Chapter 198: Disciplining Public Opinion
Upon learning Mu Yuyan's identity, Zhe Liang could feel the intensified imperial pressure, having just embarked on his spiritual journey, he almost found himself breathless under the weight.
He swallowed hard, mustering his willpower to steady himself, determined not to embarrass himself in front of Gu Lan.
He calmly spoke, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Within my clan, I am regarded as worthless, and subjected to endless humiliation. They sought to break my legs and cast me out of the city. It was Prince who rescued me from their clutches, leading to the altercation."
Mu Yuyan's expression darkened instantly.
She turned to Liu Yexi beside her and commanded, "Order the Imperial Announcements Bureau to apprehend those noble members of the Abyssal Clan. Give each of them eighty lashes!"
"I have already decreed that the Abyssal Clan shall submit to Jing Nation. All individuals of the Abyssal Clan are henceforth citizens of Jing Nation. No one shall be allowed to oppress them."
"Yes!"
The green-clad attendant behind her bowed and withdrew.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhe Liang, taken aback, expressed his gratitude, never expecting Mu Yuyan to directly support him.
He bowed in gratitude once more.
"No need for excessive courtesy. I see you possess exceptional talents. How could one call you worthless?"
Mu Yuyan smiled faintly, her beauty and grace unparalleled.
She had complete trust in Mr. Gu's judgment, hence her decisive support for Zhe Liang.
Zhe Liang continued, "Thanks to Prince, not only did he save me, but he also recognized my potential in cultivation and bestowed upon me a celestial-grade secret technique for practice."
"Such kindness is akin to giving me a new lease on life! I have decided to follow Prince in the future, dedicating myself until the end!"
Though grateful and reverent towards Mu Yuyan, Zhe Liang made his stance clear.
However, the imagined scenario of Mu Yuyan's manipulation did not manifest.
Instead, Mu Yuyan nodded approvingly, "Indeed, gratitude should be repaid, never forgotten."
Zhe Liang nodded in bewilderment, gradually understanding from Mu Yuyan's gentle actions that her relationship with Prince was perhaps not as simple as he had imagined.
Mu Yuyan did not explain and continued, "You shall cultivate here."
With that said, she led Gu Lan into the backyard.
"Um... Shall I inform Prince?" Zhe Liang hesitated.
"No need. Young brother, just follow Her Majesty's instructions and focus on your cultivation!"
Gu Lan smiled, admiring the young man Prince had brought back, feeling somewhat envious.
Zhe Liang scratched his head.
Seeing Mu Yuyan return here as if it were her home, Zhe Liang seemed to understand Gu Lan's status...
The next morning, as Gu Lan accompanied Mu Yuyan out with ease, Zhe Liang watched in slight astonishment!
Was Her Majesty spending the night at the mansion with Prince?!
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Even if it were Her Majesty Mu Yuyan of Jing Nation bestowing favor upon the Prince, shouldn't it be done in the palace?
How could she personally visit the mansion?
It seemed more like a husband and wife arrangement, rather than Mu Yuyan's domineering style when she subdued their Abyssal Clan foes...
Since Liu Yexi took charge, the Imperial Announcements Bureau acted swiftly, capturing the troublesome Abyssal Clan nobles during the day.
That night, they were publicly flogged at the Imperial Announcements Bureau office, leaving passersby shocked yet intrigued, reluctant to leave.
Punishing foreign nationals in such a manner was rare.
After witnessing the event, word spread rapidly throughout the capital.
By the next day, most of the citizens knew that Her Majesty Mu Yuyan was infuriated that the Abyssal Clan had offended Prince Jingyang and had been punished accordingly.
With the help of certain individuals behind the scenes, public opinion grew increasingly fervent.
"Her Majesty has been misled by villains, recklessly punishing the noble members of the Abyssal Clan who have allied with Jing Nation. Such actions are simply outrageous!"
"Indeed, those noble members of the Abyssal Clan were merely attending to their own affairs. Should Her Majesty interfere in such matters?"
"The one they dealt with from the Abyssal Clan was nothing more than a half-human, half-demon hybrid. It's understandable for Prince Jingyang to be disregarded, as he's equally worthless. But why should Her Majesty offend our friends who have allied with Jing Nation over two worthless individuals?"
"Why? It's because she's been misled by villains! Blame it all on Prince Jingyang. Since his appearance, Her Majesty has made countless foolish decisions!"
"Yes, Her Majesty's reliance on Prince Jingyang, who possesses no merit other than his handsome appearance, is simply incompetent!"
"In my opinion, Princess Jia Qing should never have been supported to ascend to the throne!"
"Shh! Brother, be cautious..."
"Why? I can't even speak my mind about her?"
After fermenting overnight, fueled by certain individuals behind the scenes, criticisms against Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan surged.
While unaware, Gu Lan remained indifferent...
He followed a routine, teaching his disciples during the day at the mansion and making occasional visits to the palace in the evening.
If time allowed, he assisted Madam with her reports.
He became the man behind Mu Yuyan.
Within the mansion, Zhe Liang sought Gu Lan's guidance, joining Zhongren and Little Qi in their cultivation.
To be precise, it was one and a half individuals—Zhe Liang and a half-demon.
Zhe Liang's progress was swift, given his exceptional talents, combined with the purple destiny blessing and the celestial-grade secret technique bestowed by Gu Lan.
His cultivation progressed rapidly, even surpassing Zhongren and Little Qi, who were not lacking in talent but had never seen someone advance by a realm in a single day!
Having endured hardships in his earlier life, Zhe Liang seized this opportunity with fervor, leaving no room for idleness.
His unwavering commitment resulted in a qualitative transformation in his cultivation.
Zhongren, recognizing Zhe Liang's immense destiny, couldn't help but remark, "Following Big Brother Gu indeed has its advantages."
More individuals with profound destinies gathered around Gu Lan, a comforting thought for Zhongren.
The more destiny's children there were, the greater the chance of completely shaking off the forces of fate!
Therefore, Zhongren was more than willing to help Zhe Liang, answering his questions before Zhe Liang even asked Gu Lan.
During this time, Zhe Liang also learned about his master's background.
Prince Jingyang of Jing Nation, Mr. Gu of Mu Yuyan, and also... the mysterious Consecrator of the Tianji Pavilion!
This last identity was Zhe Liang's speculation.
Zhongren's demeanor suggested he was a disciple of the Tianji Pavilion.
Combined with Gu Lan's proficiency in the Tianji Pavilion's Qi-Insighting Technique, along with his terrifying cultivation and the intimate relationship between him and Mu Yuyan, along some rumors Zhe Liang had heard before, he could reasonably infer that his master was the Consecrator of the Tianji Pavilion!
Zhe Liang, even without cultivation, could unleash
his talents given the chance.
Now that Gu Lan had given him the opportunity, he intended to grasp it firmly!
Their relationship advanced significantly during this period, as all of them had joined Gu Lan's faction.
They treated Zhe Liang, the latecomer, quite well.
They were always ready to help with any issues during cultivation.
Coupled with Zhe Liang's own talents, his progress was nothing short of remarkable.
Observing the harmonious atmosphere among the three in the backyard from the roof with Madam under the moonlight, Gu Lan couldn't help but smile contentedly.