Lan Yan attended the morning court, announcing the rebellion of Prime Minister Lin and the successful signing of the peace treaty.
The ministers were somewhat surprised, not expecting so much to have happened overnight. They looked at Lan Yan, who sat on the dragon throne, and praised her, "Your Majesty is wise."
Lan Yan nodded and presented the next memorial. "Prime Minister Lin rebelled, and the Lin family members colluded with him were also apprehended. It was also discovered that she had connections with Minister Jun, who is imprisoned. The Jun family has been dealt with accordingly."
Some, out of consideration for Jun Yelan, spoke up, "Your Majesty, Minister Jun is your mother-in-law, can you spare her?"
Lan Yan's expression turned cold. "The nation has laws. Should she be exempt from punishment just because she is imperial kin! If it weren't for my consort and I being clever, it wouldn't be me sitting here now."
Seeing her anger, the minister who had spoken quickly retreated, daring not to say another word.
Lan Yan presented the last memorial. "Furthermore, I have discovered that the case of the Shen family from that year was a miscarriage of justice. The rebellion of the Shen family was the doing of Prime Minister Lin. The Shen family were loyal martyrs, and their posthumous reputations should be restored."
The ministers were stunned. The Shen family matter was a decision made by the late Emperor. The current Empress's action was unfilial. "Your Majesty, this matter must not be done."
As they spoke, many ministers knelt down. Many of them were old officials. "Your Majesty, your mother made this decision back then, whether it was right or wrong, an imperial decree was issued. As her daughter, you should not go against it."
The Minister of Rites even began to cry. How would the sacrificial ceremonies be conducted in the future? Her Majesty would be letting down the late Emperor!
Lan Yan rubbed her forehead, almost feeling a headache coming on again. "I will tell you something. The Shen family contributed to the border campaign this time. If it weren't for the consort leading the Shen family's elite troops, this battle would not have been won so easily."
"The reason I did not immediately reward their merits was to overturn the verdict for the Shen family before bestowing rewards."
The ministers were even more astonished. They had not expected the Shen family, who had disappeared for ten years, to resurface. They became conflicted and shouted, "Your Majesty, why not incorporate that elite force into the Imperial Guards to protect you?"
They had witnessed the prowess of the elite troops.
Lan Yan said coldly, "That elite force belongs to the consort, and I will not take it. I have already promised him that I will hand over full control of the elite force to him. Also, after the Shen family's case is overturned, it will also be handed over to the consort to handle."
The Jun family could not be relied upon; she wanted to leave the Shen family, who could support Jun Yelan, for him.
Only then did the ministers understand. No wonder the Empress was so insistent; it was for the consort's sake. What else could they say but to shout, "Your subordinates obey Your Majesty's command."
"Very good." Lan Yan looked at these ministers, finally feeling like they were doing something useful.
In fact, the ministers were worried that by stopping her, they would touch Lan Yan's reverse scale, as Jun Yelan was the person closest to Lan Yan's heart.
Lan Yan then issued an imperial decree. "The head of the Shen family is to be enfeoffed as Duke Zhuguo. Given that he has no daughters, his lineage will be inherited by his son. The memorial tablet of young Master Shen is to be moved from the Jun family, and all subsequent matters will be handled by the primary consort."
Everyone was puzzled. When was the primary consort enfeoffed? Had the Empress recently favored someone else? But there had been no news from the palace.
Lan Yan announced, "The consort made great contributions in the battle between the two countries. Since the Shen family has received their reward, he naturally deserves one as well. From today onwards, the consort is enfeoffed as the primary consort, in charge of all matters of the Six Palaces."
The ministers' confusion was now resolved. After all, Jun Yelan was the only one in the Empress's inner court, so who else would be enfeoffed if not him? They obediently accepted the imperial decree. "Congratulations to the primary consort, congratulations to Your Majesty."
Lan Yan nodded with satisfaction. The ministers had done well this time. "Today's matters are concluded. Court is dismissed." She left first, finally resolving a concern.
The ministers streamed out of the hall, discussing amongst themselves. "Honestly, enfeoffing the consort is not bad. Now that he is the primary consort, he will not only help Your Majesty manage state affairs but also lead troops into battle."
"But there has never been a primary consort like this before."
"Our Empress was not like this before either. The two of them are quite a match."
"Alas, now we can only hope that these two will quickly have an heir. The consort has been with the Empress for so long, and there has been no news. Could there be some hidden ailment?"
"Minister of Rites, I think you are worrying too much. If Your Majesty finds out, you will have to bear much of her wrath." Shen Qian snorted and walked past him.
The Minister of Rites was immediately embarrassed and lowered his head as he left.
Meanwhile, Jun Yelan was in his palace, sitting at his desk writing down matters regarding strengthening border defenses. Many footsteps were heard from outside. He looked up and saw Mei Dong leading a group of people.
Mei Dong stepped forward and bowed, smiling. "This servant greets the primary consort."
Jun Yelan was surprised. He saw that Mei Dong was holding an imperial decree, and the palace maids behind her were carrying the golden seal.
Mei Dong smiled. "Primary consort, at this morning's court, Your Majesty enfeoffed you as the primary consort, and also overturned the verdict for the Shen family. From now on, all matters concerning the Shen family will be managed by you. These are the primary consort's golden seal and robes."
She waved her hand, and the palace maids behind her presented them.
Jun Yelan prepared to kneel to receive the decree but was stopped by Mei Dong.
"Your Majesty said that the primary consort does not need to do this. We servants will place the items here and then withdraw."
After the group left, Jun Yelan stood in place, gripping the imperial decree tightly. He turned to look at the table, where all the items for the primary consort were arranged.
He had been enfeoffed as the primary consort without having any heirs. Those ministers would surely not let Lan Yan off the hook. His brows furrowed immediately. He became worried and turned to walk towards the door, almost colliding with Lan Yan who was entering.
Lan Yan grabbed the door frame to prevent herself from falling forward. She patted her chest and wondered, "Yelan, where are you rushing off to?"
"To find you." Jun Yelan stared intently at Lan Yan and asked, "Did those ministers trouble you?" His eyes were filled with concern, and his tone was more anxious than usual.
Lan Yan immediately reacted, shaking her head and smiling. "They just kept repeating the same few words. I was well-prepared. As for Yelan, you are the primary consort now, and you will have even more to deal with than when you were the consort."
Jun Yelan smiled. He had been the only one in the inner court before, and the matters he handled were similar to those of a primary consort. He reached out and pulled Lan Yan into his embrace. "I am very happy. From now on, it will be me holding your hand and standing by your side."
"Yan'er, they say that heights are cold. From now on, I will accompany you, and you won't feel so cold."
Lan Yan smiled and nodded, tightening her arms around Jun Yelan's waist and leaning into his embrace. These were the most beautiful words she had ever heard. She said, "Yelan, with you by my side, I have always felt warm."
Jun Yelan's lips curved upwards. He pinched Lan Yan's nose affectionately, "I should be the one saying that."
"It's the same," Lan Yan couldn't help but add a hint of coquetry, which left Jun Yelan completely helpless.
Jun Yelan then took Lan Yan's hand and walked into the palace with her, to spend the rest of their lives together, sharing joys and sorrows.