The distance between the two widened, and Grand Tutor Su’s tightly clenched fingers gradually relaxed.
“You are very clever to see this Grand Tutor’s weakness at a glance. Indeed, for her and the child, I truly cannot make a move against you.”
The guards outside had been on alert. Hearing no more sounds of fighting from within the room, they finally felt at ease.
“Grand Tutor Su, I am not the only one who is clever. Before I even came here, had you not already imprisoned my people? If we speak of schemes, I truly cannot compare to you.”
Although she had expected things not to go smoothly before entering the palace, she hadn't anticipated encountering such a formidable enemy before even directly meeting Her Majesty the Empress.
“This Grand Tutor will not take pride in that. Because I had already schemed against you, I made sure to prepare a fallback plan beforehand. If our situations were reversed, the victor would truly be unknown.”
Grand Tutor Su understood very well that under her intricate plans, being caught by Gu Qianying today was already a precarious situation. If there had been any slight oversight back then, he might have been the one controlled by others.
The room returned to silence once more, and Gu Qianying and Grand Tutor Su sat opposite each other again.
“This Grand Tutor will not take your life, but you must also agree to terminate the child.”
Seeing that he remained insistent, Gu Qianying could only try to persuade him.
“Actually, whether living in the Southern Yi Kingdom or elsewhere, men should not live so humbly. Even if one cannot have lofty ambitions to serve the country, a peaceful home is also a prosperous nation. There is always a way to live a life that shines.”
The fingers in Grand Tutor Su’s sleeve curled slightly.
She was trying to enlighten him, perhaps even guiding him, but what did this woman truly know?
“What you say is truly laughable in the context of the Southern Yi Kingdom. A man’s ambition lies in revenge. If that were truly the case, I would not need to hide my identity and live like this.”
A wave of pain seemed to surge within him.
Gu Qianying did not interrupt, allowing him to voice the words hidden in his heart.
“You guessed correctly. I am indeed not a woman, but a man.”
As he spoke, he untied his hair bun and used a bottle of water to wash his face clean.
After removing the heavy makeup, a delicate and plain male face appeared before Gu Qianying.
“It truly is a joke. My real name is Su Ye. My mother was the former Grand Tutor of the previous dynasty. Despite her status, her immense power and influence, she happened to have me, an illegitimate child.”
The fact that the current Grand Tutor was a man was shocking enough, but he also had an untold past.
Gu Qianying gazed at the man before her and, for a moment, her mind drifted to Su Cheng.
If he had not told her about his background before, she would have been utterly astonished by Su Ye’s words today.
Having witnessed it now, she could understand.
Seeing that Gu Qianying was not surprised by what he said, Su Ye was momentarily stunned, then let out a mocking laugh.
“Perhaps you don’t know what I’ve been through, which is why you are so calm?”
Although Su Ye’s gaze was directed at Gu Qianying, his words were murmured as if to himself.
Neither of them spoke, and Gu Qianying’s gaze was one of respect.
Su Ye suddenly burst into laughter. Perhaps she truly didn’t care, and the one who was bothered was only himself.
Thinking of his own absurdity, Su Ye continued.
“In the Southern Yi Kingdom, men inherently have a low status, and I was an illegitimate child. If my identity were discovered, I would not be allowed to live in this world. Therefore, for my survival, my mother always made me disguise myself as a woman. And due to the identity of being the Grand Tutor’s daughter, this disguise has lasted until now.”
Indeed, it was very similar to Su Cheng’s experience. However, Su Cheng’s family had not reached the esteemed position of Grand Tutor, so even if exposed, he would at most face ostracism from his family, but outsiders would remain unaware.
But Su Ye was different. His identity was already known to everyone, making his situation even more agonizing.
Gu Qianying couldn't help but feel sympathy.
In fact, he didn't seem to have done anything truly wrong. Imprisoning her people was merely to ensure she could treat Her Majesty the Empress.
Thinking of this, Gu Qianying blurted out.
“Then, you and Her Majesty the Empress are…?”
Upon hearing her words, a cold glint flashed in Su Ye’s eyes.
“Since you know her identity, you must understand what you are carrying. If you cannot keep your mouth shut, then do not blame this Grand Tutor for cutting out your tongue.”
Disturbed by his emotions earlier, Su Ye had almost forgotten his methods.
Gu Qianying narrowed her eyes.
“Grand Tutor, do you think I am someone who is easily intimidated from childhood? Right now, I am helping you. If you continue with this attitude, I can not only rescue my people but also take the life of that esteemed person.”
In fact, Gu Qianying had already understood Su Ye’s expression just now.
Although he had attained the position of Grand Tutor, he could not escape the fear brought by his identity.
Such a him was bound to be flustered. The occasional ruthlessness he displayed was merely a cover for his inner panic.
Su Ye clenched his fists, wondering where this woman’s confidence came from.
However, upon reflection, it was true that now was not the time to kill her, but that might not be the case in the future.
With an idea forming in his mind, Su Ye’s face broke into a smile.
“Indeed, you are a courageous woman. This Grand Tutor appreciates your personality and will naturally refrain from acting rashly again.”
His attitude was unpredictable and changed extremely rapidly, causing Gu Qianying to feel a sense of unease.
“Since you are curious about this Grand Tutor’s story with Her Majesty, then I shall tell you.”
Gu Qianying’s gaze shifted to the person in the main seat. He was not stingy at all; she had merely spoken a word out of curiosity, and he was willing to recount it.
Perhaps these matters had been weighing on his heart for too long, and having no one to share them with was a form of torment.
Without waiting for Gu Qianying’s answer, Su Ye began to speak slowly, recounting that past event.
Ten years ago, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, it was the day of Su Ye’s coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen.
It was truly a joke; a man should have had his capping ceremony, but due to the concealment of his identity, he had to undergo the rituals for women.
The Old Grand Tutor hosted a coming-of-age banquet, attended by many families of officials.
It was at that banquet that Su Ye and the Empress met each other.
They were of similar age, at the cusp of budding romance.
At that time, Su Ye was crying alone in his room, dressed as a man, when suddenly the door creaked open.
“Who’s there?”
Fearing his identity would be exposed, the young him hid beneath a nearby table.
The person at the door seemed to pause, and then a young girl’s voice emerged.
“I am a maidservant to the Grand Tutor’s daughter. I got lost and stumbled upon this place. I apologize for any disturbance.”
It turned out to be a little maidservant, and Su Ye finally felt relieved. However, due to his identity, his mother had always forbidden him from interacting with others. Thus, this was his first time seeing other children.
Perhaps it was fate that led him to lose his senses.
Su Ye, still dressed as a man, crawled out from under the table.
Their appearances and temperaments were both exceptional. From that first meeting, they imprinted each other in their hearts.