Chapter 22 Contract: "So, does that mean we're now in a trial relationship?"

When Qin Lan returned to the filming location, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were already seated, and the extras gradually returned, standing below the throne with their tablets in hand.

She looked around and saw Jiang Yan sitting on a small stool, talking to the Empress Dowager's maid with a cheerful smile.

The girl blushed, embarrassed, and lowered her head shyly, glancing at Jiang Yan with a hesitant look. Suddenly, she sensed a cold gaze behind her and turned around to find Qin Lan staring at her expressionlessly.

The young girl was startled and felt uneasy. After the performance, she talked about it with her companion: "Today, when I was talking to Teacher Jiang, Teacher Qin kept staring at me with a very fierce expression."

My friend immediately clapped his hands: "I understand that mentality. I also had a nemesis when I was in school. I would pay attention to her every move all day long. I would feel uncomfortable whenever someone talked and laughed with her. I wished that the whole world would stop playing with her."

The little girl wholeheartedly agreed: "The two of them really don't get along."

In the palace hall, to Li Zhe's horrified gaze, Prime Minister Pei Yan, along with Vice Minister of the Chancellery Liu Yizhi, General of the Imperial Guard Cheng Wuting, and others, suddenly led troops into the palace.

"What are you doing!" Li Zhe asked in a panic, looking at the coercive posture.

"By order of the Empress Dowager, effective immediately, Emperor Li Zhe is hereby deposed and demoted to Prince of Luling!"

Li Zhe's face was ashen, and soldiers came to help him up. He stumbled and was led away, turning back to the Empress Dowager and the assembled officials: "What crime have I committed to deserve this!"

The Empress Dowager kept her eyes closed: "You wish to give the entire empire to Wei Xuanzhen; your crime is unforgivable."

A ruler's word is law. For the emperor to act so absurdly, even the pro-emperor faction has nothing to say.

"But I am your own son!" Li Zhe struggled desperately, screaming, "Mother! Am I really your biological son?"

A smile appeared on Empress Wu's face.

She stood up, and Shangguan Wan'er lifted the curtain for her and helped her down the dragon steps.

The scene was solemn and dignified, with all the officials prostrating themselves on the ground, trembling with fear. Qin Lan gently held Feng Manhong's arm, feeling both excited and nervous.

As they passed by the prostrate officials, the Empress Dowager glanced at Li Zhe with pity.

She moved closer to Li Zhe, and the two soldiers released him and took a step back.

Empress Wu did not dismiss Shangguan Wan'er, but said jokingly in a voice that only her son and female secretary could hear, "You and your two imperial brothers are all my sons."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhe's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground. He looked down at the dragon robe he was wearing and finally remembered why he was the one who was supposed to wear it, and where the other person was. He was too young and not very bright; he thought that just because the crown, symbolizing supreme power, was on his head, he could do whatever he wanted. Little did he know that the person sitting behind the scenes was smarter and more experienced than him, not only ambitious but also adept at lying low. In her sights, there was no one worthy of her challenge.

Shangguan Wan'er casually lifted her eyelids, first glancing discreetly at Empress Wu, then at the limp Li Zhe. The emperor seemed to have just realized that he was merely a puppet installed by others, and was in a state of extreme panic after the truth came out.

His gaze towards Empress Wu changed; his face turned ashen, and he seemed unable to breathe, pressing his hand to his mouth as if trying to protect something.

Empress Wu stepped back and smiled, "I can make you emperor, and of course I can depose you."

Before the world, what is a son? What are brothers and sisters? Even parents are nothing.

Less than two months after his ascension to the throne, Li Zhe was deposed and made Prince of Luling. The fact that a member of the prestigious Li family could be enthroned and deposed so easily, without a single objection and even with the support of high-ranking officials, demonstrates that Empress Dowager Wu was the one who truly held the reins of power in the empire. Li Zhe was subsequently placed under house arrest for many years, far from home, during which time his wife, Lady Wei, remained steadfastly by his side, providing unwavering support. Later, when Li Zhe was reinstated, he tolerated Lady Wei's interference in politics, precisely because of this.

