Chapter 194: Encounter with Wei Zhi
Mu Yuyan swiftly issued a decree: the Abyssal Clan pledged allegiance to the Jing Nation, and a territory near the capital city would be designated for their settlement.
The people of Jing Nation were initially restless upon hearing of the Abyssal Clan's arrival, but soon settled down.
"I've heard that the Abyssal Clan excels in clandestine assassinations and infiltration. Undoubtedly, Her Majesty Mu Yuyan sees the value in subduing the Abyssal Clan," rumors swirled after the imperial edict was announced.
"Rumor has it that it was the enigmatic Consecrator from the Mysteries Sect who sought to subdue the Abyssal Clan, and Her Majesty Mu Yuyan came to their aid," whispered discussions ensued.
"Why would Her Majesty Mu Yuyan intervene if it's the Consecrator from the Mysteries Sect who desires the Abyssal Clan? And why settle them within our capital?" Questions circulated among the populace.
"Is it true? Are you not aware? It's said that Her Majesty Mu Yuyan already has Mr. Gu, who happens to be the Consecrator from the Mysteries Sect!"
"What! Is that so? Didn't they say Her Majesty Mu Yuyan was recently infatuated with a young scholar named Gu Lan?"
"Has Her Majesty Mu Yuyan taken a spouse?"
Amidst the arrival of the Abyssal Clan, the citizen's interest in the gossip surrounding Her Majesty Mu Yuyan grew even more fervent.
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Unfortunately, the common folk often only grasped snippets of information, spreading rumors that became increasingly exaggerated.
"Her Majesty Mu Yuyan is the Queen, what's wrong with marrying two princes?"
"It's reasonable; emperors have multiple palaces. I wonder if I'll ever have a chance?"
"Get real, with your appearance, dreaming is all you can do. Does a toad dream of eating swan meat?"
"I believe even if our Majesty is unparalleled in beauty, he still wouldn't be a match for the Consecrator... The Consecrator should belong to all the women of the Jing Nation!"
Gu Lan also heard about the Abyssal Clan's arrival in the capital and promptly set off to find the Abyssal Clan prodigy mentioned in the original text.
The capital city was vast, with a designated area specifically allocated for the Abyssal Clan. Gu Lan set forth on his horse.
"Brother Gu!"
In the bustling street, a familiar voice sounded behind him.
Gu Lan turned to see Wei Zhi, his first acquaintance in the capital city, who had played a significant role in the past "Rapist" incident.
"Look at me, it's no longer 'Brother Gu' now; it's Prince Jingyang!"
Wei Zhi's face lit up with admiration as he addressed Gu Lan.
Gu Lan smiled faintly.
"You jest. Whether I'm a prince or not, I am still Gu Lan. You can address me as Brother Gu, as you always have."
"Well, then I'll continue to call you Brother Gu, entrusting you with such a title. However, I must say, Brother Gu sounds much more pleasant than Prince Jingyang!" Wei Zhi chuckled, his admiration for Gu Lan evident.
Wei Zhi had always believed that Gu Lan was extraordinary from the moment they first met.
However, he never anticipated Gu Lan's rapid rise to prominence, being elevated to a prince so swiftly, akin to riding a rocket!
Such achievement and status were highly esteemed in the capital city, even considered among the highest echelons.
Moreover, he had caught the eye of Her Majesty and was even rumored to have taken residence in Luan Feng Hall...
As Wei Zhi looked at Gu Lan, a hint of envy tinged his gaze.
"Beauty is indeed a virtue. Every time I think of Brother Gu being chosen by Her Majesty. I'm filled with envy."
More than just envying Gu Lan's meteoric rise, Wei Zhi felt a twinge of sourness knowing that it was Her Majesty Mu Yuyan, the foremost swordsman and beauty of the Jing Nation, who favored him.
How could an official who had worked his way up not feel a pang of jealousy?
Of course, calling it jealousy might be an exaggeration; it was more of a mix of envy and admiration coming from a fellow townsman.
"It was all thanks to Brother Wei's righteous words during the 'Rapist' incident that allowed me to catch Her Majesty's attention," Gu Lan teased lightly, referring to the incident where Wei Zhi had exposed him.
Though Gu Lan's relationship with Mu Yuyan had no connection to the 'Rapist' incident, mentioning it served as a subtle reminder to Wei Zhi, who preferred to stay out of the limelight.
Sure enough, Wei Zhi's expression turned thoughtful, followed by a mock lament, "So, it was like that. If only I had reported myself earlier, perhaps Her Majesty would have taken notice of me instead!"
"Brother Wei, some things depend on one's appearance," Gu Lan joked.
As they bantered, they arrived at the city gate.
"By the way, why is Brother Wei here?" Gu Lan inquired.
"Didn't Her Majesty order the subjugation of the Abyssal Clan? I've been dispatched to facilitate their settlement near the capital. Given the sizable influx of the Abyssal Clan, it's essential for the Jing Nation to show sincerity," Wei Zhi explained.
Gu Lan nodded in agreement.
Such matters indeed required official intervention for proper resolution.
Integrating an entire race into the Jing Nation couldn't be rushed.
"And what brings Brother Gu here?" Wei Zhi asked.
"It's a coincidence; I have an acquaintance among the Abyssal Clan. I'm going to catch up with him," Gu Lan casually replied.
"Brother Gu has quite a diverse circle of friends, even among the Abyssal Clan," Wei Zhi remarked in surprise.
Gu Lan smiled but said nothing. Indeed, he knew of Zhe Liang, but Zhe Liang didn't know him.
Strictly speaking, he didn't really know Zhe Liang; it was just a vague impression from the incomplete novel of his previous life...
At the city gate, several individuals with distinct attire surrounded a frail, pale young man.
"Didn't the clan chief order you to stay in Darkling? How dare you disobey the chief's orders?"
"I think this kid wants to ruin the future of our Abyssal Clan! If Jing Nation sees such a weakling, they'll think our Abyssal Clan is nothing but trash!"
"What's he even doing with our Abyssal Clan? He's just a worthless hybrid!"
The young man in question was Zhe Liang, and the individuals surrounding him were aristocrats of the Abyssal Clan.
He had quietly followed the Abyssal Clan to the capital, but in a moment of distraction, he had drawn too close and was discovered by these aristocratic youths.
"I just wanted to ensure the Abyssal Clan's integration into the Jing Nation goes smoothly," Zhe Liang explained stubbornly, unfazed by their mockery.
He was accustomed to such ridicule; it no longer bothered him.
"What? Now that you see us doing well, you want to cozy up to us?"
"We've been supporting you, a worthless fellow, for so many years. Spare our Abyssal Clan the embarrassment. Don't let your incompetence tarnish our reputation!"
Despite his good temperament, Zhe Liang, still a youth, couldn't help but flush at their words.
Facing the scrutiny of the locals from the Jing Nation, his face reddened as he replied, "If you're doing well, I'll leave immediately, without hindering your progress in the slightest!"
After speaking, Zhe Liang attempted to leave but was blocked by the group.
"What? Do you think you can come and go as you please here? Do you think your words are so touching? Who knows, maybe you'll sneak up on us again when the Jing Nation is out, waiting to betray us?"
"What else do you want?" Zhe Liang, surrounded, remained resolute.
The Abyssal Clan aristocrats exchanged glances.
"How about we break both his legs and throw him out of the city? That way, he won't be able to follow us anymore!"