Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

For the rest of the journey...

Gu Mingli continued to secretly watch Xiao Ye's every move, forcibly imitating him for the entire afternoon.

The good news is that the system progress bar is finally climbing, having passed the critical 70% mark of the task.

The bad news is that although Xiao Ye spent most of his time resting with his eyes closed, Gu Mingli accurately caught the few times he couldn't suppress the smirk on his lips.

Gu Mingli leaned against the soft cushion and closed his eyes in despair.

It seems that in Xiao Ye's heart, he has gone from being a "talented minister" to a "perverted person".

The sun sets in the west.

As the sky darkened from orange to gray-blue, the convoy finally arrived at Yongping City.

Although the residence in Yongping City could not compare to the luxury of the mansion in Jizhou, it was still quite clean and impressive.

The residence is a large courtyard with three sections, and the ram's horn lanterns hanging in the corridors illuminate the courtyard brightly.

Officials of all ranks in Yongping Prefecture had been waiting anxiously in the main hall, ready to receive the emperor.

Gu Mingli and Gu Mingyue were led to the backyard by two waiters.

"Young Master Gu, Master Gu, this way please, watch the steps."

Two waiters from the inn led the way attentively.

"The rooms for all the gentlemen have been arranged for tonight, in the east wing."

"Hot water for washing up and dinner are already prepared in the room, and you can enjoy them at any time."

Gu Mingli, still preoccupied with his mission, quickly inquired, "Which room is His Majesty staying in?"

The attendant bowed and replied, "His Majesty resides in the independent central courtyard at the front."

Gu Mingli, who was rubbing his stiff and sore lower back, froze upon hearing this.

"His Majesty isn't in the same courtyard as us?!"

The waiter smiled and nodded.

Gu Mingli: "..."

Does this mean that he won't see Xiao Ye at all in the second half of the game?!

How will he finish the rest of the imitation then?!

[Beep beep beep! Reminding the host!]

In the void, a red warning message pops up on the task panel.

[Current task progress: 77%. The remaining time is for continuous imitation; otherwise, all progress will be lost, and penalties will be imposed immediately!]

[Please return to the mission target within 10 minutes to maintain the imitation progress.]

【任务中断倒计时：00:09:59……00:09:58……00:09:57……】

Gu Mingli: "..."

Gu Mingyue walked beside Gu Mingli with Taozhi in her arms.

Seeing his older brother's furrowed brow, he quickly leaned closer and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Brother, what's wrong? Is there a problem with the system task?"

Gu Mingli nodded with a bitter face, on the verge of tears.

"During the mission, I cannot be separated from Huang Jiaojiao for more than ten minutes."

"At this time, once Huang Jiaojiao finishes her business in the front hall and returns to her room, she will probably go straight to wash up and rest."

"I need to find a way to get into his room and stubbornly stay there for a full hour and a half!!"

"Do you think Commander Geng will throw me out?"

Gu Mingyue touched her chin.

"Didn't you teach the Empress Dowager to play Connect Four back in Ji Province? Just say you're having a long night and can't sleep, and ask His Majesty for a game!"

Gu Mingli's eyes lit up.

Yes! Let's play chess!

That's the perfect excuse!

While playing chess, he had a perfectly legitimate reason to sit opposite Xiao Ye.

You could easily pretend to be deep in thought while staring at the chessboard, and at the same time imitate Xiao Ye's posture and facial expressions.

It's perfectly legitimate! There's no flaw in it!

Gu Mingli patted his sister's shoulder, moved.

"Mingyue, you're so smart! I'm going to find him right now!!"

After saying this, he mumbled a few words to the attendant, saying that he had something to discuss with His Majesty.

He turned around, lifted the hem of his robe, and headed straight for the central courtyard.

Xiao Ye's room was the largest and best room in the entire residence.

At this moment, two Dragon Scale Guards with swords stood on the left and right sides of the entrance.

Seeing Gu Mingli striding over, panting, the two exchanged a glance and tacitly stepped aside to make way for him.

Gu Mingli stopped at the door, took a deep breath, raised his hand to straighten his disheveled clothes, and cleared his throat.

"Your humble servant, Gu Mingli, requests an audience with Your Majesty."

The room fell silent for a moment.

A moment later, with a soft creak, the heavy mahogany door was pulled open a crack.

Liu An stepped aside and smiled as he ushered him inside: "Young Master Gu, please come in."

The house is brightly lit.

Xiao Ye was lounging in a grand chair by the window, drinking tea.

He had already taken off his black outer robe and was now only wearing a moon-white silk undergarment.

Her belt was loose, and her long, dark hair was casually draped over her shoulders.

Clearly, she had let down her guard and was in a relaxed state, waiting to wash up and go to bed.

Hearing the noise, Xiao Ye slightly lifted his deep, narrow phoenix eyes and looked at Gu Mingli with a leisurely air.

"What's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Gu Mingli glanced at the system countdown that was still ticking in the corner of his vision.

My heart skipped a beat.

He brazenly walked straight to the table.

"Ahem... Your Majesty, I suddenly feel the night is endless and I am wide awake. I wonder if Your Majesty would be so inclined as to play a game of chess with me?"

Gu Mingli tried his best to keep his tone calm, appearing sincere yet elegant.

Xiao Ye raised an eyebrow slightly, a mischievous smile appearing in his eyes, and quietly watched Gu Mingli for a while.

Then, he gently placed the white porcelain teacup on the table with a "clatter" and leaned back in his chair.

"I will not go. I am tired today."

Gu Mingli's smile froze instantly.

Xiao Ye added, "After traveling all day, I don't want to use my brain right now."

The refusal was swift and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation whatsoever.

Gu Mingli was completely stunned: "...Huh?"

Did he hear that right?!

This workaholic, who's so resourceful and energetic he could work non-stop, is actually saying he's...tired?!

He had known Xiao Ye for so long and had never heard him utter a single word of weakness!

This unconventional answer left Gu Mingli momentarily speechless, completely at a loss for words.

The progress bar on the system panel has stopped moving; it still needs 23% more imitation to complete.

The mission countdown continues to tick.

Gu Mingli swallowed hard, steeled himself, and decided to go all out.

"Since Your Majesty doesn't want to use your brain to play chess... how about this humble servant keeps Your Majesty company for a chat?"

He's staying here tonight, and he won't leave until he completes his mission!

Xiao Ye narrowed his phoenix eyes and scanned Gu Mingli.

"Gu Mingli".

"Your subject... Your subject is here."

Gu Mingli felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively sat up straight.

Xiao Ye looked at him with a half-smile.

"Since there's nothing urgent, you may leave. I really need to rest."

Gu Mingli: "..."

The game is over!

Xiao Ye's "watching the show" expression clearly showed that he was deliberately trying to get rid of him and force him to reveal his true colors!

I absolutely cannot be kicked out of the house!