The next day, on her way to the morning court, Lan Yan encountered Lan Ting. "Brother," she called.
"Imperial Sister," Lan Ting smiled, taking a box from an attendant behind him. "Perfect timing, I wanted to give this to you."
Lan Yan asked, "What is this?" Seeing Lan Ting's happy expression, she curiously opened the box to find a wedding dress. She suddenly remembered that when Lan Ting was making wedding attire, she had also chosen a set for Jun Yelan but had forgotten about it amidst her busyness.
Lan Ting chuckled, "Imperial Sister, if you give this to the Lord, he will surely be pleased." The palace was abuzz with talk of the Imperial Sister and the Lord; it was truly enviable. He, too, wished to find a confidante.
"Thank you, Brother," Lan Yan said with a smile, accepting the box, planning to surprise Jun Yelan later.
Lan Ting, remembering the day's events, added, "Imperial Sister, today is the side Taijun's birthday, and many young lords will come to the palace to offer congratulations. In any case, avoid going that way; accidents might happen." He, as a man, could guess some of their intentions.
Lan Yan immediately understood. "Brother, don't worry, I'll take a detour." She had only just managed to establish a good relationship with Jun Yelan, and she didn't want any strange encounters. Thus, she held the box and deliberately took a path through the garden back to her chambers.
However, in the garden, a man in white stood beneath a flowering tree. He was handsome and exuded an air of refinement. Holding a book, he began reciting poetry. Hearing the voice, Lan Yan's first instinct was to turn away, but she heard a voice behind her offer respects.
"Greetings, Empress. This humble one did not know the Empress was here and has disturbed you," the man said, bowing his head apologetically.
Lan Yan turned back, her tone cold. "With so many people in the palace, to run into you here... what a coincidence!" It was so deliberate, clearly fake. She ignored him and continued walking.
But the man stood in her way and spoke, "Empress, today is my uncle's birthday. However, there are too many people at the banquet, and I am not comfortable, so I came here to read. I heard that the Lord can lead troops into battle, and I also wish to pursue a literary path in the future." He had heard others say that the Empress disliked weak men and preferred those with their own aspirations, like the Lord.
"Mm," Lan Yan replied, not understanding why he was telling her this, her face clearly showing disinterest.
Seeing Lan Yan's indifference, the man was momentarily taken aback, unsure where he had gone wrong. He braced himself and asked, "Empress, do you think this humble one can succeed?"
Another question! Lan Yan said directly, "If you truly have such aspirations, you shouldn't be here. Please move aside!" Her arms were numb from holding the box, and this man kept blocking her path.
The man's expression changed instantly, his face paling slightly. "Empress, you speak the truth." He saw someone emerge from behind Lan Yan and hastily bowed. "Greetings, Lord."
Lan Yan turned to see Jun Yelan approaching and, as if seeing a savior, quickly ran over. She hid behind Jun Yelan, tugging his sleeve, and said aggrievedly, "Yelan, this person has been blocking my way."
"It's hard for me to hit him when I'm holding things."
Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan dotingly. "This is what the Lord should do. I'll help you." He gently ruffled her hair and walked forward, his gaze chillingly fixed on the man before him.
The man trembled violently and stammered, "Lord."
"They've really put in a great deal of effort to create a replica," Jun Yelan said, looking at the man's appearance, which bore some resemblance to his own. The fact that they were in the garden was clearly an attempt to attract Lan Yan's attention.
The man trembled even more, his lips and chin quivering. If Lan Yan had been ice before, Jun Yelan now was like crushed ice that could crush people.
Jun Yelan's eyes darkened. "So timid, you cannot survive in the palace. Tell those behind you that the Empress is now mine. Next time, I will make an example of you."
"Begone."
The man's eyes filled with deep fear. He lowered his head and quickly retreated.
Lan Yan, who had witnessed all of this, couldn't help but applaud. "Yelan, you are so powerful. He wouldn't leave even when I was so cold."
Jun Yelan smiled wryly. "That's because he fancies you, so he wouldn't leave. But facing me, his intentions pale in comparison. Coupled with my reputation, he dares not act rashly." For so many years, only he had gone to war, interfered in court affairs, and gained the Empress's complete favor.
Lan Yan nodded, her face beaming. "With Yelan here, I feel so relieved."
"Good," Jun Yelan responded gently, his gaze falling on the box Lan Yan was holding. "Let me take it."
Lan Yan saw that it was indeed Jun Yelan's clothes and quickly handed them over. "Yelan, you take it first. I need to go to the morning court." She was already late due to the delay.
"I'll walk with you for a bit," Jun Yelan said, easily carrying the box as he accompanied Lan Yan towards the court.
At the entrance, Lan Yan waved to Jun Yelan. "I'm going in." She walked inside, then looked back, offering a smile before continuing.
Jun Yelan was amused. His Lan Yan was too wonderful. He turned to leave and encountered Mei Dong. "Today is the side Taijun's birthday. Deliver a gift and tell him there are things one shouldn't do in this palace!"
"Yes, Lord," Mei Dong replied. Following the instructions, he delivered the gift to the side Taijun. However, the gift was unusual: a man who had just received twenty caning strokes.
The side Taijun and his retinue were laughing and conversing when they saw the man covered in blood. Coupled with Mei Dong's words, they were all stunned. They no longer dared to harbor any ill intentions. Jun Yelan was even more formidable than the Empress.
Jun Yelan also learned of the side Taijun's reaction and sneered, "If they dare covet my person, don't blame me for being ruthless." He hadn't wanted to act in front of Lan Yan, but things were different now.
He gestured for the palace maids and attendants to leave, then opened the box himself. Seeing the red clothes inside, he paused. "This is a wedding dress." He had only seen it once before, when Lan Ting had bid farewell. He picked it up, admiring the exquisite stitching, even the collar and cuffs were sewn with gold thread, clearly indicating significant effort. Only Lan Yan could have done something like this.
A smile crept onto his lips. He called out, "Someone, prepare food and wine. This Lord will be appreciating the moon with the Empress tonight. No one else is allowed to disturb us. Remember!"
The palace staff bowed their heads and exclaimed, "Yes, Lord!" They wouldn't dare. However, they could also tell that the Lord was in a good mood today; his tone was a little less cold than usual, but still intimidating.
After everyone had left, Jun Yelan went into the inner chambers to change into the wedding dress. His eyes seemed to be tinged with joy, and he emerged with a smile. He looked towards the entrance, anticipating Lan Yan's reaction when she saw him.