From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

Under the flickering candlelight, the golden imperial edict resembled shimmering gold foil, its light and shadow shimmering and reflecting on the faces of Yan Ruyu and Xu Mobai, adding to the mystery and oppression.

Their eyes met, and both saw worry in each other's eyes.

Yan Ruyu frowned slightly, her delicate fingertips gently tracing the gold-embossed patterns on the imperial edict, but the sensation on her fingertips could not dispel the unease in her heart.

Xu Mobai's thin lips were pressed tightly together, and his deep eyes were as unfathomable as an ancient well.

The servants around held their breath, not daring to utter a sound, as if the entire mansion was shrouded in a thick layer of gloom.

"I'll go with you." Xu Mobai broke the silence, his tone firm, yet tinged with a barely perceptible hesitation.

The palace was strict and had many rules. He knew that if he went there rashly, it might cause Ruyu unnecessary trouble.

Yan Ruyu bit her lower lip, her eyes flickering as she weighed the pros and cons.

The emperor's sudden summons was a matter of good or bad. If Xu Mobai were to come along, it would be good to have someone to rely on in case of danger.

But if court etiquette doesn't allow it...

Her thoughts were in turmoil, and she was unable to make a decision for the time being.

Time seemed to stand still, with only the occasional soft crackling of the candlelight emphasizing the stillness of the surroundings.

Yan Ruyu took a deep breath and was about to speak when she suddenly stopped.

She suddenly looked up at Xu Mobai, a glint of light flashing in her eyes...

“Wait,” she said softly, “I think I’m remembering something…”

Yan Ruyu suddenly looked up, gripped Xu Mobai's hand tightly, and said softly, "Wait, I remember something..." Her tone was full of confidence, as if she had suddenly found the key to solving the problem.

Seeing the light in Yan Ruyu's eyes, Xu Mobai's unease gradually subsided.

His deep eyes narrowed slightly, and a gentle smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

The servants around seemed to sense this change as well, casting expectant glances at them as if the protagonist's brilliance had also illuminated their hearts.

"Court etiquette, didn't the system already explain it to me?" Yan Ruyu continued, a faint smile on her face.

She gently stroked the imperial edict, as if caressing a precious treasure.

Her words carried an undeniable firmness that made everyone present feel at ease.

Xu Mobai gently held Yan Ruyu's hand, his touch warm and firm.

Yan Ruyu felt that warmth, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotion and dependence, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

The servants around them watched this scene with envy, secretly admiring the deep affection between the two.

“We must have enough confidence,” Yan Ruyu took a deep breath, her voice firm and strong, “I will handle everything. We don’t need to bring any valuable gifts to meet the emperor.”

Xu Mobai nodded, held Yan Ruyu's hand tightly, and said gently, "No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

Just then, light footsteps came from outside the door, interrupting their conversation.

Yan Ruyu raised her head, took a deep breath, and said in a low voice, "Are you ready?"

Xu Mobai nodded and answered firmly, "I'm ready."

The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with determination and trust.

The footsteps outside the door grew closer, as if foreshadowing the unknown and challenges of the future.

The servants' eyes widened like saucers, their jaws nearly dropping to the ground.

What?

Going to see the emperor without bringing a gift?

This is unheard of!

They seemed to see their young lady recklessly flirting with death.

Yan Ruyu, however, remained calm, as if she were simply remarking on the pleasant weather.

Her eyes sparkled, and a confident smile played on her lips, as if she had everything under control.

Xu Mobai was taken aback for a moment, then realized that his little fox was indeed unconventional.

His thin lips curved slightly, and a gentle smile appeared in his deep eyes, silently conveying his support and love.

The magnificent palace gleamed in the sunlight, its carved beams and painted rafters exuding an aura of grandeur.

The heavily guarded figures stood like sculptures, their gleaming armor reflecting a blinding light.

The air was filled with a solemn and dignified atmosphere, which made people feel immense pressure.

Yan Ruyu took a deep breath, and although she was a little nervous inside, she remained calm on the surface.

She walked forward with her head held high and her steps firm, like a female general about to go into battle.

Xu Mobai followed closely behind, his gaze always following her figure.

Inside the Golden Palace, the emperor sat high on the dragon throne, dressed in a dragon robe, exuding unparalleled majesty.

His face was stern and imposing, commanding respect even without anger, making people afraid to look him in the eye.

The surrounding ministers were all silent, not daring to utter a sound, for fear of accidentally angering the emperor.

Yan Ruyu and Xu Mobai stood in the center of the hall, feeling countless gazes upon them, as if needles were pricking their backs.

They were unsure of the emperor's purpose in summoning them, and were filled with anxiety, like ants on a hot pan.

The ministers whispered amongst themselves, like a flock of chattering sparrows, which only added to the tense atmosphere.

The emperor looked at Yan Ruyu and slowly began to speak…