Chapter 37 A Grasshopper on the Same Rope? No, it's the Forced Succession Plan!
After being brutally attacked by System Xiaoqi with the statement that "the original owner Chu Yin's intelligence was crushed," Yun Zhan lay paralyzed on the bed, feeling like a salted fish that had been dried out and was unable to turn over.
What a disgrace! Utterly disgraceful!
Yun Zhan, a dignified 21st-century history graduate (although his grades were so-so), transmigrated here, but instead of dominating the world, he ended up worse off than the original tyrannical emperor, and was even forced to be fed by his "beloved" while tied to the bed.
If this were to happen in modern times, his advisor would be so angry that he would burn his graduation thesis, along with the added comment, "Don't tell anyone you were my student!"
"Ahhh! So embarrassing! So embarrassing!" Yun Zhan buried his face in the pillow (probably only his head could move), letting out a silent scream.
Self-loathing and despair overwhelmed him like a tidal wave. He even began to seriously consider whether it would be more painless to just slit his own throat now? At least his skull would remain intact... Bullshit! Is being made into a drinking vessel something to be proud of?!
Just as he was picturing his skull displayed on Yan Linye's bookshelf, with a label next to it that read "Limited Edition Skull Artwork of Chu Yin, the Tyrant Emperor of the Former Dynasty," a previously overlooked detail struck him like a bolt of lightning in the darkness!
etc!
System Xiaoqi seemed to have mentioned before... that it was bound to itself?
If its host dies, then its system...
Yun Zhan instantly straightened up. Although his body was still bound, a small flame called "hope" (or perhaps "mutual destruction") had rekindled in his eyes.
He called out cautiously and tentatively in his mind, "Xiao Qi? Qi? Are you still there?"
[Host, if you are asking about the format of a will, this system can provide a variety of templates.] The system's electronic voice was still cold, but perhaps it was just my imagination, but it seemed to carry a hint of... just-woke-up impatience?
"Why write a will! It's bad luck!" Yun Zhan immediately retorted, his mind racing, trying to make his voice sound confident. "I want to remind you of something very important!"
【？】
"We're bound together, right?" Yun Zhan coaxed gently.
【correct. 】
"If I die and the mission fails, what will happen to your 'Tyrant's Self-Saving System'?" Yun Zhan held his breath.
The system paused for a moment, seemingly searching the core protocol, before replying in a very businesslike tone: "According to the main system rules, if the bound host dies abnormally, causing the mission to fail, the auxiliary system will undergo formatting and be reclaimed and reset."
Format! Recycle and reset!
Yun Zhan's eyes lit up! Although he couldn't understand the specifics, it sounded terrible! It was almost like his computer had been reset to factory settings, and all the movies stored on it were gone!
"Did you hear that, Xiao Qi!" Yun Zhan suddenly felt his back straighten, as if he held some power of life and death. "If I kick the bucket, you're finished too! We're in the same boat now! No, we're tied to the same life! If I die, you'll be paid for it too!"
He became increasingly agitated, feeling as if he had grasped the system's Achilles' heel: "So! Now is not the time for you to put on airs, play hibernation, or make sarcastic remarks! This is a crucial moment for us to unite, work together, and overcome this difficult time! Do you understand?!"
[...] System Xiaoqi seemed shocked by his shameless remarks, its electronic voice even pausing for a moment, [Host, your logic... is quite peculiar. The main responsibility for the mission's failure seems to lie with your series of... questionable actions.]
"Oh well! Let bygones be bygones! We have to look forward!" Yun Zhan started to act shamelessly, fully utilizing the spirit of modern workplace blame-shifting... no, flexible adaptability. "What's the point of arguing about who's right and who's wrong now? The point is, if I die, you'll be in trouble too! So, you must help me now, immediately, and unconditionally! This is for your own survival!"
He felt like a ruthless boss who had caught his employees red-handed, and he felt incredibly satisfied.
The system fell silent again, this time for a long time. Yun Zhan could almost imagine a cold electronic brain working at high speed, weighing the pros and cons, and ultimately having to bow to the "cruel" reality in a frustrating process.
[…Permissions confirmed. Host's survival is the foundation of the system's existence.] The system's electronic voice sounded… even colder, but also carried a hint of resigned helplessness. [Host, what kind of assistance do you require from this system?]
Yes! We did it!
Yun Zhan was overjoyed and almost couldn't keep his expression in check. He tried hard to suppress the upturned corners of his mouth and put on a "that's more like it" attitude.
“Assist? Look at my current situation!” Yun Zhan gestured with his eyes to the silk ribbons on his body and the bedroom, which resembled a high-class prison cell. “Isn’t it obvious? Of course, it’s to help me escape Yan Linye’s clutches! Help me leave this villa and return to the capital!”
