Lan Yan breathed a sigh of relief, "I knew Mei Dong wouldn't be so careless." Seeing that Jun Yelan was dressed thinly and at risk of getting sick, she said, "Why don't you rest early? I'll go to the next room."
After speaking, she saw that Jun Yelan's complexion was not good, likely due to being underdressed. "Hurry up and sleep." She slipped away to the next room and lay down on the bed, thinking herself quite clever.
Jun Yelan was still sitting by the bed, looking at the closed door of the room next door, unable to let go of his frustration. He threw off the covers and lay down, then opened his eyes again after a moment.
He got up and went to the mirror, looking at his own face, which was no different from before. When he was young, women had often stared at him when he went out, so he assumed his appearance was one that women favored.
But Lan Yan had just left without a second glance at him. He clenched his fist, his gaze catching the slightly crooked bun on his head, which Lan Yan had tied herself.
He stared at the bun for a long time, reaching for the hairpin, then pulling back. He returned to the bed and closed his eyes.
The next morning, Lan Yan pulled Mei Dong aside and asked, "Mei Dong, what day was it yesterday? Jun Yelan looked a bit unwell, and I don't think I offended him."
Mei Dong saw Lan Yan emerging from the next room. She hadn't spent the night with the consort! "Your Majesty, yesterday was the consort's night to serve."
"What!" Lan Yan's pupils widened in shock. "There are such days." Fortunately, she had controlled herself last night; if she had actually touched Jun Yelan, she would surely be dead by this morning.
Mei Dong nodded in confusion at Lan Yan's reaction.
Lan Yan quickly said, "Next time, don't arrange such things. Your Majesty's life was almost lost."
Was it that serious? Mei Dong was puzzled. "Your Majesty, I thought the consort was quite willing. He went to bathe himself yesterday."
"Oh, you don't understand Jun Yelan. The calmer he appears on the surface, the deeper he is within." Lan Yan pondered, guessing that Jun Yelan had been devising a counter-strategy while bathing yesterday. If she had dared to touch him, he could have sent her flying with a single palm.
She patted her chest, thankful her life was still intact. "Remember these words, and never do this again." Seeing Mei Dong hesitate, she asked, "What is it now?"
Mei Dong's expression turned troubled as she reminded, "Your Majesty, the consort."
Lan Yan turned her head and saw Jun Yelan standing behind her, offering an awkward smile. "Jun Yelan, you're here. Mei Dong acted on her own initiative yesterday; I've already disciplined her, and such things won't happen again."
However, after she spoke, she felt Jun Yelan's expression worsen.
Jun Yelan had heard everything. He had thought Lan Yan had other intentions towards him, but he had misunderstood. This was what he had wanted before – for them to go their separate ways. Yet, now he felt a pang of unhappiness.
He flicked his sleeve and departed.
Lan Yan felt even more that it was the consort's service day that had caused the problem and decided she needed to find a solution. She asked, "Mei Dong, what's on the agenda today?" If there was nothing important, she wanted to devise a plan.
Mei Dong reported, "Minister Jun has submitted a memorial, stating it is his birthday and he wishes for the consort to return home. It would be best if Your Majesty could grace them with your presence."
"Birthday?" Lan Yan's eyes darted around. This was a perfect opportunity to solve her problem. Since Jun Yelan was in a bad mood, she would take him to the Jun family to take revenge on those who had bullied him in the past.
She also intended to reclaim what belonged to Jun Yelan.
"Prepare a birthday gift and head to the Jun manor."
Mei Dong bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty."
An hour later, Lan Yan sat in the carriage leaving the palace, with Jun Yelan opposite her. She wanted to strike up a conversation, but Jun Yelan was engrossed in reading, not looking at her at all.
She cleared her throat and began, "Today is your mother's birthday. I've prepared a gift; I wonder if it's suitable?"
Jun Yelan turned a page and replied, "Heaven's grace is vast. Whatever you give, she will naturally like it."
"That's true," Lan Yan found herself unable to continue and looked out the window.
Jun Yelan raised his head and looked at Lan Yan's profile, doubting himself for the first time. He could feel that Lan Yan was very good to him and genuinely wanted him to be happy, but this feeling didn't seem like romantic love.
It was more like... he couldn't quite define this feeling.
When Lan Yan turned her head, Jun Yelan had already shifted his gaze. The carriage remained silent.
Until the carriage stopped. The Jun household, led by Minister Jun, was waiting at the entrance, shouting, "Greetings, Your Majesty, Consort."
Lan Yan, wearing a blue ruqun, alighted from the carriage. She looked at the group of Jun family members before her. They must have bullied Jun Yelan quite a bit in the past, so she didn't hurry to tell them to rise.
Instead, she turned to help Jun Yelan down from the carriage and said with a smile, "This is the place where you grew up. Later, you can show me around properly."
"Mm." Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan's smiling face and involuntarily nodded. He turned his head and stared coldly at the Jun family, his eyes filled with disgust.
Minister Jun had been kneeling for a long time. Seeing Lan Yan speaking with Jun Yelan, she finally spoke, "Your Majesty, the fact that you and the consort could come is truly appreciated. I have prepared a room for Your Majesty to rest, and the banquet will begin shortly."
She turned and looked at Jun Jiu behind her, "Jiu'er, Your Majesty doesn't know the way. You take her."
"Yes, Mother." Jun Jiu's face broke into a smile, a hint of calculation appearing in his eyes.
Lan Yan called out, "No need. With the consort here, I don't need anyone from your Jun family. Also, remember that I am here today because of the consort."
Minister Jun was taken aback, "Naturally, we won't forget." After Lan Yan entered the Jun manor, she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and was helped to her feet. The Empress's aura was simply too powerful.
She had knelt for so long, and her son hadn't even said a word for her. Truly useless. She looked at Jun Jiu, "Jiu'er, the rest is up to you."
"Please rest assured, Mother." Jun Jiu swayed the porcelain bottle in his hand and tucked it into his embrace. He followed inside, but first went to the kitchen to get some food, then took his tools.
Lan Yan glanced casually at the Jun manor; it was far inferior to her own chambers.
She looked at Jun Yelan and said, "Now that you're back, you can take whatever you want. I heard your father left many things for you, but they were all seized. This time, I'll have them returned to you."
Jun Yelan listened to these words, and his heart warmed, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He lowered his head to look at Lan Yan's hand, so close to his own, and couldn't help but want to get closer.
The palm of his hand lightly brushed the back of Lan Yan's hand. Just as he was about to cup her hand, Lan Yan's hand moved away.
Lan Yan pointed to the path ahead, "Which way leads to your courtyard?"
Jun Yelan suppressed the disappointment in his eyes and walked to the left.
Lan Yan followed. After walking for a while, they reached a courtyard with bamboo planted inside. Pushing open the gate, a gentle breeze wafted in, carrying a refreshing scent and a sense of comfort.
She couldn't help but smile, "Jun Yelan, I really like it here."