The Vicious Female Supporting Character and The Sadistic Heroine Got Together [Through the Book] - Chapter 48

Tang Suan sat up, perched on the edge of the bed, and looked up at Yun He. “I want to see the Emperor…”

Her words reminded Yun He that since his aunt—Tang Suan’s mother—had left for the Li Dynasty, his Imperial Father had never seen her again. Later, after her death, his Mother had told him how the Emperor had grieved for a long time.

Now that his Imperial Father was gravely ill, Yun He had summoned Tang Suan back not only for the sake of Yun State’s future, but also to grant his father one last meeting before his passing, hoping to ease the regret that had haunted him for years.

However, Yun Mei, who was standing nearby, grew even more displeased.

Staring at Tang Suan, Yun Mei vehemently protested, “I refuse! Why should an outsider be allowed to see the Emperor?”

“Your refusal means nothing!” Yun He retorted stiffly.

Seeing the tension rising between them, Tang Suan interjected, “Princess, you keep calling me an outsider. Are you unwilling to acknowledge me as your cousin and a princess of Yun State?”

Hearing Tang Suan’s voice, Yun Mei turned her head, her expression impatient. “I don’t have a cousin who grew up in the Li Dynasty, and Yun State certainly doesn’t have a princess like you. What do you think you are? And what was your mother? A Yun State princess who fell in love with a Li Dynasty general—with her own enemy!”

The moment Yun Mei mentioned her mother, Tang Suan’s eyes turned cold. She had initially been willing to tolerate Yun Mei’s rudeness, but this crossed a line.

In her view, others could strike or insult her, and as long as they didn’t touch her bottom line, she could pretend not to notice and silently endure. But her bottom line was the people she cared about. If anyone dared to slander her mother, she would make them pay tenfold.

Besides, Yun He had invited her to become the Emperor, not the other way around. Why should she endure such humiliation?

Tang Suan had lived a humble life, constantly suppressed by others. But she wasn’t spineless; she wouldn’t let anyone trample over her. Even a cornered rabbit will bite, and when pushed to the brink, she would resort to any means necessary.

Yun He, standing nearby, paled at Yun Mei’s words. He was about to reprimand her and order the palace attendants to escort her away when Tang Suan spoke first.

“Princess,” Tang Suan said, “what did you just say? Could you repeat that?”

Yun Mei finally realized Tang Suan was angry, but she wasn’t afraid of her. Staring back at Tang Suan, she retorted, “Are you deaf? Or do you not understand human speech? I said you’re not worthy to be a princess of Yun State, and your mother was never fit to be a princess either.”

Seeing this, Yun He feared Yun Mei’s words would offend Tang Suan and lead to dire consequences. He quickly grabbed Tang Suan’s arm, saying, “Tang Suan, you…”

Tang Suan glanced at him, recognizing Yun He’s genuine affection for his sister. Even at this critical moment, he was still trying to protect her, speaking up on her behalf.

Under normal circumstances, Tang Suan wouldn’t have held a grudge against Yun Mei out of respect for Yun He. But Yun Mei had truly gone too far this time. Even if Tang Suan hadn’t provoked her, Yun Mei likely wouldn’t have let her off easily.

Understanding the risks and benefits of this situation, Tang Suan chose to endure once more. After all, she had already endured so much; one more time wouldn’t make much difference. Besides, this was only temporary. When the time came, she would settle all scores, old and new, together.

Yun He, seeing Tang Suan’s continued silence, wondered if she was truly angry. But Tang Suan shook her head and smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m not angry.”

Across from them, Yun Mei heard this and, instead of gratitude, sneered, “Such a hypocrite!”

Tang Suan glanced at her without a word.

That single glance only deepened Yun Mei’s conviction that Tang Suan was far more complex than she appeared, and strengthened her resolve to eliminate her.

If you want to compete for the Throne, just wait and see.

Despite Yun Mei’s relentless obstruction, Tang Suan finally gained an audience with the Emperor.

As she entered the hall, Tang Suan immediately noticed the middle-aged man in the bright yellow dragon robes. Though he was barely past fifty, the Emperor looked remarkably frail due to his severe illness. Patches of white hair had sprouted amidst his dark locks, and deep wrinkles etched themselves around his eyes and brows. Yet this deterioration seemed to have softened his usual harshness, lending him an unexpected air of gentleness.

Perhaps this was his true self, stripped of all pretense. After all, who else would ever see him in this vulnerable state?

When Tang Suan entered the hall, only the Emperor remained besides her. It seemed he had deliberately dismissed his attendants to welcome her.

Before she had even taken a step inside, the Emperor sensed the faint rustle and slowly opened his eyes.

He lay propped against a reclining chair, his eyes barely slits, through which he vaguely discerned a woman’s figure approaching him with measured steps.