The very next day after Li Zhe was deposed, Empress Wu swiftly installed her fourth son, Dan, as emperor. The speed of the move and the magnitude of his rise in status were astonishing. At this time, Empress Wu was the de facto ruler of the Zichen Palace in Luoyang, and all her decrees were issued without hindrance.

With the death of Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi), Empress Wu quickly established an unshakeable position. On the one hand, Li Zhe was indeed absurd, but on the other hand, it also shows that while Emperor Gaozong was still alive, Empress Wu had already cultivated her power base sufficiently during her years of regency.

With his three elder brothers having experienced it firsthand, Li Dan reluctantly, fearfully, and unwillingly put on the yellow robe that his third brother had just taken off the day before, and was then placed in a separate hall as a mascot.

"That's a wrap!" Except for the day Qin Lan and Jiang Yan filmed their bed scene, the filming went incredibly smoothly on all other days, making director Yu Jintang very happy.

Feng Manhong put on her clothes and went behind the monitor to watch the playback.

"Our crew is truly blessed to have Teacher Feng; Teacher Feng is the chosen Wu Zetian," Yu Jintang exclaimed.

“It’s an honor for me to act in this script.” Feng Manhong turned to look at her, her expression meaningful: “I came here for Director Yu.”

Yu Jintang moved his lips, but in the end he waved his hand and sighed, "Actually, I didn't expect Teacher Feng to come. Look at our crew... Lao Qin came to support me. Even though I raised the salary, not many people were willing to come. Before Teacher Feng came, no one had even auditioned for the role of Wu Zetian."

Feng Manhong smiled and said, "I didn't plan to come at first. I was moved by Director Yu's sincerity in the article he posted on eNet."

Yu Jintang smiled, her eyes filled with curiosity: "I guessed it when I met Teacher Feng that day. We are friends, or if Teacher Feng wishes, we can call each other like-minded companions."

Feng Manhong then asked, "Am I the only one who came because of this?"

Yu Jintang laughed: "Actually, besides supporting me, Lao Qin was also influenced by me. My friends are all very enthusiastic about the goal of women's equality. If you want to chat, I'll treat Teacher Feng to a drink."

Feng Manhong adjusted her shawl. "Teacher Yu seems like someone with a story. Most people would choose to treat her to a meal."

“It’s just good wine, but we still need wine,” Yu Jintang said.

"Professor Yu is truly a fascinating person. He enjoys abstract concepts and drinking, a contradictory mix of madness and melancholy..."

“Not contradictory at all.” Yu Jintang laughed: “There are some people who like to act crazy to relieve their pain. Since they started acting crazy, their emotions have become more stable, and they no longer lose their temper.”

Unexpectedly, Feng Manhong was not surprised at all, and her insight was quite profound: "It dissolves the pain of life in absurdity, and distorts the true nature of life with a certain extreme exaggeration?"

Yu Jintang was astonished: "Professor Feng, your insight is too profound! You...you...your IQ is terrifying..."

Feng Manhong thought about it and decided not to tell her that she had gained profound insights from living under the same roof as another madman for many years.

"Does Teacher Yu like to drink because this road is too difficult to walk on?" Feng Manhong followed her out.

Yu Jintang stepped out of the tent and looked up at the starry sky. Feng Manhong lifted the curtain and saw her silhouette with her head slightly tilted back. A slender cigarette was held between her fingers, flashing silver in the night, the flame flickering between her fingers.

She sighed deeply: "No, it's because of my unrequited love."

"Then... does Teacher Yu like her now?" Feng Manhong's heart stirred.

"Yes, but it's faded now, after all, eight years have passed. I was young when I first met her, and I felt more admiration for her."

“I have an old friend who owns a bar in the south of the city.” Feng Manhong breathed a sigh of relief without showing any emotion.

“Then next time I go to Tangcheng, I’ll treat Teacher Feng to a meal in return.” Yu Jintang took a deep drag on his cigarette, flicking the faded and peeling lighter between his fingers.

Feng Manhong's gaze lingered on the lighter for a moment, but she said nothing.

