My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

In the depths of Gu Lan's eyes, a fleeting clarity flashed, unnoticed by Mu Yuyan. However, Gu Lan was deeply perplexed.

Could it be that his Qi-Insighting Technique had been dormant for too long, causing issues?

Hurriedly, Gu Lan entered the room and beheld his handsome, almost ethereal visage reflected in the bronze mirror.

The gleam in his eyes returned, albeit momentarily.

Everything seemed fine, didn't it?

Gu Lan was bewildered momentarily, then pondered deeply, his gaze in the mirror gradually losing focus.

He paused, his throat bobbing as realization washed over him, his expression a mix of shock and epiphany.

"Madam harbors a secret... one that eludes even my Mysteries!"

Gu Lan discovered the gravity of the situation, astonishment etched on his face.

Despite attaining the later stages of Imperial Realm, capable of rending space with a flick, he found it inconceivable that he couldn't fathom Madam's depths.

After all, she was but a mere mortal.

How could he fail to discern her secrets?

It was merely an attempt to confirm matters.

The spiritual symbols remained attuned, and Madam's condition appeared normal.

Gu Lan was reassured, yet stumbling upon Madam's secret left him astounded.

After all, who, in their leisure, would employ methods meant for adversaries to probe a Madam they knew so intimately?

Unexpected indeed!

Meanwhile, Mu Yuyan approached from behind, observing Gu Lan's demeanor.

Concern etched her voice as she inquired, "Mr. Gu, has the interrogation encountered difficulties at the Imperial Announcements Bureau?"

Difficulties were inconsequential.

With the use of coercion, albeit time-consuming, they could surely extract the information they needed.

She hadn't expected to receive news so swiftly.

It was merely a matter of allowing Gu Lan to claim the credit!

Listening to Madam's gentle words, Gu Lan's mind swayed.

Though he opened his mouth, he replied, "No... everything proceeds smoothly. It's just... unfortunate for those girls, their plight is truly tragic."

Mu Yuyan fell silent at his words, her thoughts unspoken.

"The matter indeed lies with the court... However, I believe, Your Majesty Mu Yuyan, upon uncovering the forces behind this, justice will prevail, and the girls' fates will be handled appropriately..."

Before the public, Mu Yuyan could admit fault and even issue decrees of self-blame.

However, here, Gu Lan had to be discreet, offering solutions rather than dwelling on issues.

His impression of himself was already poor; he couldn't afford to evoke further disdain!

Mu Yuyan's eyes lifted slightly, her delicate hands nervously tugging at her sleeve.

At that moment, Liu Yexi emerged from the gate, wearing a joyful expression, eager to report Gu Lan's actions to Mu Yuyan.

However, he overheard the conversation.

His expression froze.

It wasn't Mu Yuyan's fault, yet she still needed to find ways to explain herself tactfully...

Her heart swelled with a sense of injustice and bitterness!

However, Gu Lan, with a gentle smile, added, "Their fate? Madam, you must have misunderstood. Those girls didn't perish. After their interrogation today, we managed to rescue them all."

He decided to table the matter of Madam's secret for now.

After all, her genuine affection was undeniable.

However, if it involved delicate aspects of her past, it could inflict unintended harm.

"Let's observe a bit longer, to uncover Madam's secrets... Before the completion of the stone array, if we can't find out, we'll inquire with Yunlong before heading to the Desert North..."

Gu Lan took a deep breath, burying the matter deep within his heart.

Across from him, Mu Yuyan's eyes widened at the news.

"They're saved?! All of them... saved? When did this happen?!"

"Indeed! Madam, the news is spreading outside. Our Master Gu Lan has saved over twenty girls. It's truly a great act of merit!"

Liu Yexi chimed in, deliberately emphasizing 'Master' to remind Mu Yuyan of Gu Lan's stature.

Upon hearing this, Gu Lan was taken aback.

"What the heck? Who leaked my name?"

"I have no idea. It's already spreading outside, though it hasn't reached our street yet. It's only a matter of time..." Liu Yexi shrugged innocently.
Stay connected with empire

Gu Lan sighed inwardly at Wei Zhi's betrayal.

Despite having saved him once, he repaid the favor like this?

Nevertheless, Gu Lan understood Wei Zhi's intentions and chose to accept the irreversible reality in silence.

Mu Yuyan couldn't contain her joy upon hearing Yexi's affirmation, her eyes shimmering with delight.

She gazed at Gu Lan, contemplating whether to express her gratitude physically.

This man, with his extraordinary skills, never failed to surprise her.

In Mu Yuyan's imagination, even if news of the interrogation surfaced, with so many young girls having suffered over the years, she would have to issue a decree of self-blame.

History would inevitably mark a stain during the Jia Qing era.

But now, the situation has drastically changed!

The fact that they were alive, reunited with their families, meant that as long as she compensated them in their remaining years, she could avoid the heavy-handed decree of self-blame.

The downfall of the nation would be averted!

This wasn't merely rewarding Mr. Gu; he had saved her life...

Mu Yuyan sighed inwardly, feeling increasingly indebted to Gu Lan.

