The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 47.1

“Go to the Imperial Study?”

You Ting’s brow furrowed slightly.

Emperor Ning Jing had never liked seeing her before, let alone summoning her to a place like the Imperial Study.

The eunuch who delivered the message bowed, saying, “Your Highness, the Emperor and several princes are still waiting.”

He Zhige and the others hadn’t left yet?

The scale of the gathering was too much, and Qing Su nervously tugged at You Ting’s sleeve.

“Your Highness,” she whispered, “Will something happen?”

You Ting shook her head, “We’ll know when we get there.”

She and Qing Su followed the eunuch towards the Imperial Study. They didn’t encounter anyone on the road, only the sound of their few footsteps, which made the atmosphere inexplicably heavy.

Before long, the eunuch stopped.

Just ahead was the Imperial Study. Servants like them were not allowed to enter without a command. He bowed to You Ting, saying, “Your Highness, please go ahead.”

Qing Su tried to follow but was stopped by the eunuch.

You Ting gave her a comforting look, “It’s alright, just wait for me outside.”

Qing Su clenched her fists nervously, craning her neck to watch until You Ting’s figure entered the Imperial Study.

The door closed. You Ting walked forward with downcast eyes, catching sight of two figures kneeling in punishment in her peripheral vision.

It was He Zhige and He Ting.

He Zhige was uncharacteristically avoiding looking at her, his jaw tightly clenched, perhaps feeling too disgraced.

It was the He Ting beside him who smiled and winked at You Ting.

You Ting walked past the two of them without looking, raised her eyes, and met He Changsi’s gaze.

He Changsi was seated in the second-to-top seat.

The young man’s eyes were gentle, always carrying a slight smile when he looked at people, soft as a spring breeze.

In the palace, the Second Prince He Changsi was the only one who had never gloated or kicked You Ting or the former He Zhige when they were down.

You Ting nodded slightly in acknowledgment to him.

From the seat of honor, a middle-aged man’s deep voice sounded: “Shunan has arrived.”

The tone was flat, revealing no discernible emotion.

You Ting replied, “Yes, greetings to Imperial Father.”

Her voice was equally bland and perfunctory.

They were clearly blood relatives, yet the two were more formal and distant than strangers.

Silence descended upon the Imperial Study; no one spoke another word.

Such silence always carried an unsettling sense of oppression, especially when You Ting was the only one standing in the room.

Pressure seemed to surge toward her from all directions, yet she still stood very straight.

Despite her slender figure and delicate, gorgeous appearance like a precious spring flower, she was remarkably resilient.

Time passed moment by moment. After a while, You Ting heard Emperor Ning Jing speak again: “Look up.”

She raised her chin as instructed, lifting her long eyelashes, and her gaze fell directly upon Emperor Ning Jing in the seat of honor.

Without flinching.

From a distance, she saw a rather imposing face.

Thinking about it carefully, You Ting realized she had never truly examined the appearance of this so-called father.

It was clear that the man must have been extremely handsome in his youth.

He bore some resemblance to He Zhige, both having deep-set, somewhat aggressive features.

Time had been kind to him, adding only a few strands of white hair at his temples.

His face, tempered by the passage of time, appeared even more mature and composed.

His eyes were still sharp as an eagle’s, carrying the natural condescension of someone long in a position of power.

His gaze on You Ting was mixed with a scrutinizing quality.

He seemed to recall something, paused slightly at first, and then returned to a cold stillness.

You Ting narrowed her eyes.

In her memory, she thought that only when she was very young and Concubine Shu was still alive, had she exchanged such a direct, although not close, gaze with Emperor Ning Jing.

Emperor Ning Jing asked, “Do you know why I summoned you today?”

You Ting replied, “No.”

These people in high positions always liked to speak in an affected manner, not stating things directly but needing to beat around the bush first.

After a pause, Emperor Ning Jing continued, “The Imperial Examinations are imminent, and the court needs to select several examiners. Has Shunan heard of this matter?”

“I have heard a little,” You Ting said.

