I’ve Got this Cannon Fodder’s Back

137: 136 (10) 137: 136 (10) Until the two left this world together, the agent’s wish to meet the parents could not be fulfilled.

Lu Deng’s parents were in the real world, and Gu Yuan current data level was not enough.

Lu Deng’s task had not been notified as complete, so neither of them could leave yet.

The system tried to contact his uncle a few times, only to find out that Mu Jinchun had also been assigned a task in a lower-level world.

He was busy with work and unable to receive any messages from the outside.

Meanwhile, “Bai Yu Xing” became a massive hit, and Lu Yunsheng, with only a few appearances, successfully gained fame and established himself in the entertainment industry.

Gu Hanshan thought that was enough, but the young president of his entertainment company was still determined to improve and took on several more projects.

Finally, he reached the peak and won the Best Actor Award, at which point his agent took him back and kept him well hidden.

Tan Yizhe had long been banished from the entertainment industry and could no longer participate in the competition to annoy the protagonist.

As the protagonist, Liang Ming lost a chance for a satisfying revenge plot.

Lu Deng specially sent a considerable amount of experience points as compensation but was still extorted for a dozen barbecues.

The protagonist was focused on mOOChing meals until the system that was bound to him gets angry and orders him to control his physique.

He then reluctantly says goodbye to his eating buddies, sniffling as he walks toward a successful career where he cannot eat anymore.

The retired Lu Yunsheng still had a large fan base, and his agent inexplicably had a considerable support team.

The two could go to an amusement park hand in hand and still make headlines.

After living together in this world for decades, they finally left together, disappearing from the public eye as their fame gradually faded.

When Lu Deng returned to the main world, the system had not yet come back.

A few years before returning to the main world, the system said the next world was special and needed advance preparation.

The two had already become well-known veterans in the entertainment industry in the last world, living a peaceful life without any issues needing the system’s help.

Lu Deng specially prepared a gift bag for it but hadn’t expected the preparations would take so long.

Time waits for no one; if he delays, the plot might have already developed to an unknown point.

Lu Deng left the door open for the system, pulled up the control screen, and opened the next matched world.

The main system had made the details very user-friendly.

Even the complementary plot summary had corresponding backgrounds and visuals.

Just as the ancient, elegant scroll unfolded before him and he was about to examine it closely, a bright white light suddenly shone in front of him.

Before he could react, he felt his feet give way beneath him.

The familiar sensation of weightlessness enveloped his entire body as he transported to different worlds.

When he opened his eyes again, the surrounding exclamations echoed.

He found himself riding a tall horse, and the originally quiet cobblestone path had been turned upside down by the galloping steed, with stalls overturned on both sides and vendors and pedestrians hiding away, not daring to approach.

The way ahead was filled with toppled stalls, suggesting that he was not the only one riding recklessly.

Seeing a fallen child crying loudly up ahead, just about to be trampled by the horse’s hooves, Lu Deng did not have time to examine the situation.

He exerted force, struggled with his waist, and pulled the reins to forcefully turn the horse’s head, only to realize that the body he had just transferred into had not yet adjusted to match his own data; a sharp pain shot through his waist, and he couldn’t muster any strength.

Having encountered many unusual situations, this was not the most critical one.

Lu Deng let go of the reins, stepped out of the stirrups, and let the horse’s hooves narrowly miss the child, then rolled on the ground, smashing his shoulder onto the cobblestones, finally evading the startled horse.

The horse inconsiderately galloped away in an instant, leaving no trace.

Lu Deng lay on the ground, glanced at the unharmed child being quickly carried away for care, sighed in relief, stood up, and tried to connect in his mind, “System, can you hear me?” “Host!” After a series of noisy electrical sounds, the familiar mechanical voice finally burst into tears, something almost tangible crashing into his mind, making him dizzy for a moment.

Clearly, he was forcibly detained in the current world, and the system was extremely aggrieved, crying and unable to speak.

Lu Deng felt dizzy from the shock, raised his hand to rub his temples, and behind him, urgent calls echoed, “Your Highness— Your Highness!” Lu Deng felt heavy all over, unable to exert any strength in his waist, yet he stood still.

When he slightly turned to look, his shoulder throbbed again with pain.

Once the system returned, he could check the relevant information about this world.

