The ministers gathered, conversing, "The Empress has finally agreed to the marriage alliance. This should bring a period of peace between us and the Hao Kingdom."
"We have been kneeling for so long; the Empress must have considered it. I also heard that Prince Ting voluntarily requested the marriage alliance, truly a blessing for our Yan Dynasty."
"Indeed, let's hope the Hao Kingdom doesn't cause trouble this time, and we can enjoy peaceful days at home." The ministers laughed heartily, their faces beaming with pride.
However, a few ministers nearby snorted, "Taking the ruler's stipend, but not serving the ruler." Shen Qian, who had led the efforts to manage the flood at the Empress's command, was unwilling to associate with Prime Minister Lin's cronies.
A minister accompanying him also said, "These people are still celebrating and feel no shame. Our Yan Dynasty has existed for hundreds of years, and now we are still resorting to marriage alliances. We have failed our ancestors."
"Moreover, Prince Ting is the Empress's only brother. Now that he is also leaving, how heartbroken the Empress must be. The Empress, for the sake of her people and to save money, abolished the harem. Now, due to the war, she has sent away her brother, with only a side consort remaining."
They couldn't help but sigh, "Who can say otherwise? We thought the Empress would indulge in beauty because of her side consort, but even the Jun family is gone. Truly a wise ruler. It is also our fortune as ministers."
The two factions of ministers held their own opinions and ignored each other until Lan Yan appeared. They all bowed and said, "Greetings, Empress, Side Consort."
"Rise," Lan Yan and Jun Yelan stood together, casting cold stares at the ministers.
Mei Dong stood to the side and announced, "The auspicious time has arrived. Prince Ting will bid farewell to the Empress."
As the words fell, Lan Ting, clad in wedding attire, walked from the corridor and knelt before Lan Yan, bowing, "Your subject bids farewell to Your Majesty today and wishes Your Majesty success in all future endeavors."
From the moment he left the Yan Dynasty, everything he did was for the sake of Yan Dynasty and his imperial sister. This was the meaning of his life in the Hao Kingdom from now on.
Lan Yan bent down and helped Lan Ting up, smiling, "Elder Brother, there is no need for this. You do not have to go through with the marriage alliance."
Lan Ting froze, his eyes filled with confusion as he looked at Lan Yan.
At the same time, the other ministers were astonished. Those who followed Prime Minister Lin's instructions stepped forward, shouting, "Empress, this matter is settled. You cannot disregard the feelings between the two nations for your own selfish gain."
In their view, Lan Yan herself had gone back on her word and wanted to keep Prince Ting.
"Hmph," Lan Yan looked at these ministers, "According to you, I am disregarding the overall situation. Look at this!" She produced the news she had just received from the Hao Kingdom.
It clearly stated that the Hao Kingdom had secretly amassed its troops and could reach the border within days.
The ministers' pupils widened in shock. At this moment, they had no intention of discussing the marriage alliance but were worried that once the Hao Kingdom's army attacked, their homes and wealth would be lost.
They cried out in unison, "Please, Your Majesty, take charge and repel the enemy!"
"It is at times like this that you are united," Lan Yan said coldly, "I have already given the order to prepare provisions and soldiers. We will depart for the border tomorrow. Furthermore, while I am focused on the war, matters of the court will be handled by Prince Ting."
"If you have any matters, inform him directly, and he will relay them to me. This is my imperial decree."
Now the ministers dared not speak further, crying, "Yes, Your Majesty." This was an unprecedented situation. It must be that the Empress, to punish them, wanted them to communicate with Prince Ting from now on.
They had just made Prince Ting go for the marriage alliance, and their future days would be miserable.
Lan Yan waved her hand, "Henceforth, we will fully prepare for the war with the Hao Kingdom. As for other matters, I expect you to conduct yourselves wisely. Anyone who disrupts this affair will be met with the most severe punishment."
She turned and walked out of the hall, followed by Jun Yelan and Lan Ting.
The ministers led by Shen Qian watched Lan Yan's retreating figure and smiled, "This is how our Empress should be." They then looked disdainfully at the ministers who had followed Prime Minister Lin, snorting as they left.
The remaining ministers left crestfallen, quickly relaying the events to Prime Minister Lin.
Because of the incident at the hunting grounds last time, Prime Minister Lin had been confined to her home reflecting, unable to attend court even for such a major event as sending off the bride. She had thought this matter was foolproof, but who knew the Empress would intervene at the last moment, causing everything to fail.
"Damn Lan Yan, she actually had a backup plan. Guards, summon Prince Xi Chen!" she said angrily, sitting down and clenching her fists. She absolutely could not remain passive like this.
Xi Chen had long suspected something was amiss when the marriage alliance party did not depart. He arrived at Prime Minister Lin's residence, holding a bamboo slip for transmitting messages, and furiously exclaimed, "What is going on? Why has the party not departed?"
Their Hao Kingdom was counting on using Lan Ting as a hostage to deter them before the war.
Prime Minister Lin said, "Prince Xi Chen, I am already aware of this matter. The Empress has prevented it. She disregards the people of the Yan Dynasty and is unfit to be Empress. I am willing to follow your lead to depose Lan Yan as soon as possible."
"Very well." Xi Chen snapped the bamboo slip in his hand, his eyes burning with rage. Their Hao Kingdom would surely win this war. Afterward, he would imprison Lan Yan and let her starve for a day.
The two began to conspire.
Meanwhile, Lan Yan was in the hall. After seeing Lan Ting off, she began to handle the matters of the upcoming war. She looked at the stack of memorial documents on her desk, her head starting to ache again. The preparations were too extensive.
Jun Yelan walked over and took some of the memorial documents, "I will accompany you." He sorted the documents, placing the important ones before Lan Yan, and handling the less important ones himself.
Lan Yan's eyes sparkled, a ripple of emotion stirring within her heart. Although this mission was difficult, she was fortunate to have Jun Yelan by her side. She encouraged herself and calmly sat down to review the documents.
Seeing this, Jun Yelan's lips curved upward slightly. He explained things to Lan Yan, helping her select suitable personnel and routes, and assisting her in handling matters in an organized manner.
As dusk fell, Lan Yan could finally put down her brush and rub her wrist. She grumbled, "Finally done." She then looked at Jun Yelan and said, "Jun Yelan, actually, there is something I wanted to tell you."
"This war is very important, and I want to go personally."
"That's why you've assigned Prince Ting to handle court affairs." Jun Yelan's eyes calmly fixed on Lan Yan; he had already guessed. "I also have something to tell you. That jade pendant from before is related to the Shen family's elite troops."
He had already found clues. "I need to go to the border to find them." Another reason was that he was worried about Lan Yan going to the battlefield alone.
Lan Yan indeed wanted Jun Yelan to remain in the palace. Seeing his persistence, she could only agree, "Then, in that case, I will accompany you to find the elite troops first, and then we will go to the military camp together. Anyway, I won't let you act alone."
She took Jun Yelan's little finger and smiled, "We've made a promise. You can't go back on it."
"Alright." Jun Yelan looked at their clasped fingers and smiled.