How could she ever repay him? One child? Two? Perhaps three or five?

This was a topic she had casually discussed with Xiao Fei'er before.

Back then, Mu Yuyan, still in the palace, had joked about it, brushing it aside.

She never imagined she'd face such a dilemma one day!

Mu Yuyan's mind wandered, her delicate face flushing slightly, her earlobes adorned with glistening jewels.

At this moment, Old Yang entered the room with a tray of freshly cooked dishes, his usual cheerful demeanor intact.

"Madam, the young master is still discussing matters. Let's eat first. You need strength to work."

"Work..."

The word echoed strangely in Mu Yuyan's ears, causing her discomfort.

She couldn't let her thoughts wander like this!

Mu Yuyan shook her head lightly, her jade hand delicately supporting her rosy cheek as she softly inquired, "Mr. Gu has undertaken such a meritorious task; he must be reporting to the palace tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, he'll go tomorrow," Gu Lan replied, glancing at her with thoughtful eyes.

Unnoticed, Mu Yuyan's lips curled slightly.

"Then, shouldn't Her Majesty Mu Yuyan properly reward Mr. Gu for such outstanding merit?"

Yes! Lay the groundwork first.

Otherwise, if the rewards were too generous tomorrow, he might become suspicious!

Mu Yuyan was quick-witted indeed!

"Rewards don't matter much. We lack nothing in our household. As long as we can end this quickly and return home to accompany Madam," Gu Lan smiled gently.

"Although that's true," Mu Yuyan shook her head, rebutting, "not rewarding him generously might lead to resentment among the common people, especially those girls who were saved and reunited with their families."

"What kind of reward would be considered substantial?" Liu Yexi ventured tentatively, pretending not to understand.

Mu Yuyan glanced at her admiringly. "Grant him a title?"

"A noble title?" Liu Yexi pretended to be puzzled.

Mu Yuyan appreciated her remark. "A noble title? Why not consider the possibility of Mu Yuyan marrying Mr. Gu as a reward?"

"That's not possible!"

Mu Yuyan blurted out instinctively, her expression freezing for a moment.

A strange, tingling sensation rose inexplicably from the depths of her heart!

When she snapped out of it, she felt even more confused...

What's happening? Am I feeling jealous over my own words?

Did Gu Lan's words lead to this?

Liu Yexi looked at Mu Yuyan, filled with admiration, thinking to herself: Wow, Her Majesty is quite the actress! She's so deeply immersed in her role that she even forgets her own status!

Upon hearing Mu Yuyan's response, Gu Lan chuckled and tousled her hair gently.

"Just kidding. Mu Yuyan, I've never even met you. As the revered ruler, how could you possibly take notice of a commoner like me?"

At his words, Mu Yuyan felt like she had just acted foolishly.

She had finally mustered the courage to consider him a potential suitor, only to sabotage herself with baseless jealousy!

Being chosen by Mu Yuyan was the goal of her "evil" plan!

Mu Yuyan's complex gaze led Gu Lan to pick up a lotus root slice and hesitantly offer it to her.

"Actually, if Your Majesty were to truly favor me... then I wouldn't mind being considered."

As soon as she said that—

Clang!

Everyone was shocked!

Old Yang's chopsticks clattered to the ground.

He quickly bent down to pick them up, pretending not to have heard anything!

Little Qi and Zhongren buried themselves in their food, pretending not to be involved.

Liu Yexi paused for a moment, then started nudging Mu Yuyan with her eyebrows and eyes.

As for Gu Lan!

He stared at Madam's blushing face for a moment, then, a hint of puzzlement flashed in his eyes...

Mu Yuyan saw the look in the servant's eyes and realized she had blurted out something wrong again!

Unlike her usual composure, tonight she had already made two mistakes in a row!

Danger!

Indeed, one's intelligence diminishes in front of a loved one. It was true...

Mu Yuyan felt nervous, but as a renowned figure, she had faced countless storms.

She immediately composed herself and said firmly:

"I merely believe that Her Majesty Mu Yuyan is a wise ruler... If Mr. Gu were to enter the palace, how could I possibly impede his advancement?"

Gu Lan looked at her for a while, then smiled gently.

"Madam, you worry too much. As husband and wife, we are like birds of a feather in the sky and intertwined branches on the earth. No one can interfere with us!"

Madam's secret was related to the palace of Jing Nation... Gu Lan nodded slightly, reaching a preliminary conclusion!

Could it be related to the palace's senior concubine?

Yes, he would linger a bit longer in the imperial city tomorrow to see if he could find answers...

Upon hearing Gu Lan's words, Mu Yuyan's pounding heart finally calmed within her full chest.

That was close!

She wasn't prepared to face Mr. Gu with her identity as Mu Yuyan!

No way!

In the future, she couldn't afford to be so unrestrained. Even if she wanted to "capture" Gu Lan's heart, she had to be more subtle!

Mu Yuyan's delicate face blushed, her elegant and reserved demeanor returning as she continued to dine gracefully...

That night!

General Wu Wei's Residence!

