function deduces conclusions from various situations and possibilities. In that case, a loyal subordinate who knows how to please me, helps me solve problems, and is always by my side, it seems indeed difficult for me to refuse.” Su Yuzhou thought rationally.
“But I still can’t accept it.”
Then Su Yuzhou thought for a moment, “Wait a minute, this is a simulation, not the thoughts of real people, but a certain possibility created under various circumstances.”
“In the outcome of this simulation, with a friendship lasting ten years, such a thing could indeed happen.”
Su Yuzhou thought for a moment. Since it’s already a done deal, even if she has other thoughts, there’s no way to change it.
In this simulation, her relationship with Lu Cheng’an is too close, often mingling together, naturally feelings would develop.
[No words tonight, both you and Lu Cheng’an feel spiritually happy.]
[Congratulations, you have obtained a new original illustration—]
[Couple Under the Moonlight – Lu Cheng’an]
[When using this original illustration, when you cooperate to implement policies, your tacit understanding will be greatly improved, and efficiency will be greatly increased.]
By this time, Su Yuzhou’s face was already red.
“Come on, you’re still me anyway. Can’t you be a little reserved? He just expresses his feelings, and you’re already willing to give yourself away?”
