The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 47.2

Her demeanor was calm and gentle, showing no trace of the brutality from just a moment ago.

“Shunan Sister, you…” He pointed at You Ting, then at He Zhige and He Ting, “He, they…”

He Changsi didn’t see Shunan often, but in his impression, this sister was always quiet and reserved.

He had seen You Ting bandage the injured He Zhige when they were young, and at that time, he felt that Shunan was not as arrogant and unruly as others claimed, which supposedly led to Imperial Father’s displeasure.

But now…

Was the pitiful-looking He Zhige, even after being beaten, really the He Zhige he knew?

And what was that thing that crawled out of He Ting’s sleeve?

Within a short time, the Second Prince’s entire world seemed to have been profoundly impacted. He was rambling, unable to form a complete sentence.

You Ting put away her handkerchief, exhaling a breath of relief, feeling refreshed.

There were too many restrictions in the palace. Now that it was only the few of them present, she was finally able to vent properly.

She looked at the petrified He Changsi, smiled sweetly, and curtsied: “If there is nothing else, Shunan will take her leave.”

“Second Imperial Brother, see you tomorrow.”

He Changsi dazedly uttered an “Oh.”

You Ting took two steps out, then turned back, her eyes curved slightly as she instructed: “Second Imperial Brother should also go back and prepare for tomorrow’s affairs. Don’t displease Imperial Father for the sake of irrelevant people.”

He Changsi paused before realizing You Ting’s meaning—don’t plead for He Zhige and He Ting.

After You Ting left, he also left the Imperial Study as if his soul had been taken.

He Changsi still felt that what had just happened was unreal, even after returning to the Empress’s residence.

Seeing his state, the Empress’s heart tightened, and she quickly asked, “What’s wrong with you? Did the Emperor give the Vice Examiner position to someone else?”

Her voice brought He Changsi back to his senses, and he slowly shook his head.

Only then did the Empress breathe a sigh of relief, and she couldn’t help but nag again: “Si’er, you must seize this opportunity well.”

“That wicked woman Concubine Li, she’s practically getting too big for her boots in front of me!”

She showed a smug smile: “But now, her son has lost face in front of the Emperor. Let’s see how she can still be so haughty in the future.”

“Si’er, you did very well this time. You must step hard on both He Zhige and He Ting!”

He Changsi: “Actually, I didn’t do anything…”

The Empress stared at him, a sickly obsession appearing on her thin face.

“Si’er, Mother knows you are not as good as your brother, but Mother only has you.”

Then she sighed heavily, “If only you were half as good as your brother, Mother wouldn’t have to worry about you so much.”

He Changsi’s brother was the deceased former Crown Prince.

He was the heir apparent who embodied everyone’s hopes, carefully tutored by the Three Dukes since childhood.

He was proficient in both literary and martial arts, and exceedingly intelligent.

Everyone sincerely admired that Crown Prince. Everyone believed he would become the next enlightened ruler.

But he suddenly fell ill and passed away, not even having reached the age of twenty, forever becoming the brilliant, short-lived youth in memory.

His life was glorious, yet tragically brief.

After his death, the Empress was heartbroken, almost losing all hope.

But her maternal family urgently needed to support another heir, so she placed her remaining hope on He Changsi.

Since He Changsi was old enough to understand, the most frequent thing he heard was that he wasn’t half as good as his brother.

He often wondered why everyone thought he was inferior to his brother, yet they insisted on him taking his brother’s place?

When he was young, He Changsi asked the question aloud.

The Empress said it was all for his own good.

Gradually, He Changsi stopped asking.

Just as Shunan Sister had said, whether he wanted it or not, he had already been pushed into the current position.

“Mother…”

He Changsi suddenly asked, “What kind of person do you think Shunan Sister is?”

“Why bring her up now?”

In front of her biological son, the Empress dropped her usual facade of loving kindness.

The Empress was already annoyed with You Ting for taking Song Yaozi from her palace last time, and after this incident, she felt even more irritated.

She said with thinly veiled distaste, “She’s nothing but a seductive fox just like her mother.”

He Changsi thought for a moment but decided not to mention what happened in the Imperial Study today.

He looked at the Empress and asked seriously again, “Then, what kind of person do you think your son is?”

The Empress momentarily choked up.

A moment later, she smiled and said with a kind look, “Si’er, of course, you are Mother’s good son. As long as Si’er obediently listens to Mother, our lineage can last long.”

He Changsi lowered his gaze, a slight bitter smile on his lips.

He whispered, “Your son understands.”

So, in Mother’s heart, he didn’t even have a complete image of his own.

She needed an obedient son, a substitute for his brother.

Never He Changsi himself.

…

…

“Your Highness!” Upon seeing You Ting emerge, Qing Su immediately rushed up to her.

She looked her over anxiously, fearing You Ting might be hurt: “Your Highness, are you alright?”

You Ting shook her head: “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“On the contrary,” she drew out the end of her sentence, “there’s some good news.”

You Ting told her about Emperor Ning Jing appointing her as a Vice Examiner, and Qing Su’s eyes widened in surprise.