Even if he didn’t have time to grasp the overall plot, he could at least clarify his current identity to avoid revealing himself immediately in this new world.

He sent a few red envelopes to the system to comfort it, and amidst the mechanical voice’s rhythmic sobs, Lu Deng opened his identity introduction.

This time, his identity was named Lu Chengru, fifteen years old, the youngest prince in the history of the dynasty for hundreds of years, and the current emperor’s little uncle.

To be honest, this little uncle was rather dull.

He was still in swaddling clothes during his brothers’ struggle for the throne, and he had just learned to walk when his elder brother ascended the throne, becoming a figurehead prince with no real power.

The late emperor had grand ambitions to revive the dynasty, pouring all his energy into matters of state and the common people.

For this half-brother, who was even younger than his own son, he only bestowed the title of Prince Yi and provided for his every need without any other thoughtful care.

Lu Chengru lost his parents at a young age and grew up alone in a corner of the palace after being made a prince.

Gradually, he developed a willful temperament and had caused outrageous troubles.

While the late emperor was still alive, there were people to discipline him.

After the late emperor passed away from overwork at a young age, the newly enthroned emperor had to call him little uncle and couldn’t say much or interfere further.

Therefore, in these past few years, Lu Chengru’s behavior had become increasingly out of control.

Today, he was galloping down the street out of sheer boredom, lured out by those noble scions looking for fun.

The attendants chased after him, dusty and exhausted, and by the time they arrived, he had already been lured away.

However, thinking that the prince had fallen off his horse.

They were all terrified and support him in a flurry, inquiring about his injuries, nearly calling for a royal physician to come immediately.

After resting for a moment, Lu Deng had regained his breath, administered a painkiller to himself, and gently said, “I’m fine…” Before he could finish, the system’s mechanical voice interrupted anxiously, “Host, you can’t do that!

This is the Assessment world ; you absolutely must not go out of character (OOC), or you’ll have to retake the exam!” Accompanied by the mechanical voice echoing in his mind, Lu Deng’s heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed back his next words.

Both the system staff and various hosts from the real world would take exams after their training period.

Those who passed the training would enter the Assessment world for a test.

The test world is a normal world as well, but participants would get random character settings, with no knowledge of the subsequent plot in advance, and must complete the tasks set by the system.

If the degree of OOC exceeded the limit, they would be deemed to have failed and sent back to retake the exam.

The unexpected circumstances during this world transition were likely related to the uniqueness of the current world.

Indeed, he had smoothly entered the Assessment world without undergoing the exam, confirming that the main system’s promise was effective.

He absolutely couldn’t retake the exam.

Thinking of all the “Five Hundred Years of Assessment and Three Hundred Years of Simulation” book he had on his mind, Lu Deng broke out in a cold sweat and immediately focused, using the acting skills he had honed in the last world to sweep aside the attendant who was checking his injuries.

The system, having regained its composure, promptly opened the main screen for him, and it indeed indicated the degree of OOC.

Although the incident just now didn’t deducted any points, it already had a red alert and even highlighted a line saying, “Purchase of OOC insurance with any experience points is prohibited.” Lu Deng: “…” This warning was probably marked specifically for him.

“Host, I’m sorry!

I couldn’t snag the ‘gentle and calm’ or ‘easy-going and carefree’ character settings.

They were snatched away by the protagonist’s system first…” The system, still feeling guilty, sobbed softly as it apologized, “I went to fight other system!

But the protagonist was given priority, and the staff said we had to yield…” Lu Deng couldn’t help but chuckle, handing over another red envelope for comfort.

“It’s fine, I can…” Before he could finish, his gaze suddenly landed on a slowly approaching carriage.

The carriage was luxurious and imposing, clearly belonging to someone of high status, but unlike Lu Chengru’s earlier reckless behavior, it exuded a calm dignity.

The horses pulling the carriage were docile, and as it made its way down the street, it neither disrupted the vendors nor caused any damage.

Following behind were two rows of silent, stern-faced officers who were helping clean up the aftermath, their expressionless faces not stopping the gratitude the people felt toward them.

Lu Deng’s heart felt light and joyfulness.

His intuition had always been keener than most, especially after having shared so many worlds together with the other.

Even though he couldn’t see the person inside the carriage, he felt a natural connection.

