Su Ling's Time Travel

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yexuan pondered for a moment. He knew that Tong Jinyu wielded considerable influence in the palace, and taking him as a disciple would undoubtedly bring him more assistance. Therefore, he nodded and agreed.

“Very well, since that’s the case, Jin Yu, I am also willing to take you as my disciple. I hope that you two brothers can support each other and learn court intrigue and fighting skills together.”

Upon hearing this, Tong Jinyu felt a surge of excitement. He knew this was a crucial step towards the pinnacle of power in the palace. He quickly bowed, expressing his gratitude.

And so, Tong Jincheng and Tong Jinyu became Jiang Yexuan's apprentices. They began their arduous studies in the general's mansion. Every day, they had to learn various court intrigues and fighting techniques, and deal with all sorts of complex court situations.

However, as time went on, a sense of dissatisfaction began to rise in Tong Jinyu's heart. He discovered that although he and Tong Jincheng had become apprentices at the same time, Jiang Yexuan seemed to value Tong Jincheng more. Whenever Tong Jincheng put forward new insights or strategies, Jiang Yexuan would always praise them highly, while he would just give Tong Jincheng perfunctory answers.

This unfair treatment filled Tong Jinyu with resentment and jealousy. He began to study even harder, hoping to prove his worth through his own abilities. Every night, when all was quiet, he would study alone in his study, hoping to find a way to surpass Tong Jincheng.

However, despite his efforts, whenever he offered his insights or strategies, Jiang Yexuan would only glance at him indifferently and say, "Jin Yu, your ideas are somewhat novel, but not mature enough. You need to learn more from Jin Cheng; he is more experienced and wiser than you."

These words filled Tong Jinyu with a sense of frustration. He began to doubt his own abilities and worth, and even began to question whether he was truly suited to learning court intrigue and power struggles.

However, just when he was about to give up, an unexpected discovery rekindled his hope.

That day, he stumbled upon an ancient book in his study, which recorded an ancient court intrigue technique. This technique was said to allow one to thrive and navigate the court with ease. Tong Jinyu was overjoyed, and he began to devote himself to studying this technique, hoping to use it to prove his worth.

After a period of diligent study, Tong Jinyu finally mastered this ancient court intrigue technique. He began to try to demonstrate his new skills to Jiang Yexuan, hoping to gain his approval and praise.

However, to his surprise, Jiang Yexuan merely glanced at him indifferently and said, "Jin Yu, while this technique is somewhat ingenious, it is not practical enough. In the palace, strength and wisdom are more important than such flashy but impractical skills."

These words left Tong Jinyu feeling a pang of disappointment. However, he did not give up. He knew that only by proving his worth through his own actions could he gain Jiang Yexuan's recognition and appreciation.

So he began to study even more diligently the various courtly skills and knowledge. He not only devoted himself to reading ancient books in his study, but also secretly observed the various situations and relationships within the court. Using his wisdom and methods, he gradually built his influence within the court.

Finally, one day, when Tong Jinyu once again demonstrated her new skills and strategies to Jiang Yexuan, an approving look appeared on Jiang Yexuan's face.

"Jin Yu, you have made great progress," he said calmly. "Your strength and wisdom have gradually gained my recognition. I believe that as long as you continue to work hard, you will definitely be able to make a name for yourself in the palace."

Spring sunlight filters through the clouds, casting its glow on the palace's cobblestone streets and adding a touch of warmth to the magnificent palace. However, beneath this seemingly tranquil palace, turbulent undercurrents lurk.

Empress Su Ling, seated high on her phoenix throne in the Phoenix Palace, was examining a secret letter in her hand, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. The letter contained news of her nemesis, Li Qinghe, being pregnant. This news would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar in the harem and the court.

"Li Qinghe, you've finally come this far." Su Ling thought to herself, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, making a crisp sound. "Pregnant? Hmph, this is truly a godsend. Let's see how you handle this."

So Su Ling deliberately spread the news, allowing it to quickly spread throughout the palace and the court. She knew that this news would spark countless discussions and speculations, and that Li Qinghe would be caught in a predicament as a result.

As Su Ling had predicted, discussions arose throughout the palace and the court. Some speculated that Li Qinghe's child would be the future heir to the throne, while others worried that her child would disrupt the existing power balance. Li Qinghe herself was also plunged into deep anxiety as a result.