She subconsciously exclaimed in shock, “When did the Emperor become so kind!”

Then, she covered her mouth in fear.

Fortunately, no one was around to hear her slip of the tongue.

“I’d like to know that myself,” You Ting said.

Emperor Ning Jing couldn’t have done it on a whim.

Appointing her as Vice Examiner was even more bizarre; there were many other candidates to choose from, yet he chose her, the daughter he had always neglected.

Could it truly be just because she was his eldest daughter?

The reason was too ridiculously weak.

You Ting thought for a moment and instructed Qing Su: “Go and find out who has visited Imperial Father in the palace before this.”

Qing Su had a lively personality and many little friends in the palace.

You Ting usually stayed indoors, relying entirely on Qing Su to gather intelligence from the various palaces.

Those little palace maids and eunuchs were insignificant servants in the eyes of the nobles. But if used well, they could be the nails that helped You Ting broaden her view.

It was precisely because they were so inconspicuous that they were safe; no one would suspect Qing Su of trying to trick them, and any gossip overheard was treated as idle chatter after a meal.

Qing Su readily agreed and quickly ran off to find the people she knew.

You Ting waited alone in the Duan Yang Palace.

A moment later, Qing Su jogged back to the Duan Yang Palace.

“Your Highness, Your Highness!”

She stopped, slightly out of breath, her hair a little messy from rushing.

“I found out,” Qing Su said, “Only one official has visited the Emperor to discuss matters these days: Grand Tutor Song.”

Grand Tutor Song?

After a brief moment of surprise, You Ting became even more puzzled.

She and Grand Tutor Song had never met, so why would Grand Tutor Song help her?

After much thought, You Ting realized the only connection to the Song residence was Song Yaozi.

Her heart inexplicably tightened.

Could it be… that Grand Tutor Song knew about her and Song Yaozi?

Grand Tutor’s Residence.

The night was already deep, but Grand Tutor Song was still bent over his desk, diligently reviewing official documents.

His eyes were sore from looking for too long, and he rubbed them, unable to bear it anymore.

The door was gently pushed open, and Grand Tutor Song looked up to see Song Yaozi.

Song Yaozi carried a bowl of herbal soup and called out, “Grandfather.”

Glancing at the stack of official documents in front of Grand Tutor Song, her brow furrowed: “It’s very late. Grandfather should rest after drinking the medicine and look at these tomorrow.”

“With my body, every day that passes is one less day,” Grand Tutor Song said. “While I can still see, I should look at as much as possible.”

Song Yaozi placed the bowl of soup down and softly disagreed: “Grandfather will surely live a long life.”

Grand Tutor Song smiled and shook his head, “Alright, alright, I’ll drink the medicine now and stop looking.”

At his age, he had already come to terms with life and death.

He wasn’t afraid, but there were still things he was worried about.

There were too many unfinished matters, and there was Song Yaozi.

Currently, Song Yaozi was the Grand Tutor’s granddaughter, and everyone had to show her respect.

But if he suddenly passed away, the title of Grand Tutor’s granddaughter would weaken.

The saying goes, ‘When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.’

How would a young girl face the precarious Song Residence at that time?

Grand Tutor Song raised the medicine bowl to his lips, opened his mouth, and took a sip.

A bitter taste permeated his mouth and tongue, and his heart seemed to be stained with a hint of bitterness as well.

“Yaozi,” Grand Tutor Song asked, “Are you confident about this Imperial Examination?”

Song Yaozi smiled and replied, “Grandfather, don’t worry. I will naturally do my utmost.”

Her tone was gentle, but there was a bright flame burning in her eyes.

Grand Tutor Song nodded: “Just do your best. Don’t push yourself. No matter what, Grandfather will support you.”

After a pause, he suddenly asked, “Are you friends with that Princess Shunan?”

Song Yaozi hadn’t expected to hear You Ting’s name from Grand Tutor Song.

Those secret memories instantly flooded in, and she nervously clenched her fingers.

After a moment of thought, Song Yaozi nodded, her expression normal: “Yes.”

Since Grand Tutor Song asked this, it meant he already knew something about her acquaintance and meetings with You Ting.

Hiding it was meaningless and would only make her look guilty.

After Song Yaozi admitted it openly, she felt a vague unease when Grand Tutor Song remained silent for a while.

Was Grandfather displeased because of the Princess’s bad reputation?

For some reason, Song Yaozi didn’t want others to misunderstand the Princess.

She suddenly spoke gently: “Grandfather, Her Highness is not as unworthy as the rumors suggest.”

“I know. Grandfather trusts your judgment.”

Grand Tutor Song smiled, “A person you consider a friend certainly cannot be entirely useless.”

Thus, what he did made sense.

Song Yaozi asked hesitantly, “Then why did Grandfather suddenly ask about this?”

Grand Tutor Song did not answer.

He reached out and lovingly stroked Song Yaozi’s head.

“Yaozi, if one day, Grandfather truly can’t hold on anymore.”

He spoke softly, like a sigh: “This path, you will have to walk alone.”