Yu Jintang was in a daze for a while before she came to her senses and hurriedly walked into the shed: "Teacher Feng, wait for me for a moment, I need to tell Lü Xi."

After she went inside, Feng Manhong's assistant came over and, after confirming that Yu Jintang could no longer hear her, lowered her voice and said, "Sister, if I may say something, Director Yu is almost twenty years younger than you. And that Lu Xi..."

"What are you thinking about?" Feng Manhong chuckled. "I didn't mean that. Don't guess."

The assistant asked in confusion, "Then why are you so interested in Director Yu?"

Feng Manhong, as if struck by a sudden thought, beamed with joy: "The little one asked me to keep an eye on things."

assistant:"?"

She didn't understand a word.

The assistant wanted to say something, but Yu Jintang had already come out and explained with a smile, "This child doesn't feel safe being here alone. Once she couldn't find me for a long time and was very worried, so now I'm used to letting her know first."

Feng Manhong smiled and tightened her shawl: "Teacher Yu seems to care quite a bit about this child."

If Jiang Yan had said the same thing, it would have been unmistakably that she was a green tea bitch, but Feng Manhong's elegance and composure carried no hint of jealousy or resentment; it was as peaceful as the small talk between old friends.

So I opened up to her all the stories and thoughts I hadn't told anyone else. "Lucy is a little girl I picked up from the street. To be honest, I've been through this process before. Back then, I... well, my white moonlight saved me, so I allowed her to stay temporarily, which was actually a way of caring for my past self. After all, I know what she needs most at this stage, and the little companionship I give her can help her get through this isolated time."

Feng Manhong understood.

"The person you mentioned is now..." Feng Manhong thought of something and didn't continue.

Yu Jintang was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "She is the real administrator 01."

I see.

Feng Manhong thought to herself, and couldn't help but feel sorry for the child who was eagerly waiting for the result.

"The car's here, let's go." Yu Jintang stood still and opened the car door for her. She extinguished her cigarette and put away her lighter.

Everyone who reminds me of you deserves my extra tenderness, because I truly don't want to forget you. So much time has passed, so many dark nights; I'm so tired of holding on.

＊

Jiang Yan sat in Qin Lan's presidential suite, staring blankly at the paper on the table.

Qin Lan crossed her arms and raised her chin, trying to create a casual atmosphere: "You can ask for anything else you want."

Jiang Yan glanced at the contract and then at Qin Lan, her facial muscles twitching as if she had a toothache.

The contract was completely nonsensical. Jiang Yan managed to translate it, then asked in disbelief, "So you're planning to establish a trial romantic relationship with me?"

"Ah, right." Qin Lan raised her chin even higher, looking arrogant and domineering: "After all, we still have to film, and this ambiguous and awkward situation can't go on forever."

She added, "Let's do what you said last time. We'll try it out during this period, but you're still in your probationary period. We'll consider making you a full-time employee after filming wraps up."

Jiang Yan's expression changed: "So, you've officially become my girlfriend...?"

The light in her eyes made Qin Lan feel uncomfortable. She stretched out her toe and gently kicked Jiang Yan's calf: "It's not fair to you, but I can't establish a relationship with you so quickly, so some clauses in this contract can protect your interests."

Her reaction was as if she had gotten a huge bargain.

Jiang Yan lowered her head again and slowly read: "First, neither Party A nor Party B shall disclose their relationship to any outside party during the internship... Second, the continuation of the internship relationship shall be based on Party A's wishes, and Party B shall not raise any objections... Third, neither Party A nor Party B shall have sexual relations during the internship... Teacher Qin, I have objections."

"You don't," Qin Lan said expressionlessly. "Keep watching."

Jiang Yan took a small breath, putting the matter aside for now, and quickly skimmed through a few lines: "If Party B fails to be formally employed, Party A shall compensate Party B..."

Qin Lan curled her lips into a smile.

Jiang Yan read on expressionlessly: "Two downtown properties, two... hundred million... a script by director Xue Wumi... why is there also a lifetime right to use the presidential suite at the Tulip Hotel?"

