The Prodigal Son

Qin Yu is a man of action.

That afternoon, he went to the palace to demand the person from Zhao Luan.

"What did you say?"

Upon learning that Qin Yu actually wanted Shangguan Youyi to go with him to reorganize the salt administration, Zhao Luan was stunned for a long time before she came to her senses.

That bastard!

They've even set their sights on the people closest to them!

Qin Yu chuckled, "Didn't Your Majesty say that I could freely choose any official of the fourth rank or below? Your Majesty, a ruler's word is law!"

"Does a ruler keep his word?"

Zhao Luan slowly rose and walked to Qin Yu, her long legs poised to kick him. "I keep saying I'll hang you up and whip you! Shouldn't I also keep my word?"

Ah!

woman!

There's really no reasoning with that!

"If Your Majesty is unwilling to release them, then so be it."

Qin Yu took two steps back, glancing at Shangguan Youyi out of the corner of his eye, and felt a pang of regret.

With her as a capable assistant, I would definitely have an easier time.

Fortunately, he hadn't had high hopes to begin with, so he wasn't too disappointed.

"What do you mean I'm unwilling to release them?"

Zhao Luan immediately became displeased and turned to Shangguan Youyi, "Are you willing to go with him to reorganize the salt administration?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu was speechless for a moment.

Even in your current state, does Shangguan Youyi dare to say he's willing?

Shangguan Youyi, without glancing to the side, said, "This humble subject only wishes to serve Your Majesty and share Your Majesty's burdens!"

"Did you hear that?"

Zhao Luan smiled victoriously at Qin Yu.

"All right!"

Qin Yu smiled helplessly, "Then, Your Majesty, could you possibly do me a small favor?"

Zhao Luan: "Tell me about it first."

Qin Yu put away his joking expression and said seriously, "I know that what I have done this time will offend many people! Since neither the old master nor I are in the capital, I am worried that some villains will target the people around me. I ask Your Majesty to help protect Qingyi."

"You're quite the romantic!"

Zhao Luan gave a light snort, "Fine, I agree!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qin Yu bowed respectfully. "Then this humble subject will take his leave!"

"What's the rush?"

Zhao Luan glared at him. "Why do you want Shangguan to go with you?"

Qin Yu said with a worried look, "After all, my energy is limited. I wish to find a suitable person to share some of the work with me! I don't know the other officials in the court very well, and I'm not very comfortable with them."

Ah!

He's certainly cautious!

However, it's never a bad thing to be cautious!

Zhao Luan pondered silently for a moment, then looked up and said, "If Shangguan is unwilling to go, then let Ruan Zhi go with you!"

Ruan Zhi?

That works too!

Anyway, they're people close to the female demon.

Even if his abilities are not as good as Shangguan Youyi's, they won't be far behind.

Well, this can be considered an unexpected bonus!

Before Qin Yu could speak, Zhao Luan added, "Forget it, let Lord Su take on more responsibility for the imperial examination. Yang Jichun is yours too! I appoint him as the Salt Inspector, to accompany you to reorganize the salt administration!"

Oh?

Yang Jichun also gave it to himself?

This is a timely help!

Yang Jichun is my own literary henchman, so he'll definitely be more at ease using him!

Qin Yu's face suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is wise and mighty!"

"What utter nonsense!"

Zhao Luan glared at him, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Oh, right, I've also prepared a surprise for you!"

"Is there another surprise?"

Qin Yu's eyes immediately lit up. "What surprise?"

Seeing Qin Yu's expression, Zhao Luan couldn't help but tease Shangguan Youyi, "I told you he's like a dog! He wags his tail when there's something to gain, and bares his teeth when there's nothing to gain!"

Shangguan Youyi smiled and said, "Doctor Qin is a man of strong character."

Qin Yu secretly curled his lip.

That's like you're saying she wasn't born in the Year of the Dog!

"Your Majesty, what surprise is it?"

Qin Yu pressed on with questions, his curiosity piqued.

A hint of a smile flickered at the corner of Zhao Luan's eyebrow. "You'll find out when you set off!"

"Your Majesty, why do you also like to play this game?"

Qin Yu was speechless. "You've piqued my curiosity, and now you're keeping me in suspense. You're just..."

"Shut up!"

Zhao Luan glared at her, raising her leg as if to kick her, "If you keep nagging, believe me, I'll give you a surprise right now!"

Nice legs!

That's long!

Qin Yu sighed inwardly, then stared at Zhao Luan's legs with a smirk and teased, "Your Majesty, isn't this... a bit inappropriate?"

"Um?"

Zhao Luan was confused until she noticed Qin Yu staring at her legs with a sly smile. Zhao Luan's forehead throbbed with anger. "You like looking at legs, huh?"

Qin Yu quickly took two steps back and chuckled, "Your Majesty, it was just a joke. Don't be angry; anger is bad for your health!"

"I'm not angry!"

Zhao Luan smiled slightly. "Since you enjoy looking at legs so much, I'll grant your wish today!"

"what?"

Qin Yu stared at Zhao Luan in astonishment and disbelief.

No way?

I was just joking around, and she took it seriously?

Why would someone not yell about wanting to hang themselves up and whip themselves, but still want to satisfy themselves?

Has she changed her personality or has she been possessed?

Qin Yu was stunned for a long time before finally showing a "shy" smile. "Your Majesty, I was just joking. This... isn't it a bit inappropriate?"

"There's nothing inappropriate about it!"

Zhao Luan's smile widened. "You're going to tackle something tough, shouldn't I reward you?"

Qin Yu and Shangguan Youyi were both completely bewildered by Zhao Luan's words.

No way?

Is she serious?

Thinking about Zhao Luan's identity, Qin Yu's heart stirred slightly.

If she wants to do that, it's not easy for me to refuse!

Shangguan Youyi stared blankly at Zhao Luan, wondering whether she should avoid him or not.

Just as Shangguan Youyi was about to take his leave, Zhao Luan turned around and said, "Go find ten eunuchs and have them show their legs so that Doctor Qin can have a good look!"

"..."

Qin Yu's face darkened, and the wicked thought that had just arisen in his mind vanished instantly. He immediately bowed and said, "This humble subject takes his leave!"

Before Zhao Luan could speak, Qin Yu fled in a disheveled state.

I knew that she was up to no good!

Watching Qin Yu slip away faster than a rabbit, Zhao Luan couldn't help but chuckle.

That bastard!

I can't even control you?

Noticing Shangguan Youyi's strange gaze, she quickly stopped and delivered a vicious kick from a distance.

That bastard deserves a beating!

Zhao Luan cursed inwardly as she walked towards the imperial desk, instructing Shangguan Youyi, "Go tell Ruan Zhi to hand over her current duties and go with Qin Yu to reorganize the salt administration! She will follow Qin Yu's instructions in all matters!"

"yes!"

Shangguan Youyi quickly accepted the order and left.

Zhao Luan sat down again at the imperial desk, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her face as she thought about Qin Yu's disheveled escape.

But soon, the smile on her face disappeared, and she sighed silently in her heart.

Although this bastard is unreliable, he's actually quite easy to get along with.

In front of him, I don't need to be too pretentious. I can occasionally shed the identity of the empress, be willful, and be myself!

As she pondered, Zhao Luan shook her head, forcing herself not to think about those messy things.

After regaining her composure, Zhao Luan picked up the secret memorial that was buried under the many other memorials, and her face instantly turned cold!

This time, quite a few suspicious people were actually caught!

Some people always seem to force themselves to pick up the butcher's knife!