Almost instinctively, he wanted to walk over, but an official suddenly approached and, with a stern face, handed him a plaque, “For recklessly riding through the streets and disturbing the people, Prince Yi is to report to the Ministry of Justice to receive his punishment.” Lu Deng blinked in surprise, reflexively accepting the wooden plaque, his eyes following the carriage as it passed by.

A gust of wind stirred, attempting to lift the curtains of the carriage, but the fabric barely fluttered before falling back in place.

Noticing that the usually arrogant and unruly Prince Yi was being unexpectedly cooperative, the official gave him a scrutinizing glance before leaving without further comment.

The horses pulling the carriage kept their heads low, walking steadily toward the end of the street without pausing.

“Host…” The system spoke quietly, cautiously reminding him, “The assessment world has strict requirements.

The target’s database has been completely sealed and unable to be brought into this world.

He has no memory and impression of you at all…” The assessment world was meant to test the capabilities of the hosts and the system staff, naturally prohibiting any shortcuts.

It was clear that the system had already put in considerable effort just to ensure Lu Deng could be transferred into the same world as his lover.

Lu Deng understood and, although he felt a tinge of sadness, worked to adjust his mood.

He spoke to the system gently, “It’s okay.” He needed to maintain his character while also finding a way to save the “cannon fodder” and change their fate.

It looked challenging, but not impossible.

Lu Deng looked down at the wooden plaque in his hand, where neat, forceful script was carved, outlining the offense and punishment, “For a royal member’s reckless riding, fifteen lashes, ten days of confinement, a fine of one thousand taels to be distributed to the affected commoners, and the punishment to be administered at the Imperial Academy.” At the bottom of the plaque was a long list of official titles, from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Justice, down to the Grand Scholar of the Culture Hall.

The final name was: Gu Ai.

The attendants, seemingly terrified of the person inside the carriage, waited until they had disappeared from sight before helping Lu Deng toward the carriage parked for him.

Lu Deng slowly climbed aboard, sitting in the swaying carriage, his fingers brushing over the name “Gu Ai” as the image of the wind-tossed curtain flashed before his eyes.

Even just getting a glimpse would have been nice.

No matter.

He would likely be able to see him when he come for his punishment, so there was no rush.

Lu Deng let out a soft breath, clutching the plaque in his hand as he leaned back slightly in the carriage.

Gu Ai was the late emperor’s trusted advisor, entrusted with the kingdom during the emperor’s dying days.

Though he wielded great power, even the current emperor treaded cautiously around him; in the eyes of the common people, Gu Ai was greatly revered.

In the past, the court had been riddled with corruption and chaotic governance.

Gu Ai, trusted by the late emperor, had made sweeping reforms, eliminating corrupt practices and rewriting the laws.

He even targeted powerful aristocratic families with deep-rooted privileges.

Thanks to the emperor’s unwavering support, Gu Ai had, within ten years, established a robust legal system where the nobility and commoners were subject to the same laws.

His efforts had restored integrity to the court.

But he also made countless enemies.

Back when the late emperor was alive, the crown prince had been deposed and later reinstated due to a crime, harboring a lifelong grudge against Gu Ai.

On his deathbed, the emperor issued a special decree to protect Gu Ai’s life, granting him military power and land, and bestowing upon him the title of Imperial Tutor.

This was to ensure that once the crown prince ascended the throne, he wouldn’t immediately move against Gu Ai out of revenge.

However, Gu Ai’s final reform was the abolition of private armies and the annexation of noble lands.

The new emperor was shrewd.

Though he understood the benefits of Gu Ai’s reforms, he still harbored resentment and allowed the aristocratic families to rise against Gu Ai.

Simultaneously, the emperor feigned weakness, appearing as if his reign was unstable and powerless.

Before long, the emperor would claim that he was “pressured by the nobility” to have Gu Ai publicly executed by dismemberment, all while spreading rumors to incite public outrage.

When the time was right, the emperor would claim to avenge his Imperial Tutor, using the public’s anger to eliminate the powerful aristocratic families, thus completing Gu Ai’s reforms.

Lu Deng clenched the wooden plaque in his hand, quietly poking the system in his mind, “Can I usurp the throne?” System: “…” While it was busy with its tasks, it seemed that the host had secretly been led astray by the target character.

The protagonist was a modern-day prince and was destined to become the emperor in the future.

The main plotline couldn’t be altered too drastically, especially when plot points couldn’t be purchased with experience points.

