My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

The demeanor of Zhongren during his speech was exceedingly indifferent towards everyone else but remarkably deferential towards Gu Lan!

This reverence emanated from the depths of his soul, reserved only for those who could completely submit to him.

And in his words, there was no mistake.

Though heroes were scarce in the world, within the courtyard of the Gu family, there were several individuals whose talents rivaled those of this young master!

Zhongren resumed his seat beside Gu Lan and Mu Yuyan, indulging in food and drink as if no one else were present. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

At that moment, the gazes of the crowd weren't just assessing Zhongren but also fixated on Gu Lan.

Shock, suspicion, reverence...

Yet, Gu Lan remained nonchalant, as though nothing phased him.

He simply savored the wine and food Mu Yuyan served him, disregarding the scrutiny of the onlookers.

The Empress Dowager also noticed Zhongren, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from the young man.

Such presence couldn't have been cultivated without the backing of a powerful family or faction.

She speculated quietly, pondering the possibility that Zhongren might indeed be a disciple of the Tianji Pavilion, as previously suggested by the courtiers.

However, he had yet to confirm it himself.

Nevertheless, the Empress Dowager regarded Zhongren highly, elevating his importance in her eyes.

As Zhongren referred to Gu Lan as his elder brother, the Empress Dowager extended the same level of regard to Gu Lan, no longer viewing him as merely a pretty face but something more profound.

The thought occurred to the Empress Dowager that perhaps they had all underestimated Gu Lan's husband, Mu Yuyan's new spouse.

Gu Lan was more than just a pretty face; otherwise, he wouldn't have earned the loyalty of such an exceptional youth as Zhongren.

She scrutinized Gu Lan with uncertainty, unable to determine his true cultivation level.

Despite presuming him to be without martial prowess, the presence of such a talented young man by his side challenged that assumption.

"Perhaps we have all overlooked the true nature of Mu Yuyan's choice for a husband," the Empress Dowager mused, concealing her thoughts beneath a composed facade.

Her position in the harem was still quite lofty. Even Mu Yuyan would show her respect as an elder when they met. Therefore, she discreetly scrutinized Gu Lan and Zhongren. Mu Yuyan noticed this but only showed a slight displeasure; she wouldn't erupt into anything on the spot because of it.

"Why is this old woman staring at my husband like that?"

"Could she be interested in my husband?"

Mu Yuyan became alert.

Although the Empress Dowager was not young anymore, she still had her charm. Coupled with her status, her allure to men was still potent. Even if the Empress was confident in her own charm, when it came to her beloved husband, she couldn't help but think more...

As the banquet proceeded, Gu Lan and Zhongren commanded attention, especially Zhongren, who had captivated countless observers, impossible to dismiss.

Gu Lan, not only esteemed by Mu Yuyan but also possessing literary talent, coupled with Zhongren addressing him as an elder brother, made it impossible for people to disregard him.

At this juncture, Gu Lan knew that the fate of the entire Jing Nation dynasty lay in his hands, and he no longer needed to vie for the approval of commoners.

The banquet concluded swiftly, and as the officials dispersed, the Empress Dowager secretly summoned Luo Chen to her chambers.

"Luo Chen," she began, maintaining the formality expected despite their close relationship.

"What are your impressions of Gu Lan from today's banquet?"

Though Luo Chen had been dismissed from his former position, he still attended the banquet, albeit seated at the lower end of the table. His presence wasn't particularly conspicuous.

Nevertheless, Luo Chen observed the performances of Gu Lan and Zhongren.

He was even taken aback by Gu Lan's proficiency in poetry, a fact he relayed to the Empress Dowager with a furrowed brow.

"While Gu Lan exhibits some talent in poetry, he remains nothing more than a pretty face, unworthy of mention."

The Empress Dowager regarded him with a disdainful smile.

"Is that truly your assessment? If Gu Lan were merely a poet with a handsome face, why would that young man address him as his elder brother?"

"Do you think such a formidable genius would casually acknowledge a pretty face as his elder brother? Gu Lan must possess qualities beyond our knowledge, or else he wouldn't have gained the admiration of Zhongren."

"Is this Gu Lan truly as remarkable as you say?"

Luo Chen inquired, his distant observation preventing him from forming a complete judgment.

His brows furrowed in contemplation.

He considered himself unmatched among the younger generation, yet no one had ever shown Zhongren the kind of reverence he now received.

This realization left Luo Chen feeling somewhat disheartened, fostering a sense of resentment towards Zhongren, whom he deemed merely fortunate to have seized the opportunity to impress Mu Yuyan and the court.

Now there's no chance of that happening, all because of that damned Prince Jingyang!

"Hmph! Put away your little schemes. This Zhongren is definitely not simple. I'm certain he has some connection with the Tianji Pavilion."

A trace of gloom appeared on the Empress Dowager's face.

"How's that possible? If he truly is associated with the Tianji Pavilion," Luo Chen continued, his voice tinged with disbelief, "how could he possibly acknowledge Gu Lan, a mere pretty face, as his elder brother?"

The Empress Dowager's expression darkened.

"That's precisely why I believe this pretty face is not as simple as he appears. I suggest reconsidering your previous plans. Let Wu Fan test Gu Lan's depth first."

Luo Chen nodded, still somewhat skeptical in his heart. After all, Gu Lan's first impression on him was too poor. He simply didn't believe that Gu Lan could be the type of person who could become a senior brother at the Tianji Pavilion... Even if he was, he must be an insignificant figure who hadn't yet made a name for himself, relying on a few fancy moves.

However, he dared not disobey the Dowager's command. He hurriedly nodded and said, "Alright, I won't make a move during the Chunwei. With General Wu Fan's private army, I'll let him pave the way and deal with Gu Lan, that pretty boy. It shouldn't be a problem."

"Although his companion, Zhong Ren, is formidable, he's still too young. Under siege from so many armies, even Zhong Ren won't fare well. If he doesn't know what's good for him, even if he's a disciple of the Tianji Pavilion, he'll end up dead and buried, with no one knowing how he died."

"Mmm," the Dowager nodded in agreement. "In any case, you must remember not to act recklessly. Make sure Wu Fan takes the lead and don't expose yourself. Avoid a complete defeat, or else there'll be no chance of turning things around."

"Remember, Wu Fan is already under Mu Yuyan 's scrutiny. He's a leaf without roots, saved only by our shelter. If not for us, he would have been a destitute stray, unable to face each passing day."

"Yes," Luo Chen affirmed, his gaze sharp. He departed with a resolve to carry out the Empress Dowager's orders.

Upon returning, Luo Chen refrained from discussing the events of the day with Wu Fan.

Wu Fan had already fallen from grace, and as long as Luo Chen remained silent, he would remain ignorant of the latest developments within the court.

Manipulating him would be child's play.