Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!

Chapter 257: Extra Story: Yu Zhong 3

After Song Qianfan’s death, the current emperor wanted to choose a husband for Su Juan. Although there were many suitable people in the Capital City, only a few were truly suitable. Yu Zhong couldn’t help but think, if he could compete for this, how could he worry about the future of the Yu Family not being as prosperous as before?

That day, he came to find Su Juan, feeling somewhat anxious. He had to admit that besides wanting to leverage the situation, he had other thoughts—he truly admired Su Juan, just like when he first saw her, he thought of finding such a beautiful wife in the future.

Before the tea was even served, Yu Zhong stated his purpose directly, "I heard that Your Majesty intends to select a husband for the princess among suitably aged people in the Capital City?"

He wouldn’t be indirect, fearing that being too subtle would cause the person in front of him to misunderstand his intentions or miss them altogether.

[No way... Is he really here to offer himself?]

"I know the princess has no intention of choosing a husband, as her mind is focused on unfinished major affairs, but eventually a husband must be chosen, even if postponing is of no benefit."

"Why doesn’t the princess choose me?"

Upon saying these words, Yu Zhong let out a sigh of relief, but then anxiety crept in again. He couldn’t discern Su Juan’s thoughts; she might have affection for Liu Xuan or Song Qianhang, but he believed he could compete too. If he didn’t try, how would he know if it could work?

Having made up his mind, once the words were out, there was no turning back, he added, "We get along fairly well."

Su Juan: "But there is no affection."

Yu Zhong was momentarily stunned, but after all, not everyone marries out of love. Even if there is no affection, perhaps they can share life’s burdens after marriage...

Su Juan continued, "You already have such achievements now. Be patient for a few more years, and surely you will succeed. Why worry whether the Yu Family has no prospects?"

Su Juan’s words hit home, making Yu Zhong feel uneasy and somewhat dejected. "It seems the princess has refused."

He hadn’t considered hiding anything, yet Su Juan could fully understand his desires and dispel his worries without showing any emotion. She subtly maintained his dignity and even offered reassurance.

Su Juan further said, "You should marry a wife who shares your feelings, rather than treating your marriage as a transaction to measure gain and loss."

At that moment, Yu Zhong felt a sense of shame over what he had just said. He immediately stood up and bowed to Su Juan, "I understand. Regarding today’s matter..."

Su Juan: "Mr. Yu has a promising future. I will pretend you never came today."

Yu Zhong: "Thank you, princess."

On the way out of the mansion, he encountered Shen Ruhui and also saw Liu Xuan.

Liu Xuan just stood there, yet appeared as if he could see through his thoughts. Instinctively, Yu Zhong avoided him, feeling regret.

Yu Zhong couldn’t help but think: If today he had come solely to offer himself to Su Juan out of genuine affection, how much better it would have been.

In front of Liu Xuan, he wouldn’t have to feel inferior; even though Liu Xuan had accomplished nothing, it still left him feeling unsettled.

Clearly, he liked her, but mixed in with other thoughts, he missed the opportunity to express his feelings.

Today, he truly should not have come.

...

Su Juan hadn’t forgotten what she said that day.

Ever since she took charge, whenever there was an opportunity, she utilized Yu Zhong, elevating his status and attention in the court. Even higher-ranking officials had to show him respect as he was a minister close to the emperor.

And because of this, Yu Zhong became increasingly regretful about the events of that day.

Su Juan acted as though nothing had happened that day, treating him not as a friend as before and no longer offering playful jokes. She only considered him a minister she could trust with important responsibilities.

Due to Yu Zhong, the Yu Family also moved back to the Capital City, reestablishing themselves there, earning respect, with new prospects for the younger members.

This should have been a cause for happiness, yet he felt none at all.

Whenever he saw Su Juan sitting high above, Yu Zhong couldn’t help but think: If he could return to the past, he would never think anything less of Su Juan. She was excellent... No, the best girl.

Among the best in this world, there is no one better than her.

He wanted her to joke with him however she pleased, to look at him however many times she desired, just to have her glance at him a bit more.

But now the relationship between ruler and minister is as faint as water, never returning to how it was.

He suddenly thought of the first day he met Su Juan, perhaps some things were destined from the start. They remained in the past, never to be found again.

It’s a pity that this life has passed just like this.