Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 957: Lu Su’s mentality changes and harem actions!

Entering the inner room, Lu Su had already heard the voice and came out to greet them. She was still as gentle as water, with a faint, reassuring smile on her face. Without saying much, she quietly helped Gao Yao take off his slightly heavy outer robe and handed him a cup of warm tea. Watching the happy scene between her husband and daughter, her eyes were filled with tenderness and satisfaction.

Here, Gao Yao found not only the innocence and closeness of a daughter, but also the tranquility of Lü Su, free from calculations and a return to true nature. She might not have possessed the strong opinions and tactical skills of Lü Zhi, nor the sociability and information-gathering prowess of some concubines, but what she possessed was the calm, sincerity, and stress-free companionship that Gao Yao deeply needed.

Gao Yao's decision to enter Lü Su's courtyard was particularly meaningful in the afterglow of the setting sun. This was not just an ordinary visit, but a clear signal that after he officially became king, after a complex balance of considerations, his inner balance had finally tilted towards that precious tranquility and truth.

Lü Su's mentality is no longer the same as the resentful and somewhat timid girl who was forcibly brought into the palace. Her mental journey is a miniature history of survival in the harem.

Her initial reluctance was genuine; the humiliation of being swept along by fate, unable to exercise control, left a deep mark on her heart. Then, Gao Yao used both kindness and force to "tame" her. This taming, more than simply suppression, involved a mixture of material comforts, occasional care, and the pervasive pressure of power. Gradually, she realized the futility of resistance and began to learn to adapt to the rules of this gilded cage.

For a time, especially after giving birth to her daughter, Gao Yunna, watching the other women around her, especially her sister, Lü Zhi, flourish, Lü Su felt a surge of unease about power and gain. She tried to learn how to win people over, how to hint at her needs through her words and actions, and even secretly competed with Lü Zhi. The harem was an invisible battlefield, from which no one could remain completely aloof.

However, the walls of reality were hard. Lü Zhi's sharpness, tactical skills, and natural sensitivity to political maneuvers served as a clear mirror, allowing Lü Su to see her own limitations. She realized she couldn't imitate Lü Zhi's decisiveness in killing, nor did she possess the instinct to ingrain the calculation of profit into her bones.

Several attempts and confrontations, both overt and covert, left her exhausted and even frustrated. She realized the path to the pinnacle of power was thorny and unsuitable for her temperament. Forcing her way through would not only result in a bloody battle, but also the possibility of losing everything she had, even bringing disaster to her daughter.

So, after a period of inner struggle, Lü Su chose to give up completely, abandoning her futile resistance. This was a helpless compromise, but also a wise philosophy of survival. She had come to the conclusion that as long as Lü Zhi's position remained secure, she could maintain her current status and life, and ensure the safety and happiness of her daughter, she would be content. This contentment was not a result of numbness, but rather a clear-headed understanding based on a clear understanding of reality and self-assessment. She had found her place within the harem: a safe haven that presented no threat, yet offered unique value.

Now that Gao Yao had officially been crowned king, Lü Su's treatment was practically the same as that of a princess. She received all the benefits, expenses, and respect from the palace maids. More importantly, every time Gao Yao returned to the harem, no matter how busy the affairs of the former court, he would always visit her courtyard.

Sometimes, like today, she'd play with her daughter, enjoying family time. Sometimes, she'd simply sit quietly for a while, sipping a cup of tea she'd brewed herself and chatting about trivial matters. This constant, though not always intense, attention made Lu Su clearly aware that Gao Yao held a special place in her heart. The "tranquility and authenticity" she offered were precisely the scarce goods Gao Yao desperately desired in the maelstrom of power.

In the current harem, only a handful of women could see Gao Yao as often as she did. Lü Zhi, due to her ability and status, was naturally a frequent visitor; Yu Shuo and Xiao Yue, owing to their old friendship and gentle temperament, also enjoyed considerable favor; and Qi Ji, with her freshness and unique charm, secured a place. As for the other women, Gao Yao might only visit once every month or two, or occasionally summon them for a meal, but actual overnight stays were rare. In comparison, what could Lü Su lack? She possessed the stability and favor that many women sought but could not.

A decision that resonated with everyone. Almost as soon as Gao Yao stepped into Lu Su's courtyard, the news, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake, quickly sent ripples through every corner of the harem. The harem's information network was as sensitive as the previous dynasty's scouting system. The spies stationed in each palace, the eunuchs relaying messages, operated with exceptional efficiency.

Today's situation was particularly unique. At court, Gao Yao officially proclaimed himself king, bestowed titles upon his ministers, and issued a series of important decrees. This marked a major reshuffle and reaffirmation of the power structure. With the dust settling on the previous dynasty, the focus naturally shifted to the harem—who would become the head of the harem worthy of the king's stature? Who would ultimately claim the nominally "legitimate" position of princess?

At this delicate moment, whose courtyard Gao Yao entered first after returning to the harem became a highly symbolic indicator. This wasn't simply a choice of a nighttime retreat; it was widely interpreted as the most direct reflection of Gao Yao's inner inclinations, an informal preview of his choice of consort.

In Changle Palace, Lü Zhi listened to the maid's whispered report, her face calm and composed, her hands pruning the branches without even a pause. Deep down, she might have had a faint hope of "what if it was me?", but reason told her that the possibility was extremely small.

Gao Yao needed her to handle many matters and relied on her abilities, but he remained wary of her emotional attachment and the ultimate role she would play. She was more concerned with the balance Gao Yao was trying to strike and the message he was sending behind this choice. She was thinking about how to navigate this situation and consolidate her real power, rather than dwelling on a false reputation.

In Yu Shu's palace, she might have sighed softly and continued to play her zither. She had long since grown accustomed to this kind of waiting, and she understood that in Gao Yao's heart, she was more a place to cherish past dreams and a gentle comfort than a candidate for the throne of the Six Palaces. Xiao Yue, perhaps filled with a tinge of envy and disappointment, instructed her maid to inquire further about the details, secretly wondering what exceptional qualities Lu Su possessed to deserve such an honor. She still had a lingering innocence in her, and it was inevitable that she would yearn for this symbol of honor, the first choice.