The system hesitated for a long moment, then spoke cautiously, “Host, usurping the throne would impact the plotline.

Perhaps we can leave that as the very last option…” Lu Deng nodded, not saying anything further.

He tucked the plaque safely away, placing the inscribed side against his body, where his heartbeat gently thudded against the sharp strokes of that iron-like signature.

Even if he doesn’t remember… it’s okay.

When Gu Ai returned to the Imperial Academy, the sky had already darkened slightly.

He normally didn’t need to come to this place.

However, since he had accepted the title of Grand Scholar of the Culture Hall under the new dynasty and was tasked with teaching the princes, he had no choice but to show up daily to avoid giving others leverage against him.

Over time, he found the place to stay quiet and undisturbed, a suitable location for handling official matters, so he moved to work there most of the time.

The reforms were targeted at ancestral laws, and the areas that needed changing were numerous, involving countless conflicting interests.

The stone floors of the prime minister’s residence had practically been worn down from traffic, but it was nothing compared to the peace of the Imperial Academy, where even the princes rarely attended classes.

He just hoped the new emperor would take his time.

Gu Ai needed to finish organizing the last of the legal reforms before the emperor made his move to take his life.

Sitting at his desk, he saw that the case files and documents from lower officials regarding the reforms had piled up again.

Just as he picked up his brush to begin reviewing them, an official quietly entered, “My lord, Prince Yi has come to receive his punishment.” Gu Ai lifted his head at the sound, his brows arching slightly.

Prince Yi was the late emperor’s youngest son, known for his unruly behavior.

His notoriety in the capital was well established, but as a minister, it wasn’t Gu Ai’s place to interfere with royal family matters.

He had always been too busy with his own duties, so he only knew of this law-breaking prince in passing, without much other impression.

Except — today, on the street, when the wind lifted the curtain for a brief moment, he had caught a glimpse of him.

Despite his reputation, the boy still looked like a young, innocent adolescent.

His fine clothes were somewhat disheveled from the fall off his horse, a strand of hair hanging over his cheek.

Though he impatiently brushed off his servant’s attempts to check on him, there was no sign of the arrogance or outrage he was known for.

Gu Ai had sent the plaque, expecting Lu Chengru to cause a scene or stop the carriage.

But instead, he had stood there, staring blankly for a while before quietly accepting it and turning away.

Gu Ai’s mind was constantly occupied with a multitude of tasks, yet that image remained, resurfacing easily in his memory when he thought of it.

… Would someone take him home?

The inappropriate thought suddenly filled his mind, and Gu Ai furrowed his brows, trying to banish it.

Enforcement of the law required absolute impartiality.

Riding recklessly through the streets and knocking over vendors deserved punishment.

… Was anyone there to apply medicine for him?

Gu Ai frowned even deeper, gripping his brush more tightly.

He spoke with a slightly lowered tone, “Has the imperial physician checked on Prince Yi?

How severe are his injuries, and what treatment was given?” “My Lord, the imperial physician has already examined him.

They said Prince Yi is quite injured.

Aside from the external bruises and scrapes, his shoulder bone is hurt, and the muscles in his waist are damaged.

He may need a month of rest to fully recover.” Knowing Gu Ai wouldn’t tolerate being lied to, the official spoke truthfully.

After a brief hesitation, he added, “But… Prince Yi doesn’t looked to be that badly hurt.

He walks as if nothing is wrong…” It couldn’t be just a minor injury.

Gu Ai put down his brush, his gaze drifting toward the curtain separating him from the outside.

He was still thinking of those eyes he had seen earlier.

Quiet and resigned.

When he couldn’t catch up, he simply withdrew.

He likely knew that no one would truly care or show concern for him, so there was no need to show that he was in pain.

… Such thoughts were highly inappropriate.

It must be the result of too many sleepless nights, clouding his judgment.

“Delay the flogging for now.

Go and check whether his injuries are real.

If they are, confine him for ten days and fine him a thousand taels.

Postpone the flogging, we’ll reconsider it later.” Gu Ai spoke softly, then frowned slightly.

Realizing that this might bend the law too much, he deliberated for a moment before adding, “But the law must not be disregarded.

Punishment must still be carried out.

Have Prince Yi… copy the first volume of the “Book of Rites” fifteen times after he returns.

I’ll personally check it another day.”