“The road will be very difficult. You must be strong.”

Song Yaozi’s eyes became moist, and she bit her lip to hold back a sob.

She nodded, responding seriously: “I will.”

Grand Tutor Song said nothing more, told Song Yaozi to rest, and then stared at the medicine bowl, lost in thought for a long time.

He understood his own body very well.

Perhaps when a person reached a certain age, they could always vaguely guess their predetermined fate.

He only hoped that in his lifetime, he could do everything in his power to make Song Yaozi’s future path a little easier.

Grand Tutor Song had only learned of Song Yaozi’s acquaintance with Princess Shun’an when You Ting’s invitation was delivered to the Grand Tutor’s Residence.

He summoned Ying’er and asked a few questions.

Ying’er couldn’t keep a secret and quickly revealed that Song Yaozi and You Ting were quite close.

Knowing this, Grand Tutor Song stayed in his room, pondering, for an entire afternoon.

The next morning, Grand Tutor Song took the carriage to the Imperial Palace.

It was already not easy for Song Yaozi to become an official.

Grand Tutor Song didn’t know how many of his students would continue to support Song Yaozi after his death.

He needed to find another reliable support for Song Yaozi.

That was Princess Shunan.

As women, they should understand each other’s difficulties best.

Although Princess Shunan was rumored to be disliked by Emperor Ning Jing, she was, after all, his flesh and blood.

A member of the Imperial Family.

Princess Shun’an had little power or status, so Grand Tutor Song would help her, pushing her to a higher position.

When the tide rises, the boat floats. If Princess Shunan could secure a place in the court in the future, it would naturally make it less difficult for women to become officials and participate in governance.

At that time, Song Yaozi’s path would also be easier.

Grand Tutor Song only hoped that his granddaughter’s judgment was not wrong.

That Princess Shunan could seize this opportunity and grow into a trustworthy ally.

…

…

The next day.

You Ting had Qing Su dress her in a simple, crisp style, intending to go to the Hanlin Academy to meet Grand Academician Liu, as instructed by Emperor Ning Jing.

As soon as she stepped out of the Duan Yang Palace gate, she saw a tall, slender figure standing outside.

Seeing her look over, the person showed a gentle, faint smile: “Shunan Sister.”

It was He Changsi.

You Ting was surprised: “Why is Second Imperial Brother here?”

“Since Imperial Father commanded it,” He Changsi said, “I thought I would travel with Shunan Sister.”

A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on his face, and he lowered his voice: “…Shunan Sister gives me a great sense of security.”

You Ting was speechless.

Perhaps beating up both He Zhige and He Ting in front of He Changsi yesterday had startled this honest man’s little heart.

She smiled and said, “Good. I also like traveling with Second Imperial Brother.”

She meant it.

In the entire palace, He Changsi was the only person You Ting could tolerate.

In the past, when the coal supply to the Duan Yang Palace was cut off in winter, it was He Changsi who secretly ordered people to send her some of his own allowance.

He didn’t dare to defy the Empress, so he could only use his own way to silently show kindness to others in the palace.

A small favor is repaid with great generosity.

You Ting had nothing to repay him with now, but she could only try her best to prevent He Zhige from seizing the throne, lest He Changsi end up with a miserable death.

She glanced at He Changsi’s expression and asked, “Has Second Imperial Brother thought things through?”

In the past, even when He Changsi smiled, there was always a faint look of melancholy between his brows.

But today, his smile exuded a sense of relief.

He Changsi smiled slightly at her: “I’ve thought it through. I must also thank Shunan Sister for the guidance.”

“In this world, everyone is just going with the flow, and so am I.”

He Changsi said, “Since I was born, I haven’t had the power to choose.”

“It’s like a game of chess, the outcome is already set,” he curved his lips in self-mockery, “and I am just an insignificant chess piece within it.”

Besides accepting it, what else could he do?

You Ting smiled, “No.”

“Once a piece is moved, there’s no turning back, but we can still choose the present and the future.”

“Why not try to step outside the chessboard and become the one who controls the pieces?”

He Changsi’s pupils contracted slightly.

He had never thought of this possibility, and his heart was pounding fast.

But the woman opposite him seemed completely unaware of the shocking words she had spoken, reaching up to tuck a wind-blown strand of hair behind her ear.

You Ting looked at He Changsi, “Let’s not keep Grand Academician Liu waiting. Second Imperial Brother, shall we go?”

He Changsi glanced sideways at the person next to him.

He sighed in his heart.

Shunan Sister was indeed a very perceptive person. Her usual quietness and few words were merely a deep concealment of her true nature.

To be the one controlling the pieces…

The duties of a Vice Examiner were not extensive. In the Hanlin Academy, Grand Academician Liu meticulously introduced the duties to the two of them.

Grand Academician Liu said solemnly, “During this period, we will all reside together in the examination compound.”

“I ask the two Highnesses to remember the most important point: as examiners, you must never meet with any of the candidates privately.”

You Ting raised an eyebrow.

Not see Song Yaozi?

How could that be possible?