Wu Fan, who had been silent for a long time, had recently begun to pay attention to the situation in the capital.

The servants who had once shadowed the Sun family had finally reported some findings today!

"So Assistant Minister Sun turned out to be a traitor? Ha, in these times, anyone can be labeled a traitor! People are being executed and families are exterminated left and right. The tyrant will die sooner or later!"

Wu Fan cursed with a guilty conscience.

Although his son wasn't killed by Mu Yuyan, he died because Great Yu retaliated against Jing Nation's plan!

He hated both sides now!

His trusted subordinate quickly echoed, "Indeed, General, Her Majesty lacks virtue, and corruption runs rampant. We must find a way to clear the court's corruption!"

Corruption? Wu Fan glanced at him, feeling as if he were being targeted.

"Ahem, clearing corruption depends on strength. Our strength is too weak right now. Tell me about the news you gathered about Assistant Minister Sun!"

"Yes!" The trusted subordinate recounted everything he had learned from his surveillance outside the Imperial Announcements Bureau.

After listening, Wu Fan's eyes lit up!

His face showed a mix of shock and delight!

"Are you saying Assistant Minister Sun has achieved such a high level of cultivation, reaching The Queen Realm? And he's from the Desert North?!"

"Yes, General. Is something the matter?" The trusted subordinate looked puzzled.

"Haha! Heaven wants to forget Mu Yuyan, and Heaven wants to destroy her!"

Wu Fan laughed heartily, quickly retrieving a map from the study and spreading it out on the table.

"The Desert North is filled with demons and evil creatures."

"In ancient records, there was once a massive sect called the Blissful Immortal Palace. But it has been largely forgotten over time."

"Ah! So, Assistant Minister Sun is actually a member of this major sect!" The trusted subordinate realized.

Wu Fan smirked, "I think it's more than that! Someone with Emperor Realm cultivation is definitely a formidable force on this continent!"

"And now that he's dead, the powerful force behind him won't take it lying down. Even if it's just to save face, they'll come after Mu Yuyan!"

The trusted subordinate understood, smirking, "But Mu Yuyan, being the ruler, can't bow down to such evil cultivators. There's bound to be conflict between the two sides!"

"Exactly!" Wu Fan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"The Blissful Immortal Palace has stood for many years, and its strength is no less than that of the Four Great Dynasties! We just need to sit back and watch the show. Who knows, we might even be able to hitch a ride on their success!"

Great Yu was faltering, and Wu Fan had been looking for a new ally for a while.

"Wise decision, General!" The trusted subordinate nodded in agreement.

Then he remembered something and said, "By the way, General, we also learned something today about a young scholar who seems to be related to Mu Yuyan."

"A scholar?" Wu Fan sneered with disdain.

"Scholars are useless. We don't need to pay attention to such people in the future..."

"But he has entered the palace and become an envoy!"

"Go on."

Wu Fan furrowed his brow, listening intently as the trusted subordinate quietly recounted Gu Lan's story.

"No address, which complicates things...

But it seems Mu Yuyan has never shown such favor to a young man before!" Wu Fan recalled the rumors circulating in the market some time ago.

Mu Yuyan had ventured into Heaven Mountain because of a man... Could it be true?

"Keep an eye on this scholar's movements. He might prove useful in the future!" Wu Fan narrowed his eyes, filled with killing intent!

If he couldn't trouble Mu Yuyan, then perhaps troubling someone she cared about would do the trick.

Hmph! If the day comes when the truth is revealed, maybe he could use this scholar as leverage to escape!

The next morning, at dawn!

Gu Lan wasn't dressed as flamboyantly as before.

Instead, he wore simple blue attire as he entered the Jing Nation palace once again.

At the palace gate, he encountered a familiar face.

"Eunuch Mao?" Gu Lan greeted, puzzled. "What are you doing here? Did you know I was coming today?"

"No, no! I just happened to be out after lunch and ran into Master!" Eunuch Mao chuckled. "Shall I guide you, Master?"

"Sure!" Gu Lan nodded.

Eunuch Mao smiled with joy and promptly led Gu Lan into the palace.

Since Gu Lan had spoken for him last time, Mu Yuyan rewarded him with a hundred taels of gold and a rare pair of cloud boots, a great honor for a eunuch!

Eunuch Mao knew Gu Lan was an important figure...

Well, at least somewhat important. Who knows, he might have potential, so it was better to be attentive!

They passed through the Zhengyang Gate as usual and entered the colorful palace of Mu Yuyan.

"Huh, why isn't Chief Luo here today?" Gu Lan noticed the change in the head of the Forbidden Army and received a friendly nod from a distance, feeling puzzled.

Eunuch Mao chuckled, "It's all because of you, Master!"

"Because of me?" Gu Lan was taken aback.

"Of course! He was disrespectful to you that day, and when Her Majesty found out, she ordered him to be flogged fifty times and banished from the palace. He won't be back for at least half a year!"

Eunuch Mao snorted, feeling like he had missed something, then quickly added with a smile, "Oh, Master, that flogging... was administered by our own guards!"