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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Yu sat alone in front of the vanity, her gaze fixed on the reflection in the bronze mirror. There was a face staring back at her, breathtakingly beautiful yet filled with sorrow.
"Sigh..." She let out a long breath, her voice heavy with helplessness and melancholy.
Crossing over? Or becoming an unloved consort?
This opening was just too cliché and tragic!
Lin Yu's heart felt like it had been turned upside down, a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty emotions swirling within her, leaving her momentarily unsure of what to feel.
"System, are you there? You can’t be serious about this, right? That task about ‘gaining the Emperor’s favor and becoming the favored consort among the six palaces’—are you sure I can accomplish it?"
She silently called out to the System in her mind, her tone filled with doubt and resignation, much like a child trapped by a difficult problem in desperate need of guidance.
"Hello, host! Every task issued by this System has been meticulously calculated and analyzed. These tasks are absolutely aligned with your current situation and come with a certain level of challenge and intrigue."
The emotionless voice of the System echoed in Lin Yu's mind, carrying an undeniable firmness, even tinged with a hint of... playful arrogance?
"My current situation? My actual situation is that I want to go home! I miss my air conditioning, my computer, my favorite drinks! Not this—competing for a shred of meager affection among a bunch of chattering birds!"
Lin Yu felt on the verge of breaking down; she was like a bird trapped in a cage, desperately flapping her wings but unable to escape this confinement.
"Host, please maintain a positive and optimistic mindset. Face the challenges bravely. Believe in yourself; you can do it! As your dedicated System, I will do everything I can to help you complete your tasks."
The System's voice remained lively and endearing, akin to a patient kindergarten teacher gently comforting a temperamental child, attempting to dispel the gloom within with encouraging words.
"Alright, alright, I'll give it a try. Is that okay?"
Lin Yu reluctantly chose to compromise, her tone filled with a deep sense of helplessness.
After all, in this strange and dangerous ancient palace, besides trusting this unreliable System, she seemed to have no other choice. It was like a drowning person clinging desperately to a straw.
"System, do you have any good suggestions? I must tell you, as a modern person, I know nothing about the twists and turns of this ancient court! Competing for favor? Do you want me to become a tea servant? I don't even know how to compete for favor!"
At this moment, Lin Yu could only vent her frustrations to the System.
"Host, you need not be overly anxious. In my opinion, you can start by understanding the Emperor's preferences. As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Only by catering to his likes can you achieve twice the result with half the effort."
The System provided a very sensible suggestion, like an experienced strategist guiding a confused general on the path forward.
"But... but I don't even know what the Emperor looks like! Let alone his preferences; I'm completely in the dark! How am I supposed to cater to his likes?"
Lin Yu felt as if she were playing a game without any guides, utterly clueless about how to proceed. Every step felt so difficult and bewildering.
"Host, you need not worry about this. This System can provide you with some basic information about the Emperor and his recent schedule. This information may be helpful to you."
The System's voice sounded somewhat smug, as if it were showing off its powerful functions or like a considerate steward preparing everything for its master.
"Why didn't you say so earlier? Hurry up and tell me; stop keeping me in suspense!"
Lin Yu urged impatiently, like a child about to receive a beloved toy, her eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.
"The Emperor's name is Xiao Jingyan. He is twenty-eight years old, in the prime of his life. He enjoys calligraphy and painting, as well as horseback riding and archery. Occasionally, he also..."
The System began to detail the Emperor's information, much like a professional tour guide introducing the highlights of a tourist attraction.
"Wait, wait, wait! Stop! What does any of this matter to me? I don't know calligraphy or painting, nor can I ride horses or shoot arrows. You're just making it harder for me!"
Lin Yu couldn't help but interrupt the System. She felt that this information was as incomprehensible as ancient texts, utterly meaningless and only adding to her anxiety.
"Host, please don't be in such a hurry! The Original Host, Qin Qi Shu Hua, is quite remarkable, and the information I'm providing is just to give you a preliminary and comprehensive understanding of the Emperor. Next, I have some very important and crucial intelligence to share with you."
"If the Original Host is so impressive and still not favored, how can I compete for attention?"
The System's voice suddenly took on a mysterious tone, as if sharing an earth-shattering secret or offering a glimmer of hope to Lin Yu in the darkness before dawn.
"Alright then, what’s this intelligence? Hurry up and tell me without beating around the bush!"
Lin Yu's curiosity was fully piqued; she widened her eyes and perked up her ears, afraid of missing any detail.
"According to reliable information obtained by this System, the Emperor has recently shown a strong interest in a spice called 'Xiang Fei Yin Die.' It is said that this spice is extremely precious and rare."
The System lowered its voice, as if sharing a secret with an intimate friend or guiding prey into a trap like an experienced hunter.
“What is Xiang Fei Yin Die? Is it something like the Xiang Fei that attracts butterflies in My Fair Princess?”
Lin Yu was puzzled; she had never heard of such a spice and had no idea what made it special.
