Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress
Chapter 5 - You’ve Got Some Nerve—Daring to Disrespect the Empress?

Chapter 5: You’ve Got Some Nerve—Daring to Disrespect the Empress?

Zhangsun Chong was furious, and maybe even a little jealous.

He’d grown up alongside Princess Changle. Their families were close, and since the Empress was his aunt, the two of them had practically been inseparable since childhood.

He had always been sure about his feelings for her.

His father knew it too and fully supported him. He had even mentioned talking to the Emperor when the time was right, hoping to arrange their marriage.

And Changle never seemed to mind his presence.

But everything changed when Su Yang showed up out of nowhere.

Somehow, that guy had completely won her over. Changle lit up whenever she saw him, and there were even moments when she looked at him with something close to admiration.

Zhangsun Chong clenched his fists, his jealousy burning hotter.

“Changle is mine. You hear me? Mine!”

“You filthy commoner!”

His face twisted with rage as he shouted. Without wasting another second, he jumped into his carriage and headed straight for Su Yang’s residence.

…

Standing outside the grand estate, Zhangsun Chong’s irritation grew more intense.

He still couldn’t wrap his head around why his aunt had taken Su Yang in as her sworn brother—let alone why she spoiled him so much.

It was ridiculous.

As far as Zhangsun Chong was concerned, Su Yang had stolen his aunt’s affection, and that only made him hate the guy more.

“Lord Zhangsun has arrived!”

A servant by his side barked out the announcement before glaring at the guards. “Well? Are you just gonna stand there? Get your master out here right now!”

The arrogance in his voice was unmistakable. Most people feared Su Yang because of his connection to the Empress, but the Zhangsun family didn’t care.

The moment that demand rang through the air, the crowd watching from a distance sucked in their breath.

Some looked uneasy, while others could barely contain their excitement.

Among them was the owner of the Golden Rose Tavern, who was practically giddy at the thought of Su Yang finally getting put in his place.

Lately, Su Yang had changed.

He’d gone from being easygoing to acting like an entitled brat. He even dared to declare that anything he set his sights on had to be his—Su Yang might not want it, but nobody else could have it either.

People had been living in fear ever since.

No one dared to cross him. After all, he had the Empress backing him up, and even the most powerful families had no choice but to tolerate his arrogance.

But today was different.

This time, the challenger wasn’t just anyone—he was the eldest son of the Minister of Personnel.

Unlike Su Yang, who was only the Empress’s sworn brother, Zhangsun Chong was her actual blood nephew.

There was no competition.

Outside the residence, the guards exchanged nervous glances. This wasn’t someone they could afford to offend.

One of them hesitated before stepping inside to report the situation.

…

Inside the courtyard, Su Yang’s expression darkened the moment he heard the news.

“That little brat has the nerve to come looking for trouble?”

His eyes narrowed as he stood up.

He didn’t bother telling Princess Changle about it. There was no need to.

Zhangsun Chong was already waiting outside.

…

On the street, Zhangsun Chong remained seated inside his carriage, his appearance radiating arrogance.

He hadn’t even bothered to step out.

As far as he was concerned, Su Yang was nothing but a lowly commoner. Sure, he could act high and mighty around regular folks, but did Su Yang really think he could put on airs in front of him?

Not a chance.

Before long, Su Yang emerged from the residence, his guards following closely behind.

From a distance, he spotted the lavish carriage parked outside and immediately let out a mocking laugh.

“Well, well, look who decided to show up.”

“Turns out it’s none other than the great Mr. Zhangsun!”

Su Yang had never liked him—not in the slightest.

And why would he?

In history, this bastard had ended up marrying Princess Changle.

That meant they were destined to be rivals.

From inside the carriage, Zhangsun Chong glanced at him with nothing but disdain.

“So you do know who I am.” His voice was aloof. “Then why aren’t you crawling over here to pay your respects?”

Su Yang didn’t move a muscle. He barely spared him a glance, as if he were nothing more than a speck of dust.

Without his father’s status, this guy wouldn’t be worth a damn.

Su Yang’s lips curled into a smirk.

“You little brat.”

“Did your family forget to teach you some manners?”

“In case you forgot, the Empress is my sworn sister. And you? You’re her nephew.”

“So tell me, what does that make me to you?”

His voice turned stern.

“You expect me to come crawling to you?” Su Yang’s smirk faded as his expression sharpened. “What, are you trying to disrespect the Empress?”

His voice rang loud and clear, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Then, in one swift motion, he turned to his men and snapped—

“Seize him!”

“Drag this bastard out and beat the hell out of him!”