Chapter 121: Extra: About Childhood Sweethearts and the Future

Chapter 121: Additional Stories: About Childhood Friends and the Future

Two years later, Luo Yunchen's corruption level was completely eliminated.

After completing its task and distributing rewards to the host, the system was about to leave.

Su Zheng made a last-minute deal with it, trading gold, silver, treasures, antique porcelain, and other goods.

Including chocolates and lollipops that Su Zheng hadn't tasted in a very long time...

And also... some clothing items...

That night, Su Zheng let down his ink-black hair, thinly dressed...

A deep-V white long shirt, ... with glimpses of skin...

Exposing his wrists... neck...

Like a long-haired male demon, he appeared before Luo Yunchen.

Luo Yunchen's eyes were dark and deep, staring straight at Su Zheng as he stepped closer: "Brother... mine..."

Su Zheng tilted his head, smiling with a languid sensuality: "Does it look good? Do you like it?"

Luo Yunchen leaned close to Su Zheng's ear, sniffing gently, his hands gripping Su Zheng's slender waist, pulling him closer, his low, slightly hoarse voice magnetic: "Brother, beautiful. Love it so much, brother..."

.........

Three days later.

Su Zheng picked up the outfit to dress Luo Yunchen.

Luo Yunchen didn't resist, obediently letting Su Zheng fuss over him.

After dressing him, Su Zheng lifted his chin with his finger, grinning rakishly: "Wife, you're truly a peerless beauty. This face—absolutely stunning. This figure—tall and powerful. This body—so... hard..."

Su Zheng maintained his smile: "But perfect—it must taste delicious. Don't worry, hubby will take good care of you..."

Luo Yunchen smiled tenderly, his tone doting: "Brother, it's fine to have fantasies..."

"Hmm??"

Luo Yunchen wrapped his arm around Su Zheng's waist, pulling him close: "But fantasies are just fantasies after all..."

"..."

After a dizzying whirl, Su Zheng ended up face down on the bed, pinned down.

"!!!"

.........

His special ability had rusted over...

***

Another three years later.

Luo Yunchen chose a successor: Su Yan.

To groom the next generation, Su Zheng and Luo Yunchen established the Imperial Academy, where all underage princes, heirs, and young marquises could study.

Over the years, Luo Yunchen had already made a clear judgment and selected an heir from among them.

This child—how to put it—seemed somewhat... ordinary in Su Zheng's eyes.

The child's academic performance was decent, but not outstanding or top-tier. There were plenty of students in the academy with better grades.

He didn't seem stupid, but he hadn't shown any remarkable brilliance or fame. In contrast, there were a few famous students in the academy that people immediately thought of when mentioning the Imperial Academy.

His appearance wasn't breathtaking, but it was pleasant to look at—the more you looked at him, the more you liked him.

His personality wasn't standout, not arrogant, not humble, not timid—just overall... gentle.

Su Zheng asked Luo Yunchen why he chose him. Luo Yunchen smiled and pointed to his own eyes, saying to Su Zheng: "His eyes can encompass the entire nation and the livelihood of the people."

Su Zheng didn't truly understand until he later overheard a conversation between Su Yan and Jiang Ming. Even if he didn't fully grasp it, he was completely reassured.

Jiang Ming was exceptionally talented, passing the county-level imperial examination at a young age. He had come to the capital with his mother and elder sister to pursue further studies.

Over the years, Jiang Ming never slackened in his studies, working hard and diligently. His reputation for talent far outstripped that of any other student in the academy.

After Luo Yunchen chose Su Yan, Su Zheng made Jiang Ming Su Yan's study partner.

One day.

Su Yan said to Jiang Ming with a smile: "Brother Jiang Ming, talent and moral character are not the fundamental criteria for using or not using someone. Rather, they are the criteria for how much to use and how to use them. Loyal ministers have their uses; bad people also have their uses. Sometimes, using treacherous officials to deal with villains can be more effective and efficient."

"Your Highness personally approached those people—surely they won't be relegated to minor roles? Aren't you afraid they'll become complacent, forget their place, and make grave mistakes?"

"First, they are spoiled brats with a bottom line. They know in their hearts that some things must never be done. Whether they turn out good or bad entirely depends on how we guide them."

"Second, every person has a weakness. Whether it's fame, fortune, power, or love, everyone cares about something. As long as I put shackles on what they care about, they will remain constantly vigilant."

"However, nothing is absolute. I heard that my imperial brother once set two bottom lines for his ministers. Death."

"I will also give them a bottom line, and that bottom line is you, Brother Jiang Ming."

"Brother Jiang Ming, please keep a watchful eye for me. From imperial relatives to commoners, anyone who violates the law, you have the authority to punish them in accordance with the law!"

"Good! I swear by my life to never break this promise!"

......

Another two years passed. Su Zheng abdicated and passed the throne to Su Yan and, together with Luo Yunchen, became the Retired Emperor and Retired Prince Consort.

Then they moved back to the Eastern Palace, living a carefree life.

Moreover, Su Zheng gave Su Yan a deadline: to stabilize the court and the nation with Jiang Ming within five years.

That way, Su Zheng and Luo Yunchen could completely let go and travel around, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves!

The imperial brother was carefree and unreliable, and the Prince Consort only doted on the imperial brother. Su Yan could only accept humbly and helplessly, seeking comfort from Brother Jiang Ming!

......

***

On the long street of the Eastern Palace.

As years ago, Su Zheng leaned on Luo Yunchen's shoulder, eyes closed, letting Luo Yunchen lead him: "A Chen, I have always believed in protecting my own fate, never placing the path ahead in anyone else's hands. But now, I entrust myself entirely to you. No matter what lies ahead, I will only follow your steps. Lead me like this forever, alright?"

"Okay! The road ahead is long, and I will ensure my brother suffers no bumps. Even if ahead lies thorny brush or abysses, I will build a bridge with my body for my brother, helping him travel smoothly."

"No, whether it's thorns or abysses, I want to go with you. Where you are, I am. In this life, never abandon you, never be parted in life or death."

"Good. In this life, never abandon you, never be parted in life or death."

Luo Yunchen wrapped his arm around Su Zheng's waist, lowered his head, and kissed the top of his hair. His voice was hoarse: "Brother, let's go back."

Su Zheng opened his eyes to look at him, his gaze filled with undisguised affection: "What's wrong? Tired? Do you want me to carry you?"

Luo Yunchen smiled, tightened his arms around Su Zheng, and darted back to the bedroom—to the very bed where he had once lain when they first met.

A soft murmur quickly faded away: "Brother... I miss you."

***

When their eyes first met back then, neither knew fate had already tied them together.

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