“This is an extremely rare and precious spice. It is said to possess a magical power that can attract butterflies to dance gracefully around the user, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. This spice is incredibly hard to come by and highly valuable.”
The System explained patiently, like a knowledgeable professor elucidating a complex concept to students.
“Attracting butterflies? What good does that do? Just because butterflies flutter around, does that mean the Emperor will like me?”
Lin Yu still didn’t understand the connection between this spice and winning favor. Did the Emperor really enjoy watching butterflies?
“Think about it, Host. If, during the Emperor's flower-viewing event, a swarm of colorful butterflies suddenly danced around you, how beautiful and romantic would that scene be! Such a unique spectacle would surely leave a deep impression on the Emperor, making him see you in a new light.”
The System's voice was filled with allure, like a skilled artist painting a beautiful picture with words for Lin Yu, or a talented director narrating an exciting scene to an actor.
Lin Yu’s eyes brightened as she envisioned the scene: a group of beautiful butterflies dancing around her, making her feel like a flower fairy amidst a sea of blossoms, breathtakingly beautiful.
“This idea… seems pretty good. But where can I find such a spice? I’ve never even heard of it before.”
She felt tempted but soon became troubled again. How could she, an unfavored consort, possibly obtain such a precious spice?
“Host, you need not worry. This System can exchange ‘Xiang Fei Yin Die’ spice for you, allowing you to easily possess this tool for winning favor.”
The System presented a timely solution, like an omnipotent deity capable of fulfilling Lin Yu's every wish.
"Really? That's wonderful! Hurry up and help me exchange it; I can't wait to try it out!"
Lin Yu exclaimed excitedly, like a child who had just received their favorite toy, eager to play with it immediately.
"Ding! Exchanging for 'Xiang Fei Yin Die' spice requires 100 Points. Current Points detected: 0. I'm sorry, but you do not have enough Points to make the exchange."
The System's voice suddenly turned cold and merciless, like a bucket of icy water extinguishing the flame of hope that had just ignited within Lin Yu.
"What?! I don't have a single point? How am I supposed to complete the tasks then? Are you messing with me?"
Lin Yu felt tricked by the System, her frustration causing her to stomp her feet like a small cat whose food had been snatched away, both angry and aggrieved.
"Host, you can earn Points by completing some simple tasks. Every little effort will transform into motivation for your progress," the System replied calmly, like an experienced coach devising a training plan for an athlete.
"Simple tasks? What kind of tasks? Hurry up and tell me!"
Lin Yu asked eagerly, her sole focus on quickly earning Points to exchange for the spice and attract the Emperor's attention.
"For example, you could prepare a bowl of soup for the Emperor, or help tidy up his study, or..."
Some simple tasks were listed, and while they didn't sound difficult, for an unfavored consort, getting an audience with the Emperor was likely not an easy feat.
"These tasks seem too simple! Are you sure I can earn Points from them? You’re not trying to trick me, are you?"
Lin Yu felt a twinge of doubt. Could these tasks really lead to Points? It all seemed rather unreliable to her.
"Host, please do not underestimate these simple tasks. In the imperial harem, being able to do these things for the Emperor is a rare favor, an opportunity that many would covet but cannot obtain. You should cherish it," the System said earnestly, like a wise elder teaching a young person to appreciate the opportunities before them.
Lin Yu pondered for a moment and found some truth in what the System said. In this hierarchical harem, being able to serve the Emperor was indeed an honor and a good chance to get closer to him.
"Alright, I'll give it a try. I'll start with the simple tasks," she decided. She would take it step by step, slowly accumulating Points. One day, she would exchange them for the "Xiang Fei Yin Die" fragrance.
Just then, a sharp and unpleasant voice suddenly broke the momentary silence from outside the door.
"Oh, isn’t this Consort Lin? What’s this? Still pretending in the palace? What scheme are you up to now?"
The voice was like a rusty saw, grating and uncomfortable, making one feel uneasy all over.
Lin Yu looked up and saw a flamboyantly dressed Palace Maid standing at the door, her face twisted in mockery as she stared at her.
This Palace Maid, named Xiao Hong, was the personal attendant of the Consort. Relying on the Consort's influence, she often bullied Lin Yu, who was neglected and unappreciated.
Images of the Original Host being tormented by Xiao Hong flashed through Lin Yu's mind like a revolving lantern, igniting a surge of inexplicable anger within her.
"Xiao Hong, what do you mean by this? You come here early in the morning to cause trouble. Even if I am an unappreciated consort, I am still a consort. When did it become your place to criticize me? Are you too comfortable in your life?"
Lin Yu asked coldly, her voice filled with authority, like someone accustomed to power reprimanding an unruly servant.
"Oh, Consort Lin is getting bold! How dare you speak to me like that! You should take a good look at yourself; what are you even worth? A discarded consort cast into the Cold Palace dares to act so arrogantly in front of me!"
Xiao Hong said with her hands on her hips, strutting around like a victorious rooster.
Her words pierced Lin Yu's heart like sharp knives.
