Jun Yelan suppressed the depth in his eyes and walked to the edge of the bathtub. He stared at Lan Yan's profile, seeing her sleeping soundly, and murmured, "Yan'er, you are truly here to torment me."
He picked up the clothes hanging beside him, closed his eyes, and scooped Lan Yan up, draping her with the clothes. Only then did he open his eyes and send Lan Yan back to her room.
Lan Yan had not woken up, her hands inadvertently resting on Jun Yelan's neck.
Jun Yelan's eyes trembled slightly, and he smiled helplessly, placing Lan Yan on the bed, ready to leave.
However, Lan Yan's hands did not loosen, pulling Jun Yelan to the edge of the bed. She mumbled, "My big doll."
"What?" Jun Yelan did not hear clearly. Seeing Lan Yan fall silent again, he smiled, removed Lan Yan's hands, and tucked them under the covers. He lay beside Lan Yan, gently embracing her waist, and chuckled, "You're the one who won't let me leave."
Lan Yan, still believing she was hugging her big doll, snuggled comfortably against Jun Yelan's chest and drifted off into a deep sleep.
Jun Yelan sighed softly, knowing he would find it hard to sleep.
The next morning, Lan Yan woke up rubbing her eyes and found herself in Jun Yelan's embrace, wearing light clothing. She froze for a moment, remembering she had fallen asleep in the bathroom last night, and breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed she couldn't afford to fall asleep so casually anymore. What if, in her daze, she had been too forward with Jun Yelan! She found it hard to believe herself.
Jun Yelan saw Lan Yan's eyes darting around and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "Yan'er, how much do you remember about last night?"
Lan Yan looked up, her gaze full of surprise as she looked at Jun Yelan. Heavens, had her thoughts from earlier been correct? No, she absolutely couldn't admit it now. "I don't remember anything, I was asleep."
Jun Yelan clearly didn't believe her and moved even closer.
The proximity made Lan Yan feel flustered. She gently pushed Jun Yelan away. "I'm going to be late for the morning court." With that, she got up and ran to the next room, covering her rapidly beating chest.
The curve of Jun Yelan's lips deepened as he followed.
"You, how did you get in here?" Lan Yan's hand, which had been about to close the door, stopped.
Jun Yelan smiled faintly. "Yan'er, you've forgotten. I am your consort, and it is my duty to serve you."
"No, you don't have to," Lan Yan shook her head abruptly, how could she dare! She decisively closed the door, still able to hear Jun Yelan's laughter from outside, her cheeks gradually flushing red.
She covered her face and hurried to change, only regaining her composure after sitting on the imperial throne for the morning court.
The ministers below looked at Lan Yan, who had finally appeared, and bowed in unison. "Greetings, Your Majesty." They had been speculating on the Empress's whereabouts these past few days, with some rumors suggesting she had gone to the border.
The Empress's courage was growing with each passing day, earning her even more admiration.
Lan Yan raised her hand and said coldly, "You have all worked hard during my absence. I have heard that some individuals disrespected Prince Ting, contrary to my orders. I have already dealt with them."
"And those of you who remained have done well."
A bead of cold sweat broke out on the ministers' foreheads, but they dared not raise their sleeves to wipe it. "Your Majesty is correct." Fortunately, they had been wise enough to recognize Prince Ting's importance in the Empress's heart and had not dared to overstep.
Besides, they all felt that the Empress had left behind informants to monitor them.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lan Yan said, "Let's get down to business. Have the envoys sent by the State of Hao for peace talks arrived? This campaign was largely due to the soldiers on the border, and you should all be grateful, lest you be the ones sent to negotiate peace in the State of Hao."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The ministers understood the implication in Lan Yan's words and looked towards the entrance.
The envoy from the State of Hao, dressed in purple but wearing a veil, arrived. He bowed and handed over the peace negotiation document, his eyes fixed on Lan Yan, filled with reluctance and anger.
Lan Yan frowned, feeling a sense of familiarity with the person before her. She read through the document. "The ruler of the State of Hao shows sincerity this time, and our State of Yan will naturally consider it."
"However, the reparations and tribute should be as they have always been. And I desire your warhorses!"
The envoy from the State of Hao's eyes burned with anger. This Lan Yan was going too far. Recalling his sister's instructions, he bit his lip, suppressing his urge to erupt.
Upon reading further, Lan Yan looked perplexed. "When did your State of Hao send a prince? This states that to show apology, they have specially dispatched a prince of the State of Hao."
"He is here." The envoy from the State of Hao removed his veil, revealing Xi Chen. He looked at Lan Yan with a hint of anger. Seeing that Lan Yan, after a momentary surprise, had regained her usual composure, as if he were of no importance at all.
Thinking this, his anger intensified.
Lan Yan stared at Xi Chen, realizing he was a spy planted by the State of Hao. She immediately became more vigilant. "May I ask what business the prince has here? If it is merely for sightseeing, there is no need. I imagine the prince is already quite familiar with this place."
Xi Chen knew Lan Yan was testing him, and he did not wish to be here in the first place. It was all his sister's arrangement. "I am here to enter the Empress's harem. I am the only prince of the State of Hao. Marrying you would not be a hardship for you."
It was he who suffered, having to live with someone he detested from now on.
Lan Yan paused, ensuring she had heard correctly. "I already have a consort and need no one else."
"Lan Yan, you ungrateful fool!" Xi Chen's suppressed temper erupted. He was cherished and doted upon in the State of Hao, yet he was constantly disliked by Lan Yan.
His entire face turned red, and he looked at Lan Yan with indignant resentment.
Lan Yan, having dealt with Xi Chen before, detested his words the most. "No matter what you say, I will not marry you. I have only ever wanted to marry one person, and that person is Jun Yelan."
"As for the other conditions for peace, I will discuss them with my ministers and provide you with a prompt response. As for the last condition, it is refused."
Xi Chen's chest trembled with rage. How could he have encountered such a woman, it was simply unbelievable. He exclaimed, "Your Majesty, even if you wish to refuse, it should be after the peace negotiation terms have been agreed upon. I will be staying in the palace during this period."
"Your Majesty, surely you would not lack such basic hospitality."
The surrounding ministers could not bear to watch. This Prince Xi Chen had too much of a temper, but their own Empress had an even greater one. They spoke up, "Your Majesty, perhaps we should allow the prince to stay, just for a few days."
Their legs were already aching from standing, and they only wished for the morning court to conclude quickly.
Lan Yan waved her hand. "Very well, he may stay for a few days, but in a separate residence." She left the court without casting another glance at Xi Chen. On her way back, she instructed Mei Dong to make the arrangements, emphasizing the need to keep him out of sight.
Xi Chen was even more incensed, but utterly helpless. He, a prince of standing, was now subjected to such grievances. Overcome with anger, he followed after her. He wanted to have a proper talk with Lan Yan.
At this moment, Lan Yan had arrived at Jun Yelan's residence. She heard palace maids already gossiping; the news had spread too quickly. She stepped inside and called out, "Jun Yelan!"
However, she suddenly turned around. Heavens, Jun Yelan was changing his clothes!