The First Prince was fair-featured with scholarly airs, but his eyes were full of calculation, lending him a sinister demeanor. He stood at the mansion gate, blocking Jun Yelan's path.
He fingered the ring on his finger and said with a forced smile, "Isn't this my third brother? You've actually left the mansion. Let me see, it's been ten years since we last met."
"Your brother misses you dearly." He reached out to place a hand on Jun Yelan's shoulder, but was dodged.
Jun Yelan stared coldly at the First Prince, clenching his fist and suppressing his anger. "It's been ten years, and brother is still the same, with no change in status or position."
"I heard a new beauty has appeared in the palace, favored by Father Emperor. I wonder how Noble Consort's days are going." Though he resided in his own mansion, over the years he had eyes and ears everywhere.
Lan Yan, following behind, struggled to stifle her laughter upon hearing this. Jun Yelan was truly skilled with words, each sentence striking the First Prince where it hurt most.
The First Prince's face darkened. He hadn't expected Jun Yelan to still have the upper hand. "Brother, you cannot attend the hunt this year, my heart aches with regret. You were always first in previous years."
"And why do you wear that mask? I'm eager to see your face."
He chuckled smugly, thinking that no matter what, Jun Yelan was still a cripple.
Lan Yan was about to retort, but Jun Yelan pulled her hand.
"I was tired of winning first place every year, why would I go again? As for you, brother, you lost to your younger brother again. And I wear this mask because I detest seeing your face."
"After all, the truth about Dingzhou is about to be revealed, and your expression won't be pleasant."
The First Prince was taken aback. This was a threat; Jun Yelan held leverage over him. He was instantly enraged but couldn't lash out, gritting his teeth and saying, "Brother is as formidable as ever."
"Thank you for the compliment, brother," Jun Yelan said with a cold laugh, preparing to leave with Lan Yan.
The First Prince didn't stop them, but as Lan Yan passed him, he smiled and said, "Miss Lan Er, you've certainly grown. The hairpin you asked me to bring last time, I have it with me this time."
He pulled out a jade hairpin from his robe.
Lan Yan stared at the hairpin, speechless. "Your Highness, I barely get enough to eat at the Duke of Lan's mansion, would I ask you to bring a hairpin? Your acting is too poor."
Though she didn't know much about the original owner's past, this was too fake.
The First Prince was stunned again. He had intended to sow discord in Jun Yelan's mind, but this woman showed him no respect at all. He chuckled awkwardly.
"Also, I am now a married woman. Please do not strike up conversations with me, Your Highness. If you want to give hairpins, find Lan Xiaoxiao behind me." Lan Yan gave him a disgusted look and pushed Jun Yelan away.
Jun Yelan curved his lips.
The First Prince's eyes were filled with hatred. Next time, he would definitely ruin these two. He wanted to ensure Jun Yelan could never recover and left in anger.
Lan Xiaoxiao, inside the mansion, called out, "Your Highness," but he was already gone. She collapsed onto the ground, her eyes full of unwillingness.
After returning to the mansion, Lan Yan first settled Li shi and her son. She arranged two rooms and prepared daily necessities, saying, "Mother, younger brother, you will live here from now on and recuperate well."
"Don't worry about anything else."
Li shi still felt as if she were dreaming, having actually arrived at the Prince's mansion. She looked at her dignified and composed daughter, tears welling up again.
She wiped her eyes, took Lan Yan's hand, and sat down. "Xiao Yan, Mother doesn't care about anything else, I just want to ask, is the Prince good to you?"
As a mother, she couldn't be more worried.
Lan Yan did not hesitate. "Very good. Mother, don't be intimidated by the Prince's appearance; he is actually a very considerate person. He cares for me and protects me."
Li shi had seen Jun Yelan protect Lan Yan today, so she believed these words. However, she couldn't help but say, "Xiao Yan, it's you who has suffered. It's all because Mother is incompetent. Given your status, you should have married an ordinary man and lived a peaceful life."
This was her only wish, but being suppressed by the First Madam, she could do nothing. At that time, she was forced to agree to this marriage, considering that Lan Yan would be the main wife, and at least she wouldn't be bullied like herself, who was a concubine.
Lan Yan understood Li shi's worries, patted her hand, and smiled, "Mother, you have already thought the best for me. And I am doing well now. I manage the household affairs, and I am very at ease with the Prince."
Li shi finally felt much relieved and sighed, "Then you must live well with the Prince in the future. Although the Prince is disabled, I see he is a person of strong will, and he won't be faring poorly in the future."
Lan Yan couldn't help but comment on Li shi's good judgment. Jun Yelan would surely achieve great things in the future, especially with her by his side. "Yes, Mother, you should rest well."
She urged Li shi to recover peacefully.
Outside the door, Jun Yelan held a box, intending to give it to Li shi for nourishment, but he overheard their conversation. His heart warmed, and he turned his wheelchair to leave, handing the box to Lan Yue, who had just arrived.
Lan Yue tilted his head, utterly bewildered, and carried the box into the room. He couldn't speak, so he could only gesture with his fingers, pointing outside the door, then at the box.
Lan Yan understood a little; someone outside had given Lan Yue a box. She guessed it was someone from the mansion and didn't pay it much mind. "Lan Yue, you should also recuperate well. Once you're better, I'll send you to school."
Her brother was this old and had never been to school. The people at the Duke of Lan's mansion had truly been too cruel to this mother and her two children.
Lan Yue quickly grabbed Lan Yan's arm and shook his head. He worried about causing trouble for his sister; having a place where they weren't beaten was enough.
"It's alright, leave everything to your sister." Lan Yan lowered her head and stroked Lan Yue's head. "Your sister will protect you now. When you grow up, will you protect your sister?"
Lan Yue nodded firmly, wishing he could grow up quickly.
Seeing this, Lan Yan left and returned to her room, where Jun Yelan was also present. As soon as she entered, she felt Jun Yelan staring at her, his gaze somewhat intense.
"Your Highness, I've settled them in. Thank you for your help this time." She remembered she hadn't thanked him yet. She occupied the original owner's body and wanted to repay Li shi and the others.
Jun Yelan didn't break eye contact. "You helped me, and I helped you. We're even." He wanted to be a useful person, to be Lan Yan's support.
To Lan Yan's ears, it sounded like all this was just repayment. Her heart sank. She had thought Jun Yelan's feelings for her might have changed. It turned out she had been overthinking.
It seemed she still had to work harder.
She said, "Your Highness, my mother is still missing some things, and I want to go to the market to buy them. Tomorrow, will you accompany me to the market?" Since Jun Yelan could now go out, she wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
Jun Yelan looked into Lan Yan's eyes and couldn't refuse. "Yes."
"Then I'll thank Your Highness in advance." Lan Yan couldn't help but step forward and hug Jun Yelan, then quickly let go and left.
Jun Yelan stood frozen for a moment, looking at Lan Yan's retreating figure, and curved his lips.