Su Ling's Time Travel

However, Su Ling merely sneered and said, "A chance encounter? I think you have ulterior motives. Do you know who Li Qinghe is? She once competed with me for the Empress's position. How could I allow you to get close to her?"

Upon hearing this, Tong Jinyu felt a surge of fear. He knew Su Ling's methods well and that he was nothing more than a nobody in her eyes. He hurriedly knelt down and pleaded, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Jinyu has no intention of betraying Your Majesty. Jinyu is willing to give his life for Your Majesty to show his loyalty."

However, Su Ling simply stared at him coldly without saying a word. Her eyes revealed a coldness and aloofness that sent a chill down Tong Jinyu's spine.

"Get up." After a long while, Su Ling finally spoke calmly, "I know your intelligence and appreciate your wit. However, if you cannot be of one mind with me, how can I tolerate you?"

Upon hearing this, Tong Jinyu was thrilled. He knew that Su Ling was giving him a chance. He quickly declared, "Your Majesty, rest assured, from this day forward, Jinyu will be wholeheartedly loyal to Your Majesty and will never have any other intentions."

However, Su Ling simply smiled and said, "Loyalty to me? What makes you think you can? Do you know that I am never short of smart people around me? If you want to gain a foothold by my side, you'd better show me your true abilities."

Upon hearing this, Tong Jinyu felt a surge of fear. He knew Su Ling's words were true; she was never short of intelligent people. If he wanted to gain a foothold in her life, he had to prove his own worth.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right," Tong Jinyu said respectfully. "Jinyu is willing to become Lord Jiang Yexuan's apprentice to learn court intrigue and fighting skills, so as to better serve Your Majesty."

However, Su Ling merely glanced at him coldly before refusing, "Become Jiang Yexuan's disciple? Do you think I'll let you get close to him so easily? If you want to learn political maneuvering and fighting skills, go and earn them yourself. I never give people opportunities easily."

Upon hearing this, Tong Jinyu felt a pang of disappointment. He knew that Su Ling was testing him. To gain her trust, he needed to have his own strength and methods.

"Your Majesty, rest assured," Tong Jinyu said firmly. "Jinyu will certainly not let Your Majesty down. Jinyu will prove her worth with her actions."

Having said that, he bowed respectfully and withdrew from Phoenix Palace. He knew that from this day forward, he would prove his loyalty and worth through his actions. He wanted Su Ling to see that he was not a nobody who could only rely on others, but a person with his own strength and methods.

Stepping out of Phoenix Palace, Tong Jinyu felt unusually heavy-hearted. He was well aware of the challenges and difficulties he faced, but he also understood that this was an opportunity—a chance for him to prove his worth. He secretly vowed to impress Su Ling with his actions, to show her his strength and loyalty.

Therefore, Tong Jinyu began to study various kinds of knowledge and skills even more diligently. He not only sought various opportunities in the palace to showcase his talent and strength, but also secretly befriended some influential figures. With his wisdom and methods, he gradually gained a foothold in the palace.

Meanwhile, Su Ling had been secretly observing Tong Jinyu's performance. She witnessed his efforts and growth in the palace, and saw his gradually revealed strength and methods. She began to develop a strong interest in this young man and gradually lowered her guard against him.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, dappling the bluestone floor of the General's Mansion and adding a touch of warmth to the solemn building. Tong Jincheng, dressed in brocade robes, with a handsome face and eyes sparkling with anticipation and excitement, stood before Jiang Yexuan and respectfully bowed.

"Lord Jiang, Jin Cheng has come to seek your tutelage. I hope you will accept me as your disciple." His voice was firm and sincere, every word revealing his thirst for political maneuvering and fighting skills.

Jiang Yexuan, a renowned master of political intrigue in the palace, sat upright on his high throne, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if he could see into people's hearts. He scrutinized Tong Jincheng, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"Good, good, good!" Jiang Yexuan praised repeatedly. "Jin Cheng, you are intelligent, determined and persevering. I, Jiang Yexuan, am willing to take you as my disciple."

Upon hearing this, Tong Jincheng was filled with excitement. He knew that becoming Jiang Yexuan's disciple was a crucial step towards the pinnacle of power in the palace. He quickly bowed again to express his gratitude.

However, at that moment, a discordant voice broke the tranquility.

"Lord Jiang, Jin Yu also wishes to become your disciple. Please accept me." Tong Jin Yu had appeared at the door at some point. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and his face bore a resemblance to Tong Jin Cheng, but his eyes gleamed with more cunning and ambition.

Jiang Yexuan was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected Tong Jinyu to come and ask to become his disciple. He scrutinized Tong Jinyu, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. However, Tong Jincheng had already spoken eagerly.

“Lord Jiang, Jin Yu is my younger brother. He is also exceptionally intelligent and has a keen interest in court intrigue. I beg you to take us both in.”