Emperor Ning Jing’s gaze shifted to the kneeling He Zhige and He Ting, and he coldly snorted.

He said, “One of the Vice Examiners has been decided, and your Second Brother will take the position.”

You Ting bowed towards He Changsi, “Congratulations, Second Imperial Brother.”

He Changsi gave a look of helpless, faint amusement: “Thank you, Shunan Sister.”

He had been forcibly pushed forward by the Empress. If He Zhige and He Ting hadn’t suddenly started fighting for some unknown reason, this position would never have been his.

Emperor Ning Jing’s attention returned to You Ting. This time, his silence lasted a little longer.

“When the late Emperor was alive, he ordered the establishment of women’s academies, setting the policy that women could also enter school, take the exams, and serve as officials.”

Unfortunately, the late Emperor died early, and the policy had only been implemented for a short time before his passing.

After Emperor Ning Jing ascended the throne, although he did not abolish it, he also did not vigorously promote it, which resulted in the implementation’s effectiveness remaining unsatisfactory.

At that time, there were many voices in the court hoping to simply repeal the decree.

It was only after the then Grand Tutor Song, perhaps considering his granddaughter’s future, repeatedly submitted petitions and persuasions, that those dissenting voices were finally suppressed.

“According to the list of candidates submitted from below, the number of female scholars in this Imperial Examination is the highest in history.”

“Therefore,” Emperor Ning Jing’s voice deepened and became somewhat solemn, “I have specially added a position for a female Vice Examiner.”

He looked directly at You Ting, “You will take the post.”

You Ting was momentarily stunned.

Before coming to the Imperial Study, she had envisioned countless possibilities, but never this outcome.

Song Yaozi had to focus on the exams, so she couldn’t come to the palace often anymore.

Moreover, the Imperial Examinations usually lasted for several days, sequestered within the examination compound.

She had originally thought she could only sneak out to see her on the first and fifteenth of the month, but she hadn’t expected Emperor Ning Jing to hand the opportunity directly to You Ting.

If she served as the Vice Examiner, at least she would be able to see Song Yaozi frequently within the examination compound.

You Ting’s thoughts suddenly paused.

…The focus right now didn’t seem to be this.

Why would Emperor Ning Jing suddenly decide to set up a female Vice Examiner position, and why would he let her take it?

Didn’t he also have a low opinion of her?

Not only You Ting, but the He brothers in the Imperial Study all showed looks of surprise, lowering their heads in contemplation.

Perhaps sensing You Ting’s confusion, Emperor Ning Jing said, “You are my eldest daughter, so in this matter, you are the most qualified.”

In any case, this matter was beneficial to You Ting and posed no harm.

You Ting stopped overthinking and quickly knelt to accept the decree: “Thank you, Imperial Father. Your daughter will certainly live up to your expectations.”

…Expectations?

Emperor Ning Jing stroked the jade archer’s ring on his finger, his gaze toward You Ting profound, with no discernible clear emotion.

You Ting and Concubine Shu looked so alike, especially the curve of her profile when she lowered her eyes now.

For a moment, Emperor Ning Jing thought he saw Concubine Shu again.

But quickly, he realized that the beauty whom he had once, and uniquely, madly loved in his life, had long since become bones beneath the yellow earth.

Completely decomposed.

He thought dazedly that Concubine Shu truly seemed to have left him nothing until her death.

Not even an object to hold a memory of her, only able to rely on the gradually fading memories in his mind to live out the long remaining years of his life.

She must have truly hated him.

No.

Emperor Ning Jing looked at You Ting again, his expression tinged with a subtle complexity.

She had still left behind a bloodline that strongly resembled her.

If she truly had a spirit in heaven, watching him neglect her daughter like this, she must hate him intensely, right?

If she hated him, then why had she never entered his dreams? To hit him or scold him, he was genuinely eager… to see her again.

“Imperial Father? Imperial Father?” He Changsi’s perplexed call brought Emperor Ning Jing’s distant thoughts back.

The Emperor, sitting high above, commanding ten thousand people, seemed to have aged considerably in that instant.

