Chapter Three: Lawless and Unbridled

Yang Chuan gradually emerged from the shock brought on by the system. Hearing Yan Wugou’s words, a faint sneer curled at the corner of his mouth, tinged with disdain.

That look ignited a furious blaze within Yan Wugou’s heart! She was about to lash out when Yang Chuan spoke first:

“Your Majesty’s grace is as heavy as a mountain. I have served in this court for three years without a single achievement. Though my talent is limited, Your Majesty still entrusted me with the position of Academician of the Hanlin Academy.”

“Even with the thickest skin, I can no longer endure staying in this court! The post of Academician is beyond my worth.”

“I, humbly, request to resign!”

With these words, Yang Chuan bowed deeply.

Amidst the stunned gazes of all present, he removed his official black cap and took off his ceremonial robe, placing them before Yan Wugou.

The officials were dumbfounded.

Yan Wugou’s face reflected utter astonishment; her fists clenched tightly as she stared at Yang Chuan in disbelief.

Though she had intended to suppress him, she had never imagined pushing him away from the court altogether.

Despite feeling overshadowed by Yang Chuan, and even somewhat losing control, Yan Wugou knew well how much dedication he had poured into the prosperity of the Great Kang Dynasty over the years.

His sincere heart, coupled with formidable ability, had brought about the current golden age.

Precisely because she still sought to use him to promote reforms, she appointed him Academician to advise her closely.

Yet now, Yang Chuan actually intended to resign!

He was still so young.

The so-called resignation was merely a polite pretext; he truly gave no regard to appearances!

A surge of anger welled up within Yan Wugou as she fixed him with a cold stare:

“Yang Chuan! You are but a commoner, and it was I who gave you the chance to rise! You should think carefully—do you really wish to resign?”

Overcome with rage, Yan Wugou’s words flowed unchecked, or rather, she was finally voicing her true thoughts.

Her eyes burned with anger as she confronted Yang Chuan.

This man, emboldened by her favor, was now lawless!

He even dared to force her hand in such a manner?

Yet Yang Chuan harbored no intention of coercion; the system had already chosen the best path for him.

If he was unhappy in the Great Kang court, then leaving was the solution.

Besides, today he had finally seen the truth of Yan Wugou’s heart—there was no lingering attachment, nor was he one to covet power.

“Your Majesty, my mind is made up. Since I lack the ability to stand firm in this court, why should I make things unpleasant for myself? For these three years, I thank the honorable officials for their cooperation in supporting reforms.”

“And I thank Your Majesty for granting this commoner such great authority.”

With those words, he turned and left without a backward glance.

His thoughts were clear, and he felt unburdened.

If he could no longer be tolerated here, why remain shamelessly?

At just twenty years old, he was in his prime, possessing the ability to transform Great Kang from a weak borderland into a mighty realm.

In this vast world, there were many places where his talents could be put to use.

A dismissed prime minister could find new opportunities; there were many patrons ready to welcome him.

“Yang Chuan!”

A sharp voice rang from behind.

Since ascending the throne, Yan Wugou had never lost her composure like this.

“If you step beyond this palace gate today, our past affections will be severed. Do you not care for the bond we once shared?”

Her voice cracked with desperation, eyes bloodshot; there was no trace of imperial dignity, only the sorrow of a woman scorned.

The officials shook their heads in pity.

How could one so easily swayed by emotion govern a nation?

Yet, seeing Yan Wugou’s desperate plea, they expected Yang Chuan to relent.

Indeed, he paused.

Yan Wugou’s heart leapt, certain he would be swayed.

But Yang Chuan’s next words altered her expression:

“Past affections? If Your Majesty truly remembered them, how would we have reached this point? It is easy to change a friend’s heart, yet one says a friend’s heart is fickle. Majesty, do not confuse cause and effect.”

With that, he turned and took a step forward.

Outside the palace, Yang Chuan looked up at the hazy sky.

A gentle autumn drizzle clung to his robe.

The autumn breeze brushed his face, cool but not cold.

He laughed heartily, feeling the vastness of heaven and earth.

For years, his thoughts had been consumed by Great Kang and Yan Wugou, but perhaps he had dishonored the very name of a traveler from another world.

A true man should harbor ambitions stretching thousands of miles; why dwell here for the sake of one person or one matter?

“A spirit of righteousness, a swift thousand-mile breeze—my days ahead shall be joyous indeed!”

With that thought, he laughed aloud and walked confidently away.

The officials all turned to watch him leave.

Only the endless autumn rain remained; no white-clad figure was in sight.

---

Facing south, Yan Wugou naturally watched Yang Chuan’s departure.

Her gaze darkened; the shackles binding her were finally broken, yet inexplicably, a heavy weight pressed upon her heart.

Nearby, Censor Feng Zhang hastily offered flattery:

“Your Majesty, congratulations! You have finally driven away that arrogant fellow! From now on, you alone will rule this court!”

Yan Wugou’s expression brightened somewhat.

Indeed!

From now on, she could do as she pleased in this court, unrestrained!

Yang Chuan had taken advantage of their relationship to disregard her for years; this time, she would make him understand that Great Kang would not fall without him!

She herself was the true pillar of Great Kang!

---

At the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

With a loud crash, the official plaque inscribed “Prime Minister’s Mansion” fell to the ground, stirring a cloud of dust.

Dressed in plain clothes, Yang Chuan watched the scene with a smile.

This residence had once been bestowed upon him by Yan Wugou.

Now, it was rightfully returned.

All the servants had been dismissed, save for a personal maid by his side.

Yang Chuan glanced back at her—a woman whose beauty rivaled Yan Wugou’s, eyes bright and clear.

Several officials tasked with reclaiming the mansion looked on, admiring Yang Chuan’s composed demeanor.

The Emperor’s ingratitude was distasteful, but Yang Chuan did not mind in the slightest.

“Prime Minister, why bring such disgrace upon Your Majesty? Surely if you lowered your pride and apologized, you could return to court.”

“His Majesty cares deeply for you...”

Xu Ping, Left Vice Minister of Revenue, said with a wry smile.

But Yang Chuan interrupted him:

“Minister Xu, please do not address me as Prime Minister. I am now a commoner and unworthy of such honor.”

“This was my own choice; there is no need for persuasion.”

With that, he and the maid boarded the carriage and departed leisurely.