"Don't worry about that," Qin Lan said, trying to sound businesslike. "If there are no problems, just sign it."

"Uh... I don't need these." Jiang Yan looked at her with a complicated expression: "So it turns out that wealthy families really like to spend money."

"I'm not throwing money away. Do you think everyone gets this kind of treatment?" Qin Lan said with her head held high. "If you've thought it through, sign it quickly."

Jiang Yan remained motionless for a long time, seemingly deep in thought. Qin Lan, growing impatient, blinked anxiously, "What's wrong?"

"I'm still thinking about whether or not to agree." Jiang Yan was still deep in thought.

Qin Lan was genuinely surprised that she could still hesitate; this reaction was not right.

"You..." she hesitated, "You don't like me anymore so quickly?"

Aside from a little disappointment, she felt pretty good. If Jiang Yan could come to terms with it, then she would have a major problem solved...

"How could that be?" Jiang Yan quickly smiled. "I was just wondering if this kind of relationship is appropriate."

"What's inappropriate about it?" Qin Lan didn't understand.

Jiang Yan hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Qin Lan, do you like me?"

This question stumped Qin Lan. She pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution: "I don't know what love is, but I don't hate you as much now."

Jiang Yan nodded.

In this relationship, Qin Lan is a clueless person. She doesn't know what she wants and easily overlooks Jiang Yan's needs, so the passive party is destined to get hurt.

Qin Lan probably thought of this as well, which is why he chose to compensate her with a contract.

Qin Lan probably doesn't like her, yet she presented her with this contract. Should she accept it?

Reason told Jiang Yan that she should proceed slowly and that a long-term relationship should have a healthy start, but emotionally she could not resist the temptation—it was the opportunity to be Qin Lan's girlfriend. She could kiss Qin Lan, stay by his side, and do many things that lovers do with Qin Lan.

Jiang Yan was getting impatient. She decided to give it a try, so she crossed out the compensation clause below and signed her name.

"What are you doing?" Qin Lan asked, puzzled.

Jiang Yan looked up and smiled at her, which made Qin Lan's heart tremble: "Teacher Qin, if you're going to break up, you should break up cleanly."

Qin Lan felt a pang of sadness. After a moment of silence, she asked, almost as if possessed, "If we can't be lovers, does that mean we should just pretend we never met?"

Jiang Yan was initially surprised by her question, and after thinking for a while, she slowly said, "Perhaps it's too demanding of Teacher Qin to say that, but Teacher Qin can try to imagine that we've been getting along as lovers during this time. If we were to separate after filming wraps up, would you still want to see me?"

Qin Lan nodded: "I don't think so."

Jiang Yan was taken aback. "Teacher Qin is saying one thing and meaning another?"

Qin Lan's face fell, but the thought that she and Jiang Yan might lose contact after filming wrapped instantly dampened her initial happiness. Then... they wouldn't see each other again?

I can't talk to Jiang Yan anymore, and I can't see her smiling face anymore?

"I probably don't want to," Qin Lan said insincerely, then strangely pressed her hand to her chest. "But I don't really want to do this either."

“I remember that three years ago, Teacher Qin avoided me like the plague,” Jiang Yan said with a quiet smile.

Qin Lan was speechless. She took the package, signed her name, and then the two sat facing each other without saying a word for ten minutes.

Ten minutes later, Qin Lan couldn't take it anymore, while Jiang Yan just kept smiling at her, as if she was content just watching her.

Qin Lan couldn't stand her gaze any longer. "Alright, alright, I was wrong about that, but I really didn't have a better way to handle it. I know I hurt you. Just make a request; the contract is already in effect anyway."

Jiang Yan immediately grasped the core of the whole conversation: "So you're saying we're already in a trial relationship?"

————————!!————————

Films and television dramas are certainly not filmed in chronological order, but the script of the play within a play is also the focus of this book. Therefore, in order not to affect the continuity of the story, the book is basically narrated in chronological order to avoid being disjointed and confusing the audience about what the play within a play is about. So don't get too hung up on the filming techniques.