Emperor Ning Jing waved his hand wearily, “This matter is decided. You and Changsi will move to the Hanlin Academy starting tomorrow to discuss the specifics with Lord Liu and the others.”

Grand Academician Liu of the Hanlin Academy was the Chief Examiner personally appointed by the Emperor this time.

You Ting and He Changsi both responded in unison.

“You may leave.”

Emperor Ning Jing glanced at He Zhige and He Ting, and said coldly, “The two of you, keep kneeling for me. You won’t get up until you have thoroughly reflected!”

With that, he stood up and left, flicking his sleeve.

It wasn’t until the person had walked a good distance away that He Changsi straightened his back and sighed.

You Ting turned her head to look at him: “Why the sigh, Second Imperial Brother?”

He Changsi looked hesitant, but finally spoke his mind: “To be honest, Shun’an Sister, I don’t want to take on this task at all.”

This position looked like a piece of fat meat that everyone wanted a bite of.

But if one was not careful, it could instantly become an abyss.

Every decision made by the person in power could affect the fate of the common people below, requiring repeated and serious consideration.

Suddenly having such a huge pressure placed on him, just thinking about the days ahead, he knew things would become much more vexing.

He Changsi only wanted to be a carefree prince. If the Empress hadn’t insisted on pushing him forward, he would never have gotten involved in this vortex of power struggle.

You Ting smiled faintly: “If Second Imperial Brother hadn’t been selected, perhaps facing Mother Empress’s reprimand would be even more vexing.”

He Changsi was stunned, then also started to laugh: “Shunan Sister speaks the truth.”

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” You Ting said seriously, looking at him sincerely, “Whether willingly or not, Second Imperial Brother has already taken this position.”

“Since that is the case, why not try your best to do the best job possible.”

“Second Imperial Brother,” You Ting looked at him, implying something, “At this point, there is no turning back.”

Compared to He Zhige and He Ting, He Changsi holding the position of Vice Examiner was obviously much better.

Her Second Imperial Brother was good in all respects, except that his nature was too soft.

He only wanted to escape when faced with pressure.

Yet, he was born into a high position, making avoidance impossible.

He wanted to be a carefree prince. But the Empress would not allow it, and the Empress’s maternal family certainly would not allow it.

The fight for the succession was a gamble with no exit. He Changsi was already in it, and it was impossible to withdraw easily.

The only way to leave was to win.

In the original plot, He Zhige won the position of Crown Prince.

He didn’t spare He Ting, who had caused his ‘Moonlight’ (beloved) to die. With new and old grievances combined, he brutally tortured He Ting to death.

But he also didn’t spare He Changsi.

He Changsi was implicated with the Empress’s maternal family and died of illness in prison.

Therefore, You Ting could only hope that He Changsi would realize things sooner.

At least he could make some preparations for the future. With the power to contend with He Zhige and He Ting, even if he failed the succession battle later, he wouldn’t be left to merely wait for death.

He Changsi’s heart stirred slightly after hearing You Ting’s words.

He parted his lips, a bitter look flashing through his eyes: “Shunan Sister, you see things much clearer than I do.”

He Changsi was about to say more when he was interrupted by a voice from the side: “Why does Shunan Sister only talk to Second Imperial Brother, and not spare a thought for Ting’er?”

The two looked over and met the gaze of the feigning-wronged He Ting.

The little psycho had an inherently innocent face. When he looked at people, his eyes would lightly flutter, completely adopting the appearance of an innocent neighborhood younger brother.

He Changsi apologized: “Ting’er, don’t be angry. Imperial Brother will go beg Imperial Father later to let you get up.”

He Ting gave him a sweet smile, “Second Imperial Brother is the best to Ting’er.”

You Ting said: “Ignore him.”

“Seventh Brother is young, and the ground is cold,” He Changsi cast a disapproving look, “Kneeling for too long is bad for his health.”

As if he suddenly remembered something, he hurriedly added as a corrective measure: “Of course, it’s not good for Third Brother either.”

He Zhige was unmoved, coldly spitting out a few words: “There’s a saying among the common folk, I wonder if Second Imperial Brother has heard it?”

