"Host, as I said, you can only complete the mission yourself." He was reminding her from time to time because he had been with Lan Yan for a long time.
Lan Yan interrupted, "Alright, you don't need to say anything further. I'll ask you, what should I pay attention to regarding Jun Yelan in this world? I don't want it to be like last time, where I only found out at the very end."
She vaguely remembered that the person in the previous world had an illness, but she couldn't recall the specifics.
The system was a bit surprised. Logically, Lan Yan shouldn't remember anything, so why did she have some memories?
He suppressed his worry. "Host, there's nothing. Jun Yelan in this world is very normal, just a bit different from what men of this era desire."
"Just follow the original plan, take good care of his health, and resolve his hatred. That should be enough."
Lan Yan propped her chin with one hand, thought for a moment, and nodded, "That works. However, the person he hates the most now is probably me. I need to think of a good way to mend our relationship."
She was about to ask the system about the memories, but the system had already gone offline. "This darn system."
After their discussion, she returned to the sleeping chambers and, seeing that Jun Yelan's ankle had been bandaged, breathed a sigh of relief.
Mei Dong quickly led the imperial physician away and called out, "Empress, no one will disturb you and Young Master Jun again."
Lan Yan was still pondering the meaning of these words. As she walked towards the bed, she saw Jun Yelan retreating towards the corner of the bed. She stopped, sensing something was amiss.
Jun Yelan clenched his fist. With his current condition, he was no match for Lan Yan. But he was unwilling! He suppressed the hatred in his eyes and looked at Lan Yan, "I am injured and cannot serve you tonight."
Lan Yan was stunned. Recalling Mei Dong's words and Jun Yelan's reaction, she exclaimed, "So you all think I'm that kind of person, wanting to do such things in front of a patient!"
Heaven above, she wanted to cry out her innocence.
Seeing Lan Yan's shock, Jun Yelan frowned. This wasn't Lan Yan's usual behavior. Why was she more surprised than he was?
Lan Yan noticed Jun Yelan's gaze and explained helplessly, "It's a misunderstanding. You should rest here tonight and don't worry about anything. I, on the other hand, will stay in the next room."
She shuffled back, dragging her feet. What kind of person was the original host to make those two think such things?
Jun Yelan remained alone in the sleeping chamber, his gaze fixed on Lan Yan's retreating back. Seeing that she didn't return, his body slightly relaxed, and he leaned against the head of the bed.
He looked at the stone in his hand. It was just an ordinary stone with four scratches carved on it. He had carried it since he was in his mother's womb and always felt it was very important, but he couldn't recall why.
He clutched the stone and surveyed his surroundings, a self-mocking smile on his face. He had indeed ended up in the Empress's harem. It was all thanks to his mother and brother.
When the Empress ascended the throne, she wished to fill her harem. His mother heard of this, tied him up while he was studying at home, and sent him into the palace. He had studied the classics since childhood and did not wish to serve women; he wanted to enter officialdom and serve the people.
But now, all of that was shattered. Yet he was unwilling and clung to this thought, falling asleep in a daze.
In the adjacent room, Lan Yan hugged her pillow, murmuring in her sleep, "Jun Yelan."
The next morning, the first rays of dawn shone into the sleeping chambers.
At the entrance of the sleeping chambers stood a man dressed in colorful clothes. His face was covered in a thick layer of powder, and the corners of his eyes were marked with red. His eyes were cast upwards, filled with disdain.
He was Lin Zhi, the legitimate son of Prime Minister Lin. Like Jun Yelan, he had been sent to the palace. However, he had volunteered to enter the palace, aspiring to become the most esteemed man in the palace.
He had dressed up specially that morning to see Lan Yan.
Mei Dong blocked him at the door. "Young Master Lin, you cannot enter."
Lin Zhi glanced at Mei Dong with disgust. "A mere maid dared to stop me. Let me tell you, I will be the most honored man in this palace in the future, so get out of my way."
However, Mei Dong remained at the door. The Empress had finally favored a man last night, and she was definitely still resting; she absolutely could not let the person before her disrupt that.
At that moment, a cough was heard from inside the room. Lin Zhi, already angered by being blocked, heard a male voice from within and immediately roared, "Who is in there!"
Damn it, who managed to get the Empress's favor before him? It couldn't be Jun Yelan; he was thrown into prison by the Empress yesterday! He had his attendants block Mei Dong, pushed open the door, and froze upon seeing the person on the bed.
It was Jun Yelan. Due to the cough, a trace of red smudged his eyes, adding a touch of fragility. "Is it your appearance that has won the Empress's favor!"
"Jun Yelan, I truly underestimated you. You always appear so aloof, yet you silently became the Empress's confidant. Among us, you are the most deceitful and the most cunning."
Jun Yelan's eyes turned icy as he looked over. "Lin Zhi, this is not a place for you to run wild." He glanced behind Lin Zhi, his face devoid of emotion.
Lin Zhi shouted, "What are you up to now!" He turned his head and was stunned to see Lan Yan walking over from the next room, stretching lazily. He was even more shocked than before.
Lan Yan rotated her neck. She had a stiff neck from sleeping awkwardly last night. Hearing the commotion this morning had made her particularly irritable. Looking at Lin Zhi's face, she realized this person was here to target Jun Yelan!
If that was the case, she couldn't let him get away with it!
Lin Zhi had heard that the Empress had a bad temper, and at this moment, he shivered all over, daring not to say another word.
Lan Yan walked past Lin Zhi directly and went to Jun Yelan's bedside, asking, "Did you sleep well last night?"
Jun Yelan was somewhat surprised but showed no outward reaction, nodding.
"Good." Lan Yan smiled at the corner of her mouth and pointed to Lin Zhi beside them, "He disturbed you just now. How do you want to deal with him? It's all up to you."
Jun Yelan looked at the smile on Lan Yan's lips, which was quite different from the rumors. He shifted his gaze and said coldly, "Dispose of him according to palace regulations."
Lan Yan recalled what she had said to him in the prison cell last night, and the curve of her smile widened. "As you wish, drag him out and give him twenty planks." She had forgotten about the matters of the harem and called for Mei Dong.
"How many people have been sent to the harem recently?"
Mei Dong replied, "Reporting to the Empress, there are already fifty people, and some are still on their way due to the long journey."
Lan Yan: "...Send all these people back home. For those not yet arrived, tell them to turn back immediately."
This time, not only Mei Dong was shocked, but Jun Yelan and Lin Zhi were also stunned.
Had the Empress changed her ways?
Lan Yan cleared her throat and nodded, "We are short on funds recently, and there's no need to support so many idlers in the harem. Mei Dong, handle this matter. Also, dismiss the excess palace maids and eunuchs."
With too many people around, it hindered her and Jun Yelan's efforts to cultivate their relationship.
Mei Dong left in surprise, taking Lin Zhi with him to receive his punishment.
Lan Yan turned to look at Jun Yelan and smiled, "From now on, there will only be you by my side."
Jun Yelan was slightly taken aback.