My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

"Who is Prince Jingyang? Is this the hospitality that Her Majesty Mu Yuyan invited our Abyssal Clan to the capital for?"

A noble of the Abyssal Clan, with a grim expression, shouted loudly amidst the crowd of onlookers.

"Is this the way of hospitality in the Jing Nation? We allied with the Jing Nation to enhance its power, but does that entitle a prince to trample upon our entire Abyssal Clan?"

"One can be killed but not humiliated!"

"We demand justice. Though the Abyssal Clan has allied with the Jing Nation, we are not its slaves but its friends!"

With the elders absent, several young nobles of the Abyssal Clan attempted to sway public opinion.

To them, the importance of the departed Prince Jingyang paled in comparison to the entirety of the Abyssal Clan.

They wore subtle, relieved smiles; after all, what significance did a mere prince, unknown to them, hold compared to the respect they commanded under Mu Yuyan and the Consecrator of the Tianji Pavilion?

In the midst of the onlooking populace, discussions flourished.

Moreover, learning that the recently departed figure was Prince Jingyang, jealousy and admiration brewed among them.

Suddenly, the arguments of the Abyssal Clan seemed justified.

"Indeed, these Abyssal people are merely handling internal matters. Was it appropriate for Prince Jingyang to intervene directly?"

"What prowess does this pretty-faced individual possess? Isn't he merely basking in the favor bestowed upon him by Her Majesty during the last mission?"

"The officials from the Imperial Announcements Bureau even credited him with the merits of judging criminals. Who do they think they can fool? Just a pretty face, does he understand anything about judgment? He merely plucked the fruits of the Imperial Announcements Bureau."

"Such individuals are insignificant when they lack power, but once empowered, they become arrogant princes. Does he have the authority to meddle in the internal affairs of the Abyssal Clan? What if he drives away Abyssal individuals who have allied with our Jing Nation? Acting without thought, he is utterly useless!"

"Hush, it's enough to talk behind his back; let's not allow Her Majesty's people to hear..."

Amidst the whispers, the nobles of the Abyssal Clan wore satisfied smiles.

They believed that even Mu Yuyan of the Jing Nation would hold Prince Jingyang accountable for the current situation.

A noble of the Abyssal Clan, who had been humiliated by Gu Lan, smirked inwardly.

He thought, "Dare to challenge me? Do you even know what you're capable of? Even though you might have some tricks up your sleeve, in terms of cultivation, you're no match for me. However, when it comes to status and background... I can make your life miserable!"

However, Wei Zhi remained silent, his gaze cold and piercing, sweeping over the surrounding onlookers.

The Jing Nation's citizens who met his gaze shivered from the chilling intensity and immediately lowered their heads, refraining from further discussion.

The atmosphere calmed instantly.

Many among the populace were familiar with Wei Zhi; after all, he frequently patrolled the capital and resolved numerous disputes, earning respect among the citizens.

They regarded Prince Jingyang as nothing more than a pretty face; gossiping behind his back was harmless.

However, individuals like Wei Zhi, who held direct authority over them, were not to be offended.

Yet, only Wei Zhi knew that Gu Lan possessed genuine skills. Before interrogation, the Rapist was not someone he framed; rather, he greatly aided the Imperial Announcements Bureau.

However, such matters were not to be explained to the ignorant masses.

Often, they only saw what they wanted to see, making explanations futile, akin to playing the lute to a cow.

"What do you mean, sir? Do you think that the status of our entire Abyssal Clan is inferior to that of a prince of your Jing Nation?"

The nobles of the Abyssal Clan, observing the calm situation, glared at Wei Zhi and spoke.

"I am Wei Zhi, dispatched to settle the Abyssal Clan. Follow me!"

Wei Zhi's disdainful expression remained as he refused to address the question.

Turning, he walked towards the city, but the nobles of the Abyssal Clan wore even darker expressions, none willing to follow him.

Wei Zhi paused in his steps.

"The Abyssal Clan has submitted to the Jing Nation under the authority of Mu Yuyan. It is not the Jing Nation pleading for your allegiance. Don't overstep your bounds!"

The faces of the Abyssal individuals grew grimmer, acknowledging the truth.

They desired friendship with the Jing Nation, but Mu Yuyan's stance would ultimately decide. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

Prince Jingyang's earlier retorts were merely face-saving gestures; however, facing Wei Zhi, a high-ranking court official, it was wiser to remain subdued.

For a moment, the nobles of the Abyssal Clan dared not act rashly, silently trailing behind Wei Zhi with gloomy expressions, restraining themselves from further outbursts.

Leading the nobles of the Abyssal Clan, Wei Zhi found their headquarters and, after explaining his purpose, escorted them to the campsite designated by Her Majesty.

During the journey, he did not trouble them excessively, merely riding ahead while allowing them to take leisurely strolls around the capital.

Meanwhile, Gu Lan remained oblivious to the aftermath following his departure.

It was unnecessary to concern himself with these matters, as Madam would handle them later.

At this moment, Gu Lan had already brought Zhe Liang back to the mansion on Dongzhi Street.

Initially, he administered several healing pills left behind, swiftly healing Zhe Liang's various injuries, even significantly improving his overall physical condition.

After all, the pills were crafted by himself, displaying remarkable efficacy.

Zhe Liang's eyes filled with gratitude; despite years of accustomed neglect, experiencing such a profound improvement in his physical condition was unprecedented.

Within the Abyssal Clan, he had always been regarded as worthless, subjected to ridicule, ignorance, and humiliation.

Only Gu Lan had shown concern for him, administering such potent pills.

"Thank you, Prince Jingyang, for saving me!"

Zhe Liang, perceptive, immediately prostrated himself on the ground, delivering a deep bow.

Not only for the pills but if Prince Jingyang had not intervened today, it would have been difficult for him to survive amidst his own kind.

Being thrown out with broken legs meant a bleak future.

"However, I fear I cannot repay Prince Jingyang's great kindness, even if I wished to. The cost of these pills is beyond my means..."

His words gradually grew despondent.

Despite his pride, Zhe Liang understood that the price of such pills was exorbitant, far beyond what a worthless individual like him could afford.

Gu Lan scrutinized the still-kneeling Zhe Liang, and after a prolonged silence, softly spoke, "Why do you think I saved you and provided you with these pills for treatment?"

Zhe Liang was momentarily taken aback, raising his head with a puzzled expression. "I do not know."

He did not understand why a despised individual like himself, a hybrid of human and demon, subjected to mockery and disdain by his own kind, would be valued by a prince of the Jing Nation and saved.

Zhe Liang was deeply grateful but could not comprehend this inexplicable kindness, feeling a sense of unreality.

Gu Lan nodded. He did not seek an answer from Zhe Liang; rather, he continued with a smile, explaining, "It is because only I know that you are not worthless but rather... a prodigy!"