[Back to the capital?] The system seemed somewhat surprised. [According to calculations, returning to the palace, which is now controlled by powerful ministers and is about to become the focus of war, will not significantly increase the probability of survival.]
"What do you know!" Yun Zhan felt his intelligence had reached its peak, and his thinking was exceptionally clear. "It was because of my 'aiding the enemy' that Yan Linye launched his rebellion almost two years ahead of schedule! He caught me... uh, he caught 'Chu Yin' off guard! If I can return to the capital now, I might be able to use my status as the emperor to do something and change this situation!"
The more he spoke, the more sense it made: "Look, what Yan Linye values is not the throne at all, but the peace and prosperity of the people! If... if I, the emperor, could suddenly realize my mistakes, turn over a new leaf, use my modern knowledge to govern the country well, vigorously develop the economy, improve people's livelihoods, and ensure that everyone has enough to eat and wear... then what reason would Yan Linye have to rebel?"
Yun Zhan seemed to see a glimmer of hope, and his tone became impassioned: "Rebellion also means death! Isn't Yan Linye the one who cares most about the people and doesn't want any more bloodshed? If I can bring peace to the world and prosperity to the people, he definitely won't rebel! Then, I'll keep my head, and the world will be at peace. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?!"
He felt his plan was absolutely perfect! It was brimming with brilliant wisdom!
[...] After listening to his long and impassioned speech, System Xiaoqi fell silent again. A long while later, the electronic voice sounded again, carrying an extremely complex emotion, like an old father seeing his simple-minded son finally understand (if electronic voices could have feelings):
[Host, your intelligence... seems to have finally returned to normal for once. This system actually feels a strange sense of relief?]
Yun Zhan: "..." Why does your expression of relief sound more like you're scolding me?
[Analysis of the host's proposed plan: The core logic is sound. If the host can effectively control imperial power and genuinely implement policies that benefit the people, revitalizing the Great Yin Dynasty and fundamentally eliminating the 'righteous' justification and popular support for Yan Linye's uprising, theoretically, there is indeed a possibility of avoiding war and changing the course of history.] The system begins its objective analysis. [However, this plan is extremely difficult to execute. The host must first break free from current control, safely return to the perilous palace, seize real power amidst the entrenched power of ministers, and simultaneously deal with the impending military threat…]
"Stop, stop, stop! I know it's difficult!" Yun Zhan interrupted it. "Even if it's difficult, it's better than lying here waiting to be turned into a wine glass, right? Let's take it one step at a time! First, help me escape!"
His fighting spirit was rekindled. Although the road ahead was fraught with peril, at least he had a clear direction—to return to the palace! To be a good emperor! To crush Yan Linye! To prevent him from having a chance to rebel!
[Understood. Activate 'Jailbreak' plan assistance mode.] System Xiaoqi's electronic voice seemed to have become serious as well. [Starting to scan the environment, analyze guard shift patterns, assess available resources...]
Yun Zhan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that he was finally not fighting alone. Although his teammate was a sarcastic and dormant system, it was still better than nothing.
He looked at the two guards at the door, who stood like guardian deities, and touched the soft silk ribbons on his body. His eyes gradually hardened.
Yan Linye, don't you want both the world and me?
Alright, then I'll go back and govern the 'world' properly, and see if you still want it!
Just as Yun Zhan and the system were plotting their "prison break plan," the door was gently pushed open, and Yan Linye walked in carrying dinner.
He noticed that Yun Zhan seemed more energetic than before. Although he was still tied up, his eyes were no longer lifeless; instead, they were bright and sparkling, as if he was up to something again.
Yan Linye's heart stirred slightly, but he remained expressionless on his face. He walked to the bedside and habitually reached out to touch the man's forehead.
This time, Yun Zhan didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his eyes and stared straight at him, then suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question:
"Yan Linye, if... I mean if, all the people in the world could live in peace and prosperity, free from the suffering of war, would you still insist on taking that path?"
Yan Linye's hand froze in mid-air, his deep gaze fixed on Yun Zhan, as if trying to see something in his eyes.
After a long silence, he withdrew his hand, his tone calm yet carrying a subtle, complex emotion: "If that day ever comes, it will be a blessing for all people. What I have always sought has never been power or position."
Hearing this, Yun Zhan felt even more confident.
Great! That's exactly what I wanted to hear!
Looking at Yan Linye's handsome face so close to his own, he silently thought to himself: Just wait, when I get back to the palace, I'll roll you up until you're unemployed! Let's see if you still dare to rebel!
System Xiao Qi promptly sounded a notification in his mind: [Environmental scan complete, preliminary escape plan being generated... Warning: The target's emotional value has shown a slight fluctuation. It is recommended that the host remain calm and avoid alerting the target.]
Yun Zhan immediately lowered his eyelashes, pretending to still look weak and listless.
The revolution has just begun; comrades still need to pretend!
The grasshopper (and the system) on this string are finally about to start their battle for survival!
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