At the Yan residence, Yan Ming returned with a body full of wounds and cried to Yan Zhongcheng, "Father, look how the people from the Jun manor beat me. Is there nothing you can do to deal with them!"
As he spoke, he winced in pain, making it difficult for him to talk.
Yan Zhongcheng frowned, "These days, my subordinate officials have been repeatedly submitting memorials, urging the Emperor to punish Jun Yelan. But the Emperor always claims to be unwell and refuses to punish him."
He was also troubled by this matter.
Yan Ming muttered, "Father, do you think the Emperor will let Jun Yelan off? After all, if it weren't for Jun Yelan, he wouldn't have been able to ascend to this position."
Speaking of the past, Yan Zhongcheng's expression turned solemn. "This Jun Yelan is very clever. He served by the late Emperor's side back then. He used some method to cause the princes to rebel, and the late Emperor ordered their execution."
"The late Emperor was left with only one prince, who was the current Emperor, then confined to the cold palace. It was Jun Yelan who brought him and the Empress Dowager out, and then became his favored minister."
Yan Ming also knew about the events of that year, and there were many rumors in the market. "How can Jun Yelan, a commoner from the countryside, be on equal footing with you, Father!"
Thinking of this, he gritted his teeth with hatred.
Yan Zhongcheng was also full of anger, "If I hadn't underestimated him back then, I wouldn't have ended up in this situation. Now that he's finally imprisoned, we must seize this opportunity. No matter what method it takes, we must make him utterly perish."
"Father is right!" Yan Ming said with a proud smile.
"So, Lord Yan prefers to discuss past events at home. I, this factory director, am an eyewitness. Why doesn't Lord Yan ask me? I am the one who knows best!" A cold voice echoed, followed by the opening of the Yan manor's gates. Jun Yelan stood at the entrance.
Yan Zhongcheng and Yan Ming were stunned on the spot, murmuring, "How can it be!"
Jun Yelan sneered, exuding a chilling aura, and walked to the main hall. He stared at the two stunned individuals before him and said fiercely, "Young Master Yan caused such a commotion at the Jun manor. If I don't come, wouldn't that be neglecting courtesy!"
"Jun Yelan, you, how did you get out?" Yan Ming stammered, his eyes meeting Jun Yelan's glare as he hid behind Yan Zhongcheng.
Yan Zhongcheng, having been in officialdom for so many years, saw through Jun Yelan's purpose. "Your imprisonment was fake, all to deal with me."
Jun Yelan's eyes deepened slightly. "Lord Yan is indeed clever, much better than your son. Strictly speaking, it's to deal with the person behind you."
Yan Zhongcheng paused, exposed! "You're talking nonsense."
Jun Yelan's smile turned colder. He took several letters from Song Cheng behind him. "Originally, I couldn't find any evidence. If anyone is to blame, it's you for being too impatient and dispatching assassins repeatedly in Ningzhou."
"My people followed the trail and found your connection with Prince Ning. When I returned, I met the Emperor, and he handed this matter over to me. This is an imperial decree: the Yan family has committed rebellion and will be executed, root and branch."
The gleaming imperial decree in his hand made Yan Zhongcheng falter.
"Father," Yan Ming supported Yan Zhongcheng, crying out, "Jun Yelan, may you die a terrible death!"
Jun Yelan laughed. "This factory director was destined to die a terrible death anyway, but you will die before me." With that, he turned and walked towards the Yan manor's gate, with the Eastern Depot guards immediately moving to apprehend people.
In the backyard, Madam Yan, unaware of what had happened, was being taken away, shouting, "I'm going to the palace to find the Imperial Consort."
Song Cheng shouted, "There is no Imperial Consort in the palace anymore!"
As soon as these words fell, Madam Yan was dejectedly taken away, along with the disgraced Yan father and son.
Meanwhile, Jun Yelan galloped back to the Jun manor. He stood in the dark courtyard, pushed open the door he had yearned for, and saw the person he missed dearly by the bed.
"Yan'er, I'm back."
Lan Yan was sleeping, and vaguely heard a voice. She opened her eyes, saw Jun Yelan, reached out, pinched his cheeks, and pulled them to the sides.
"I'm dreaming again."
Jun Yelan smiled and held Lan Yan's hand. "Yan'er, it's not a dream. I'm really back."
Lan Yan felt the warmth on her hand, suddenly reacted, and threw herself into Jun Yelan's arms. "You scoundrel, you made me wait alone for so long."
"Yes, I am a scoundrel." Jun Yelan stroked Lan Yan's back, a smile of relief on his lips. "You can punish me however you wish, Madam. From now on, I will accompany you faithfully. Wherever you want me to go, I will go."
Lan Yan's tears wet Jun Yelan's clothes. She wiped her eyes and said, "You said it yourself, don't go back on your word, or I'll never speak to you again. I'll go back to my hometown and you won't be able to find me."
"Madam, then I will return with you." Jun Yelan put his arm around Lan Yan's shoulders, a hint of moisture appearing in his eyes. How fortunate he was to have met the beautiful Lan Yan in his barren life.
Lan Yan looked up at Jun Yelan's face. "You've lost weight."
Jun Yelan chuckled instead. "That's why I can't do without Madam's care." He continued, "This matter was very dangerous, only the Emperor and I knew about it."
"I know Madam is wise, but I was also worried about you. During my time in the palace, all I thought about was you, during the day and at night."
Lan Yan's cheeks blushed, and she murmured, "You talk differently after coming back. Honestly, I probably guessed what you were up to. You were never someone to be controlled obediently, and you wouldn't be in trouble if the Ningzhou matter wasn't resolved."
The smile on Jun Yelan's lips deepened as he continued to hold Lan Yan. "My Madam still knows me best. However, Madam is wrong, I am willing to be controlled by you."
Lan Yan couldn't help but nod, this statement was quite pleasing to hear. "Yelan, are there still things to be handled?"
"The Yan manor has fallen, Eunuch Du has also been apprehended, and the people in Ningzhou have made their move, capturing Prince Ning. Once Prince Ning is escorted to the imperial city, this matter will truly be concluded." Jun Yelan's eyes darkened as he pondered.
Lan Yan said, "You're worried that after the Yan family's downfall, with only you left in the court, you'll be even more targeted."
"Yes." Jun Yelan now had a reason to live, and he couldn't die in court struggles. He said, "Yan'er, I want to stay away from all this, but it will trouble Madam to do some things."
Lan Yan smiled. "Fine, this is why I'm your Madam." She also hoped Jun Yelan could leave, as eunuchs historically had no good endings.
Jun Yelan laughed even more heartily, holding Lan Yan tightly. When the Emperor grew older, he would naturally want to consolidate all power in his hands, and he would also become suspicious of Jun Yelan.
On that day, he wouldn't be able to protect himself, nor Lan Yan, who was connected to him. Now was the best time to resolve everything.
Lan Yan leaned against Jun Yelan's chest, accompanying him silently, both of them caring for each other.