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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Yu sat alone in front of the dressing table, her gaze fixed on the reflection in the bronze mirror. The face staring back at her was breathtakingly beautiful, yet it was marred by an expression of deep sorrow.
"Sigh..." she let out a long breath, her voice filled with helplessness and melancholy.
Traveling through time? Or had she become an unloved consort?
This beginning was just too cliché and tragic!
Lin Yu felt as if a bottle of mixed flavors had been overturned inside her, leaving her at a loss for what to feel.
"System, are you there? You can't be joking with me, can you? That task about 'gaining the Emperor's favor and becoming the most beloved consort in the palace'—are you sure I can accomplish that?"
She silently called out to the system, her tone laced with doubt and resignation, much like a child trapped by a difficult problem, desperately needing guidance from an adult.
"Host, hello! Every task issued by this system has been meticulously calculated and analyzed. These tasks are perfectly aligned with your current situation and possess a certain level of challenge and fun."
The emotionless voice of the system echoed in Lin Yu's mind, carrying an undeniable firmness, even tinged with a hint of... arrogance?
"My current situation? Right now, my actual situation is that I want to go home! I miss my air conditioning, my computer, my favorite drinks! Not being here, squabbling with a bunch of chattering birds over a tiny bit of pitiful affection!"
Lin Yu felt as if she were on the verge of breaking down. At that moment, she was like a bird trapped in a cage, flapping her wings desperately but unable to escape.
"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 cheerful, akin to a patient kindergarten teacher gently comforting a temperamental child, attempting to dispel the gloom within.
"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, aside from 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, knowing both yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle. Only by catering to his likes can you achieve twice the result with half the effort."
The system offered a very sensible suggestion, like an experienced strategist guiding a confused general towards the right path.
"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 guide, unsure of how to proceed, each step feeling 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 boasting about its powerful functions, or like a considerate steward preparing everything for its master.
"Come on, 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, like a professional tour guide introducing the highlights of a tourist attraction.
"Wait, wait, wait! Stop! What does any of this have to do with me? I don't know anything about calligraphy or painting, nor can I ride or shoot arrows. Aren't you making this 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 increasing her anxiety.
"Host, please don't be in such a rush! The original host was quite skilled in these arts, and what I'm sharing 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 was so capable and still not favored, how can I compete for his attention?"
The system's voice suddenly took on a mysterious tone, as if sharing an earth-shattering secret or hinting at a glimmer of hope in the darkness for Lin Yu.
"Alright, enough of that. What intelligence? Just tell me already; stop beating around the bush!"
Lin Yu's curiosity was fully piqued; she widened her eyes and perked up her ears, afraid to miss any detail.
"According to reliable information obtained by this system, the Emperor has recently shown a keen 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 its prey into a trap like an experienced hunter.
“What is Xiang Fei Yin Die? Is it the Consort Xiang from My Fair Princess that attracts butterflies?”
Lin Yu was puzzled; she had never heard of such a fragrance 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 around the user, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. This spice is exceedingly rare and 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 are fluttering around me, does that mean the Emperor will like me?”
Lin Yu still didn’t understand the connection between this fragrance and gaining favor. Did the Emperor really enjoy watching butterflies?
“Host, think about it. If, during the Emperor's flower appreciation event, a swarm of colorful butterflies suddenly danced around you, how beautiful and romantic would that scene be! Such a unique sight would surely leave a deep impression on the Emperor, making him see you in a new light.”
The system's voice was filled with temptation, like a skilled artist painting a beautiful picture with words for Lin Yu, or a brilliant director narrating an exciting scene to an actor.
Lin Yu's eyes lit up 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.”
Lin Yu felt excited but quickly became worried again. How could an unfavored consort like her possibly obtain such a precious spice?
“Host, you need not worry. This system can exchange for the ‘Xiang Fei Yin Die’ spice for you, allowing you to easily possess this tool for gaining favor.”
The system timely proposed a solution, like an omnipotent deity capable of fulfilling all of Lin Yu's wishes.
"Really? That's fantastic! Hurry and help me exchange it; I can't wait to try it out!" Lin Yu exclaimed, 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. It has been detected that your current points are 0. I'm sorry, but you currently do not have enough points to make the exchange."