Lin Yu's gaze turned even colder as she clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. She struggled to suppress her anger, refusing to let it explode.
At that moment, Lin Yu suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Immediately after, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind: "Ding! Abnormal emotional fluctuation detected in the host. The Dueling System has been activated!"
"Dueling System? What is that?" Lin Yu was taken aback. Before she could process it, the System continued: "The Dueling System, as the name suggests, is designed to help the host confront others. As long as the host successfully confronts someone, rewards in Points will be granted. The harsher the confrontation, the greater the rewards!"
"Is there such a good thing?" Lin Yu's heart leaped with joy; this was like finding a pillow when one was sleepy! Just when she was worried about how to teach this arrogant Xiao Hong a lesson, the System had delivered such a powerful tool right into her hands!
“Host, do you accept the Beginner Quest: Make Little Hong Cry?” The voice of the System echoed once more.
“I accept! I must accept!” Lin Yu replied without hesitation.
“Ding! Beginner Quest has been accepted. Task reward: 10 Points.”
Hearing the notification from the System, a confident smile crept onto Lin Yu's face.
She looked at Little Hong in front of her, already formulating a plan in her mind.
“Little Hong, you say I'm not favored, but do you know why I'm not?” Lin Yu said leisurely, her tone laced with mockery.
“Hmph, who knows what shameful things you've done behind the scenes!” Little Hong scoffed, rolling her eyes dismissively.
“Oh? It seems you really don’t know.
Let me kindly inform you. The reason I’m not favored is that the Emperor is jealous!” Lin Yu said with a serious expression.
“The Emperor is jealous? Hahaha, you really know how to flatter yourself! The Emperor would be jealous of you? Have you looked in the mirror? Do you think you’re worthy?” Little Hong laughed uproariously as if she had heard the greatest joke.
“You don’t believe me? Then you can go back and report to your master and ask the Emperor yourself if he’s been ignoring me out of jealousy,” Lin Yu continued, wearing an expression that said, “If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Hmph, I’m not that bored! Who do you think you are, trying to use me to find an opportunity? The Emperor would be jealous of you? That’s just laughable!” Although Little Hong said this, a hint of doubt began to creep into her heart.
After all, Lin Yu spoke so confidently—could it really be true?
"Believe it or not. Anyway, I'm not favored because the Emperor cares too much about me. As for you, you should report back to your master. After all, as a mere Palace Maid, even if you are favored in front of the Consort, you probably won't even get to see the Emperor's face," Lin Yu deliberately provoked Xiao Hong.
"You! You're talking nonsense! How could I possibly not see the Emperor? I am the personal Palace Maid to the Consort!" Xiao Hong's face turned pale with anger at Lin Yu's words; she hated it when others said she couldn't see the Emperor.
"Is that so? Then tell me, when was the last time you saw the Emperor?" Lin Yu pressed on relentlessly.
"I... I..." Xiao Hong stammered for a long time but couldn't come up with a coherent answer.
Although she was the personal Palace Maid to the Consort, every time she met the Emperor, the Consort would send her away.
Moreover, recently it seemed that the Emperor had grown somewhat indifferent towards the Consort; she hadn't seen him in several days.
"What’s wrong? Can’t say anything now? Look at you—unable to even see the Emperor's face yet still daring to act arrogant in front of me? Even if I were to be discarded as a Consort, what right do you have to pick a fight with me?" Lin Yu seized the opportunity to continue her taunts.
"I... I..." Xiao Hong was left speechless by Lin Yu's relentless attacks. She trembled with rage, tears welling up in her eyes but she fought hard to keep them from falling.
"What’s wrong? Don’t believe me? Not convinced? If you're not convinced, go complain to the Emperor! Let’s see if he helps you or helps me!" Lin Yu said triumphantly.
"You... you are too much!" Xiao Hong finally couldn't hold back any longer; she burst into tears and ran out of the Cold Palace.
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You made Xiao Hong cry. Beginner Quest completed. Reward: 10 Points."
Hearing the prompt sound from the System, Lin Yu felt an immense sense of relief.
She watched the small red wolf fleeing in a flurry, secretly pleased with herself.
"You're just a little too green to challenge me!" Lin Yu laughed triumphantly.
Glancing at her Points, she saw she already had 10 points, still 90 points away from redeeming the Xiang Fei Yin Die spice.
"The revolution has not yet succeeded; comrades still need to work hard!" Lin Yu murmured to herself.
Determined to continue her efforts, she aimed to complete more tasks and earn the emperor's favor as soon as possible.
With the System's help, she believed she could carve out her own brilliance in this ruthless palace that devoured people without a trace!
Turning back to the vanity, she looked at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes filled with determination and confidence.
"Lin Yu, starting today, you will embark on a brand new life in this unfamiliar world! You can do it!"
She encouraged herself and began to contemplate how to act next in order to earn Points faster and complete the task of winning the emperor's affection.
After all, time waits for no one, and she didn't want to remain in this desolate palace any longer.
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