His lips parted slowly, his voice raspy and aged. “Is that you, Imperial Elder Sister?”

The figure paused, remaining motionless. Neither confirming nor immediately denying the question.

Tang Suan stood still, silently observing the Emperor without speaking.

Seeing her motionless, the Emperor grew agitated, struggling to sit up and get a clearer look at her face.

Realizing his distress, Tang Suan hurried forward to steady him.

“I’m Tang Suan,” she said gently.

The Emperor froze, then reached out to touch her cheek. “So it’s A-Suan…”

Tang Suan allowed him to stroke her face, nodding. “Yes, it’s me.”

This is the second person who’s called me A-Suan, she thought.

Over the next while, the Emperor spoke at length, revealing much about her mother. These stories deepened Tang Suan’s understanding of her mother’s character.

In Tang Suan’s mind, her mother was now a woman of extraordinary intelligence and beauty, with a calm mind, decisive courage, unwavering determination, and fierce protectiveness of her own.

This realization secretly strengthened her resolve to become as strong as her mother.

The Emperor had also mentioned the matter of succession to the Throne. Her mother’s exceptional qualities had been evident since childhood, recognized by everyone.

Yun State’s customs were relatively open, lacking the rigid formalities and strict succession protocols of the Li Dynasty. More importantly, the Li Dynasty upheld male supremacy, while Yun State advocated for equal rights between men and women.

In fact, some had even proposed granting women special consideration in certain matters.

As a result, Yun State’s history included several instances of women ruling. Given Tang Qingshu’s exceptional abilities, almost everyone believed she would become the next heir to the Throne.

Unexpectedly, the Late Emperor designated the current Emperor as Crown Prince. Upon the Late Emperor’s death, the Emperor smoothly ascended the Throne, becoming the ruler of Yun State.

Yet even so, Tang Suan’s mother, as the Princess Royal, harbored no resentment. Instead, she wholeheartedly assisted the Emperor, guiding him to become a wise and benevolent ruler who would bring prosperity to the people.

Later, to safeguard the Yun State, Tang Suan’s mother established the Cloudwind Pavilion. To solidify her own claim to the Throne, she ventured alone to the Li Dynasty.

The Emperor and Tang Suan’s mother shared both parents—they were even twins. From childhood, they had been inseparable, their bond stronger than any other.

When news of Tang Suan’s mother’s execution reached him, the Emperor wept more bitterly than anyone else. It was clear how deeply he loved his sister.

The Emperor told Tang Suan, “I never aspired to inherit the Throne, nor did I ever compete with her for it. Since ascending the Throne, I’ve lived in constant fear. Whenever I faced difficulties, your mother was always there to guide me. After her death, my guilt only deepened…”

Tang Suan stepped out of the palace, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air.

She recalled the Emperor’s words as she had been about to leave earlier: “In truth, I’ve always wanted to return the Throne to your mother.”

Although her succession to the Throne had long been a foregone conclusion, hearing the Emperor declare it to her face still stirred an unusual feeling within her.

As she emerged, Yun He, who had been waiting at the door, wheeled himself forward.

For once, Tang Suan took the initiative, slowly approaching Yun He.

The moment she drew near, Yun He looked up at her, his voice trembling with excitement. “What happened? What did Imperial Father say? Did he give you the Imperial Edict?”

Faced with this barrage of questions, Tang Suan calmly nodded, signaling that everything had gone smoothly.

Yun He stared blankly for a few seconds before his face lit up with joy. “That’s wonderful!” he exclaimed.

In the span of just a few months, the Yun State underwent earth-shattering changes. The Old Emperor passed away, and Yun He’s health deteriorated rapidly, day by day.

The court physician predicted he wouldn’t survive the winter. Tragically, the physician’s prognosis proved accurate. Yun He died in the autumn.

After Yun He’s death, Tang Suan inherited the Throne, becoming the Empress Regnant of Yun State. Despite witnessing Tang Suan’s ascension, Yun Mei refused to concede defeat and repeatedly challenged her.

However, Tang Suan had promised Yun He to show leniency towards her younger sister. She would only consider punishing Yun Mei if she committed truly heinous acts or harmed Yun State’s interests. Otherwise, Tang Suan would care for her sister out of respect for Yun He’s memory.

To secure her claim to the Throne, Tang Suan agreed to Yun Mei’s demands, choosing to turn a blind eye to her sister’s actions.

With Yun State’s affairs settled, Tang Suan turned her attention to seeking revenge. Given Yun State’s current status as a small nation, she ultimately decided to focus on strengthening the country first.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye. Under Tang Suan’s rule, Yun State’s power surpassed all previous levels. Her name, though known as Tang Zhuxin, spread throughout neighboring kingdoms.

In those three years, a nation could rise to prominence, and people could transform.

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