The system's voice suddenly turned cold and unfeeling, like a bucket of ice water extinguishing the flickering 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 as if she had been toyed with by the system; she stomped her feet in frustration, resembling a small cat whose food had been snatched away—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 are there? Hurry up and tell me!"
Lin Yu asked eagerly, her only desire now was to quickly earn points, 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 perhaps..."
The system listed some simple tasks that sounded easy enough, but for an overlooked consort, getting an audience with the Emperor was likely not a simple matter.
"These tasks are too easy! Are you sure I can earn points? You’re not trying to trick me, are you?"
Lin Yu felt a bit skeptical. Could these tasks really help her earn points? It all seemed rather unreliable.
"Host, please do not underestimate these simple tasks. In the harem, being able to do these things for the Emperor is a rare privilege—an opportunity that many would seek but never 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 thought 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, and one day she would be able to exchange them for the fragrant spice of Xiang Fei Yin Die.
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, a mocking expression on her face.
This maid, named Xiao Hong, was the personal attendant of the Consort. Relying on the Consort's favor, she often bullied Lin Yu, the neglected concubine.
Images of the original host being tormented by Xiao Hong flashed through Lin Yu's mind like a revolving lantern, igniting a surge of nameless 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 unfavored concubine, I am still a concubine. 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 who had long occupied a high position, reprimanding a disrespectful 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? A discarded concubine banished to the cold palace, and you dare to be arrogant 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. Then, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind: “Ding! Abnormal emotional fluctuation detected in host. The ‘Retort System’ has been activated!”
“Retort System? What on earth is that?” Lin Yu was taken aback. Before she could process it further, the system continued: “The Retort System is designed to assist the host in retorting. As long as the host successfully retorts, they can earn reward points. The harsher the retort, the greater the reward!”
“Such a good deal?” Lin Yu's heart leaped with joy; this was like finding a pillow when one was sleepy! She had been worried about how to teach this arrogant Xiao Hong a lesson, and now the system had delivered her an incredible tool!
“Host, do you accept the beginner task: Make Little Red Cry?” The system's voice echoed once more.
“I accept! I must accept!” Lin Yu replied without hesitation.
“Ding! The beginner task has been accepted. Task reward: 10 points.”
Hearing the system's notification, a confident smile crept onto Lin Yu's lips.
She looked at Little Red in front of her, already formulating a plan in her mind.
“Little Red, 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 Red scoffed, rolling her eyes dismissively.
“Oh? It seems you really don’t know.
Let me kindly enlighten 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 Red 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 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? You want me to help you find an opportunity? The Emperor would be jealous of you? That’s just ridiculous!” Though Little Red said this, a hint of doubt began to creep into her heart.
After all, did Lin Yu really speak with such conviction?
"Believe it or not. Anyway, I’m not favored because the Emperor cares too much about me. As for you, you’d better 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 maid of the Consort!" Xiao Hong's face turned pale with anger at Lin Yu's words; she hated it when others said she couldn't meet 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 maid of the Consort, every time she met the Emperor, the Consort would always send her away.
Moreover, recently it seemed that the Emperor had also been somewhat indifferent towards the Consort; she hadn't seen him for several days.
"What’s wrong? Can’t say anything now? Look at you, unable to even see the Emperor's face, yet you dare to act so arrogantly 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 continued to press her advantage.
"I... I..." Xiao Hong was left speechless by Lin Yu's taunts. She trembled with anger, 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're going too far!" Xiao Hong finally couldn't hold back any longer; she burst into tears and ran out of the cold palace.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for making Xiao Hong cry. Newbie task completed, reward: 10 points."
Hearing the system's notification sound, Lin Yu felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
She watched the small red wolf fleeing in a panic, secretly delighted.
"Just look at you, trying to compete with me—you're still too green!" Lin Yu chuckled proudly.
Glancing at her points, she saw that she had already accumulated 10 points, but still needed 90 more to exchange for 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 resolved 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 her vanity, she looked at her reflection in the mirror, her gaze firm and confident.
"Lin Yu, starting today, you will embark on a brand new life in this unfamiliar world! You can do it—go for it!"
She encouraged herself and began to think about how to act next in order to earn points faster and complete the task of gaining the emperor's affection.
After all, time waits for no one, and she certainly didn’t want to remain in this cold and desolate palace for long.
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