Jun Yelan watched the departing palace maids and the items delivered to his table, shaking his head in resignation. He stood up to tidy them and discovered a book inside one of the boxes.
He opened it, his face flushing, and quickly closed the pages. He couldn't help but recall Lan Yan's kiss from last night, his Adam's apple bobbing as he stared at the book's cover.
"Jun Yelan," Lan Yan pushed the door open and saw Jun Yelan looking flustered. What had happened?
Jun Yelan stood with his hands behind his back, clutching the book tightly, and looked at Lan Yan.
Lan Yan felt that Jun Yelan was acting strangely. She sat down and began discussing important matters. "By the way, I brought up the matter of the marriage alliance in court today. The ministers are no longer arguing; they are all saying they will obey the decree."
"I can't be bothered to get angry this time. Later, they will naturally understand. Oh, and as you suggested, I've sent out scouts to the border. We should receive news from there soon."
As she spoke, her mouth felt dry. She poured herself a cup of tea. Noticing Jun Yelan's slightly dry lips, she poured another. "Here, have some tea."
"En," Jun Yelan scanned the surroundings, wondering where to hide the book.
After Lan Yan finished her tea, she saw Jun Yelan looking around, and the tea on the table untouched. Curious, she glanced over and noticed Jun Yelan's hands were held behind his back. "Jun Yelan, what do you have in your hand?"
"Could it be something for me? That's why you're hiding it."
Jun Yelan's pupils trembled. It was nothing like what Lan Yan imagined. He tightened his grip on the book, absolutely determined not to let Lan Yan see it.
It was the first time Lan Yan had seen Jun Yelan so expressive. She assumed the item must be very important. She curved her lips, tugging at Jun Yelan's sleeve, "Jun Yelan, why don't you let me have a look?"
"Don't worry, I won't snatch your things."
Seeing Lan Yan's hand reaching out, Jun Yelan stood up and said, "Your Majesty, this is just a useless book. I was going to burn it. Your Majesty, if you have nothing else, you may leave first."
"Is that so?" Lan Yan looked at Jun Yelan, but his eyes became even more evasive. Her curiosity grew even stronger, but she couldn't force him to show her. She decided to leave the room for now.
She would ask Mei Dong about it.
Jun Yelan watched Lan Yan's retreating figure and breathed a sigh of relief. He took out the book from behind his back and casually placed it in a cabinet, tucking it beneath a scroll.
He then took out drawing paper and continued the painting he had left unfinished, a promise to Lan Yan.
Lan Yan couldn't find Mei Dong outside. Upon learning that Mei Dong was preparing wedding attire for Lan Ting, she headed to Lan Ting's palace.
Inside the palace, Mei Dong presented several styles to Lan Ting. "Prince Ting, which one do you prefer?"
Lan Ting casually flipped through them and said, "The last one." He then picked out some accessories. He looked dispirited.
Mei Dong couldn't help but say, "Prince Ting, please take care of yourself. There are still many days ahead. This servant believes Your Majesty will bring you back someday."
"Then this prince will borrow your auspicious words, Miss Mei Dong." Lan Ting smiled, his expression improving.
Seeing Lan Ting in better spirits, Mei Dong felt inexplicably relieved. She took out the gift list and continued to discuss the marriage alliance matters with Lan Ting.
Lan Yan watched from the doorway and inexplicably felt that the two of them made a good match. She walked in and called out, "Brother."
Lan Ting and Mei Dong both bowed.
"No need. I came to see Brother." Lan Yan looked at the wedding attire styles on the table and said, "Brother, take your time choosing. Think of it as preparation for the future." Although her brother wasn't going to the marriage alliance, he would eventually have to marry.
Lan Ting knew Lan Yan was trying to comfort him. He smiled and said, "Imperial Sister is right. I have already chosen. What about you, Imperial Sister? Would you like to choose a set too?"
"Me?" Lan Yan asked, perplexed.
Lan Ting chuckled, "Have you forgotten? The Consort was brought into the palace, but there was no wedding ceremony. I just thought the Consort might also want to wear wedding attire. Taking advantage of my wedding, Imperial Sister could make arrangements."
Lan Yan had truly forgotten about it. She looked at the wedding attire on the table again. Should she choose one? With Lan Ting watching her intently, she began to look through them, her gaze settling on the first set.
Jun Yelan was handsome and had a good physique; he would surely look good in it. She could prepare the wedding attire first, not necessarily make Jun Yelan wear it. "Alright, I'll choose this set then."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Mei Dong picked up the style and retreated.
Lan Ting glanced at the doorway, then withdrew his gaze and said to Lan Yan, "Imperial Sister, Mei Dong is very thoughtful. My wedding preparations are almost complete. I will be leaving soon, and Your Majesty will have to take care of yourself."
Lan Yan intended to discuss the marriage alliance with Lan Ting, but he was too serious, making it difficult for her to start. Never mind, Lan Ting would know by the wedding day anyway.
Lan Ting gathered his courage and placed his hand on Lan Yan's shoulder. "Henceforth, the burden of the imperial family will fall solely upon you. I wish Imperial Sister a good relationship with the Consort and that you have children soon, living happily ever after."
"Brother, you will also meet someone you truly love in the future and be like this. Are you willing to trust Imperial Sister?" Lan Yan looked at Lan Ting sincerely. She couldn't say too much; she had to perform a play for the ministers sending off the bride tomorrow.
Lan Ting smiled and nodded. "You are my sister, of course, I trust you." That was why he wanted to bear some of the burden for Lan Yan. "Alright, Imperial Sister, you should go back now. You still have memorials to attend to."
"En." Lan Yan stood up and, at the doorway, turned back to say, "Brother, I promise you, I will keep you here."
Lan Ting merely smiled, still believing Lan Yan was comforting him. But he was happy to have such a wonderful sister in his life.
The next morning, Lan Yan put on her ceremonial robes. Today was the day Lan Ting would be sent off for the marriage alliance. She didn't rush to leave, sitting at the table and waiting for news.
"Considering the time, the scouts' report should be arriving." She looked at Jun Yelan.
Jun Yelan nodded. "Once you have the news, you will have sufficient reason to cancel the marriage alliance in front of the ministers. If the news doesn't arrive today, I have prepared another method for you."
Those ministers had yet to witness his true capabilities. He had been hiding his skills before because there was no opportunity to use them, but now, for Lan Yan, he had to step forward.
Even if the world believed he shouldn't act this way, that it wasn't something a man should do, he would still do it. All he wanted was to see one person's smile.
Lan Yan's lips curved upwards. "En, I believe you."
As she finished speaking, the scout arrived, bringing the news.
Lan Yan looked at the words on the paper, her pupils darkening, and murmured, "Country Hao is indeed cunning." She handed the note to Jun Yelan.
Jun Yelan read it and met her gaze. They both understood. He handed the note back to Lan Yan and said, "It's time."
"Let's go." Lan Yan put the note away and stood up.
They held each other's hands and walked together towards the grand hall where all the ministers involved in sending off the bride were gathered.