He Changsi asked curiously: “What saying?”

“A cat crying over a dead mouse—” He Zhige said, “False pity.”

He Ting chimed in from the side: “Oh, Third Imperial Brother, how can you say that about Second Imperial Brother!”

“You’ve already gotten the Vice Examiner position, why pretend to be sympathetic?”

He Zhige sneered: “Gaining an advantage and then acting all innocent.”

He Changsi showed a bewildered expression, awkwardly trying to explain: “It’s not like that, Third Brother, you misunderstood me…”

You Ting’s fist tightened a bit. She reached out and pulled He Changsi’s sleeve: “Second Imperial Brother, don’t say anything more.”

In this palace, only the honest He Changsi would be so good-natured after being bullied by these two bastards.

She took a few steps forward, stopping in front of the two of them.

Without Emperor Ning Jing’s decree, He Ting and He Zhige were still kneeling in their original posture.

He Ting said happily: “Shun’an Sister, you came to see Ting’er!”

He Zhige opened his mouth, softly uttering a call: “Imperial Sister.”

You Ting looked down at him, her gaze clear and cold.

“He Zhige.” She called his name.

Tiny sparks of hope ignited in He Zhige’s eyes, only to be completely extinguished upon hearing You Ting’s next sentence.

You Ting said, “Apologize to Second Imperial Brother.”

He Zhige pursed his lips tightly, “No.”

You Ting took a deep breath and asked again: “Will you apologize or not?”

He Zhige stubbornly said no.

“Good.” You Ting suddenly raised her hand and mercilessly slapped He Zhige across the face.

A crisp sound echoed in the Imperial Study.

The incident was sudden, and everyone was momentarily stunned.

He Zhige’s head was knocked sideways. You Ting hadn’t held back; slight red fingerprints could even be seen on his face.

He looked up, his gaze towards You Ting fractured, asking in disbelief: “Imperial Sister… you hit me, just for him?”

“No.”

You Ting bent down, looking directly into He Zhige’s eyes.

She lowered her voice, speaking only loud enough for the two of them to hear: “He Zhige, I’ve wanted to teach you a lesson for a long time.”

“I haven’t settled the score with you for what happened at the last palace banquet.”

“This slap is for your disrespect toward your elder brother, your malicious behavior. And for those… unspeakable, dirty thoughts of yours.”

He Zhige’s pupils contracted sharply.

You Ting’s words suddenly overlapped with He Ting’s previous words, echoing repeatedly in his ears.

He clenched his fists, his heart throbbing with a tearing pain.

Yet, he only looked steadily at You Ting, his face pale.

As if hoping to see a trace of warmth or pity on her face.

But there was none.

His Imperial Sister’s expression was cold, and her eyes looked at him as if he were a stranger.

No, worse than a stranger.

He Zhige’s body couldn’t help but tremble slightly, and he murmured, “Imperial Sister, please don’t…”

Please don’t abandon him.

The He Ting next to him snapped out of his surprise and quickly entered spectator mode: “Serves you right! I already told you, Shunan Sister hates you the most!”

“Shunan Sister, look at the new pet I brought for you!”

He Ting excitedly stretched out his hand. Just as his hand was about to touch You Ting’s, You Ting kicked him to the ground.

The world spun, and the poisonous spider in He Ting’s hand dropped out. Before it could run far, You Ting used a nearby teacup to throw at and crush it.

He Ting gasped in pain, a look of regrettable failure flashed in his eyes, but he was still smiling: “Shunan Sister hurt Ting’er again.”

Seeing You Ting lift her foot, he blinked and negotiated with her: “How about, Shunan Sister steps on the other side this time? The injury from last time is still hurting.”

You Ting smiled slightly and accurately stepped on the exact spot she had stepped on last time.

He Ting’s face turned pale, and he didn’t have the strength to get up for a long time.

Among the princes, only He Changsi remained standing intact.

He stared, dumbfounded, as You Ting finished her ‘work’ and then elegantly wiped her fingers with a handkerchief she pulled out.