Chapter 22: The Empress Dowager and Her Body Double Lover 22

"Well, this is the final novice mission. Once it concludes, the host will have to carry out tasks alone, without any guidance."

Hua Yue sighed from the bottom of her heart: "Wow, how wonderful."

"..."

This host was likely mentally ill.

Normal people wouldn't get involved with the villain.

No normal host would be as eager to shake off their system as she was. Other hosts were desperate for the system to stay longer to assist in completing tasks.

404 quickly scanned the plot development.

Not bad.

No mistakes.

It was just that the imagery was a bit... risqué.

Of course, the critical parts were censored.

"Host, as a friendly reminder from this system, once your plot mission ends, the main system will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. If the results are deemed unsatisfactory, you will be sent back to your original world."

"Got it, 44."

Hua Yue yawned, casually tucking a rose sprig into her hair, her expression languid.

"I’m going to sleep for a while."

A beauty like a flower, the flower accompanying the beauty, exuding a faint, delicate fragrance.

This was the scene Wei Yan saw when he entered.

His footsteps softened. He leaned against the doorway of the side hall, his expression tender.

They had been entangled for seven full days; why not rest tonight?

Sister seemed very tired.

The corners of Wei Yan's mouth curled up uncontrollably, his smile as bright as the morning sun, full of youthful spirit.

404 watched this scene, its entire code feeling corrupted; it felt as if a bug were about to emerge.

The villain!

The villain who should only care about his career!

The vicious female supporting character!

The vicious female supporting character who should only care about the male lead!

How did they end up together?!

Wei Yan stood for a moment, then suddenly, the sound of a cuckoo echoed from the horizon. He frowned.

After casting a deep, lingering glance at Hua Yue, he turned and walked toward little Zhu, who was sweeping in the corner.

Hua Yue opened her eyes.

"Host, I suggest the villain leave within three days."

"What do you know?" she asked, intrigued.

404 was quite haughty.

"I cannot say. You didn't seem to think I was useful, after all."

Hua Yue blinked and said nonchalantly, "Fine then, never mind."

404 was furious.

Shouldn't she be coaxing it now, trying to get it to reveal some inside information?

Why does this woman never play by the rules!

It’s maddening!

...

...

The new emperor had ascended the throne, and the court was unstable.

To avoid a repeat of the recent succession struggle, the ministers repeatedly petitioned, demanding the new emperor hold a consort selection banquet to ensure the continuation of the royal line.

"Since when is it your place to meddle in my family affairs?"

*Bang.*

A teacup shattered right in front of another outspoken minister.

"Get out."

The minister stiffened his neck and knelt, kowtowing without rising.

"Your Majesty, the royal lineage is of the utmost importance!"

The atmosphere turned icy.

For a moment, no one dared to speak.

That minister was the current Grand Secretary, Song Yun. Wei He could not afford to move against him yet, so he could only let him leave, casting a sidelong glance at Zhong Fu.

Seeing this, Zhong Fu scrambled over to help Song Yun up.

When Hua Yue arrived at the Imperial Study, she happened to run into Zhong Fu, who was seeing Song Yun out.

"Where is Wei He?"

Only this ancestor dared to address the Emperor by his given name. Having just sent off one "ancestor," now another, even higher-ranking one had arrived.

Despite the biting chill of early spring, sweat beaded on Zhong Fu's forehead.

"Back to the Empress Dowager, His Majesty is discussing important matters with Vice Minister Wan."

"Only the two of them?"

Hua Yue arched an eyebrow, her gaze dark and heavy.

Zhong Fu: "...Yes."

This is why one shouldn't know too much.

He knew almost everything about these two masters. Hearing Hua Yue's tone, he realized she was actually jealous of Vice Minister Wan.

And Vice Minister Wan was a man, at that.

"Move aside."

Hua Yue pushed Zhong Fu.

Zhong Fu was shoved right onto his backside on the floor.

Hua Yue: "..."

She looked at her own hands; she hadn't even used any force.

Zhong Fu clutched his rear, looking pained.

As a qualified servant, the first rule was to read the room.

If he didn't flee now, when would he?

Hua Yue: "..."

He was certainly a talent.

...

...

Inside the Imperial Study.

Wei He’s face was dark as he looked at Wan Jinyu, his voice chillingly cold:

"Minister Wan, are you the same as them?"

As one who stood with the new emperor during the critical moment, Wan Jinyu was now a favorite of the court.

Just as Wei He expected Wan Jinyu to agree with his viewpoint, he heard the youth’s clear, resonant voice: "Your Majesty, I second the motion."

Wan Jinyu lowered her eyes and knelt, her voice calm but containing a trace of firmness.

...

...

These days, the two had spent much time together.

Whether it was her imagination or not, she always felt the Emperor treated her differently.

Wan Jinyu’s lowered eyes were dark and murky, her brow furrowed.

"You!"

Wei He stared fixedly at Wan Jinyu, his emotions unclear. He laughed in extreme anger, "Very well, very good. You second the motion? Then you can get out with them!"

*Clatter—*

Another teacup shattered.

It landed right in front of Wan Jinyu.

"Hiss—"

A shard grazed Wan Jinyu. Wei He’s expression changed slightly; he frowned and said, "Are you a fool? You don't even know how to dodge?"

"I dare not."

Wan Jinyu remained kneeling.

Wei He stared at Wan Jinyu with a heavy gaze.

He couldn't help but think of the days they had spent together recently. Wan Jinyu was spirited and brilliant, and he admired her greatly.

Why did she have to be so stubborn on this one issue?

However, Wei He had become much more familiar with Wan Jinyu's personality; she was always stubborn about certain things.

Thinking this, Wei He sighed.

He stood up, walked over to Wan Jinyu, and reached out his hand, "Get up. Do you really think I could stay angry at you?"

Wan Jinyu couldn't help but look up.

The youth had a face like fine jade, her skin somewhat pale. As she looked up at him, her eyes held a touch of resilience. Having been worried and frightened these past few days, she seemed much thinner.

She looked almost pitiful.

Wei He’s heart stirred, a thought flashing through his mind before instantly vanishing.

He frowned and smiled helplessly: "Why are you as thin as a young lady? Next time, you will practice martial arts with me."

Wan Jinyu had been cross-dressing since childhood and was extremely sensitive to such remarks. Subconsciously, she refused: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I have been in poor health since childhood and am not fit for martial arts."

Rejected repeatedly, Wei He, now the Emperor, felt displeased.

One standing, one kneeling, their eyes locked.

Wei He moved first, reaching out to pull Wan Jinyu up.

"That is enough. Just listen to me."

Wan Jinyu stumbled when she was pulled.

The floor, having just been hit by two shattered teacups, was rather slippery.

By a twist of fate, Wan Jinyu’s foot slipped, and they both fell in the same direction.

Wei He caught Wan Jinyu’s waist, using a bit of force to steady them as they turned and stood, leaning against each other.

This was the scene Hua Yue saw when she pushed the door open.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

At the doorway, the eunuch's shrill voice rang out.

Wei He frowned and looked up.

*Creak—*

The doors of the Imperial Study were pushed wide open. Hua Yue, dressed in magnificent attire, followed by a stream of palace maids, strode in with imposing momentum.

"Oh, it seems I’ve come at an inconvenient time."