Chapter 24: He Did It All for Me, Do You Even Know?
"Since Young Master Su says so, I shall take my leave."
The Liu family head forced a smile and turned to leave.
Encountering such an unreasonable favored minister, there was nothing he could do but curse his misfortune.
"You think you can just leave after sticking your nose where it doesn't belong? Saying a few words and then walking away—things aren't that easy!"
Su Qing's voice was cold and sharp.
"Young Master Su..."
The Liu family head's face turned even more unsightly.
Su Qing said nothing, only locking eyes with him, his expression amused yet unreadable.
After a few seconds of staring, the contest ended with the Liu family head's silent surrender.
"Young Master Su, it was my rudeness. Please forgive me."
The words seemed to be forced through gritted teeth, brimming with humiliation.
Being pressured like this in public was a complete loss of face, filling his heart with resentment.
A mere favored minister dared to act so brazenly—it was clear the Empress had been blinded for far too long!
Su Qing nodded in satisfaction, his face carrying a faint smile.
His gaze swept across the gathering. Nobles, officials, and family heirs alike all averted their eyes.
He was extremely pleased with this outcome.
This was exactly how things should be!
A villain didn't need some grand charisma that inspired loyalty from all directions. Intimidation was more than enough.
Standing tall above the crowd, his dominance was clear to all.
Among them, a few keen observers wore thoughtful expressions.
This brat looked arrogant, but perhaps he had deeper motives?
Could it be that his arrogance was just an act?
As the Empress's favored minister, Su Qing had come to reprimand Prince Qi's faction. Naturally, he had nothing to fear.
Because of this, the bystanders had no desire to interfere.
Let Prince Qi take the fall while they reaped the benefits from the sidelines.
A group of cunning old foxes all silently theorized, raising their guard against Su Qing even further.
Unbeknownst to them, they were scaring themselves for no reason.
All eyes watched as Su Qing strode coldly into Prince Qi's residence, leaving many exchanging glances.
Gu Qingzhou was also brought inside.
Looking at Su Qing beside him, recalling everything he had done, he felt overwhelmed with emotions.
His eyes were red, on the verge of tears.
This selfless help was like a ray of light piercing through the gloom of his life.
If only he weren't a man—he might have...
Despite only meeting twice, Su Qing had shown him true equality.
He treated him as a person!
Even as the Empress's most trusted minister, Su Qing didn't carry a trace of arrogance.
This was a friend he would cherish for life!
Su Qing, of course, noticed the deep gratitude in Gu Qingzhou's eyes.
Faced with such emotions, he felt a little guilty.
Because, in a way, he had stolen the opportunity that should have belonged to him.
According to the original storyline, at this moment, Gu Qingzhou should have composed a poem in his grief and anger.
A poem so timeless and poignant that it would leave everyone speechless.
This, in turn, would catch the attention of Prince Qi's consort, leading to an invitation inside and completing the cycle of humiliation and triumph.
But now, because of Su Qing's interference, Gu Qingzhou felt elated instead—there was no longer any grief to inspire poetry.
Still... that consort was incredibly dangerous. He wouldn't be able to handle her. Losing this opportunity was probably for the best!
Ye Xueyi followed silently behind, casting a disappointed look at Gu Qingzhou, sighing inwardly.
Did he really think there was such a thing as a free meal in this world?
Su Qing was helping him, standing by him—but it was all for her!
Otherwise, what else could he possibly want from him?
If Su Qing had heard her thoughts, he would have struggled to hold back his laughter.
So self-absorbed!
Ignoring the many watching eyes, Su Qing continued chatting casually with Gu Qingzhou, not sparing a glance at the gathered officials.
This special treatment only made Gu Qingzhou more grateful, his smile brimming with sincerity.
"Gu Qingzhou, could you step aside for a moment? I have something to discuss with him alone."
Ye Xueyi finally couldn't bear it any longer and stepped forward.
There were things she needed to clarify.
For instance, why had this scoundrel followed her here? Why wouldn't he leave her alone?
More importantly, she couldn't let her naive husband continue being won over.
If this went on any longer, he might start idolizing Su Qing, making her future even more difficult!
Gu Qingzhou was momentarily stunned, hesitating.
Then, after processing her words, he forced a small, reluctant smile and prepared to agree.
After all, in any scenario, his celestial wife was far more important...
But before he could even speak, he was interrupted.
"I have business to attend to. Please, madam, show some respect."
Su Qing looked at Ye Xueyi as if she were an idiot.
She wasn't part of his plans. Why was she interfering?
Cultivation wasn't something to rush—one's body needed proper care first.
His cold, dismissive tone stunned Ye Xueyi.
She looked at his distant, indifferent expression, completely unprepared for this response.
Without another word, Su Qing bid farewell to Gu Qingzhou and turned to leave.
Even as he brushed past Ye Xueyi, he didn't spare her a glance.
His utter disregard left her completely bewildered.
Had she... just been ignored?
Impossible!
Yesterday, when he came to her house, he was not like this at all!
This was obviously a tactic—playing hard to get. How ridiculous!
Ye Xueyi scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain.
Hypocrite!
This scoundrel was trying to manipulate her, but she wouldn't fall for it!
Yet, she didn't even realize the subtle disappointment creeping into her heart.
Meanwhile, Gu Qingzhou's admiration for Su Qing only grew stronger.
A true gentleman, never swayed by temptations!
Elsewhere—
Su Qing arrived at the gathering venue.
Prince Qi's residence was massive, filled with guests, the event taking place in a grand courtyard.
The air was thick with the aroma of exquisite dishes, while nobles laughed and conversed amongst themselves.
As soon as Su Qing stepped inside, all conversations came to an abrupt halt.
Servants carrying trays of delicacies cautiously approached, their expressions tense.
Su Qing knew exactly why.
The earlier incident at the gate had surely reached everyone's ears.
Thus, he was now receiving the highest level of hospitality.
The servants trembled, terrified of making a mistake.
Their only thought was to serve him well and get him out of here as soon as possible.
They moved with utmost caution, terrified of provoking him.
However, while the welcome was grand, neither Prince Qi nor any of his senior officials had come to greet him.
Did they truly not know what had happened earlier?
Of course not.
The fact that they hadn't shown up yet was... quite intriguing.