When the system came online, it saw its host's cunning smile and knew she had another idea. "Host, keep up the good work," it chimed in.
"You stinking system, how dare you say that," Lan Yan grumbled. "My mission is to save Jun Yelan, and I always have to do other things. Either I get injured or locked up."
The system chuckled awkwardly. "These are the trials set by the small world. If it were easy, would they need a host? I could do it alone."
Lan Yan's anger subsided considerably. After all, the system had learned to talk. She cleared her throat. "Fine, I am magnanimous and won't argue with you."
"Very well, host." The system immediately changed its tone. "Host, you are currently imprisoned and cannot see Jun Yelan. What will you do next for the mission?"
Lan Yan smiled and waved the paper in her hand. "I have my own plans." She picked up a brush and began to write on the paper.
The system watched from the side, its mouth twitching. "Host, what you're writing is just daily life, too bland."
"If I wrote those vows of eternal love, do you think Jun Yelan would believe me? I wouldn't even believe it myself," Lan Yan said, resting her chin on her hand. "Besides, Jun Yelan is actively showing concern for me now. Our relationship is great."
What she needed to do now was deepen this affection.
System: "..." The host's confidence is a good thing, but she can't be too narcissistic. "Host, then do your best. I'll be waiting for your letter."
"Goodbye!" Lan Yan didn't even look up, continuing to write. She picked up the paper, blew on the ink, and laughed, "I'm truly amazing, finishing a letter so quickly."
She placed the paper into an envelope, put it on the table, and suddenly thought of a problem. "I'm locked up in the mansion now, and I can't go out. How will I send the letter!"
System: I shouldn't have overestimated the host. I should pretend not to know to avoid hurting her feelings.
Lan Yan fretted for a moment before putting the envelope into a drawer. "I'll give it to him later." She smiled casually and turned towards the bed, lying down comfortably to sleep.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Jun Yelan sat by the window, gazing at the moonlight, his eyes deep. He had heard that Lan Yan had left the palace and was also aware that she had been punished. But perhaps this wasn't a bad thing.
Lan Yan's great victory had almost overshadowed the emperor. The emperor would definitely punish Lan Yan for the assassination attempt today. Now that Lan Yan had proactively proposed it, she had reduced the emperor's suspicion.
"This palace is so complicated. How did she manage before?" He always felt his own past was tragic, but now it seemed Lan Yan hadn't had it easy either. Yet, Lan Yan had always maintained a smile.
The sound of a door opening behind him pulled his thoughts back. He looked towards the person at the door, his eyes darkening. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"You are dismissed." The emperor sat beside the chessboard and said, "We shall play a game tonight."
Jun Yelan replied, "Yes, Your Majesty." He sat down, holding the black pieces.
As the emperor made his move, he said, "The High Priest has been saved by General Lan several times. What do you think of her?"
Jun Yelan continued to play chess, his expression calm, his hand hidden in his sleeve clenching slightly. "General Lan has a child's heart and no hidden agenda."
"Is she truly like that, or is it a disguise?" the emperor asked.
Jun Yelan looked at the chessboard and replied, "A person can pretend for a day, but it's difficult to maintain a facade for years." He placed a black piece next to a white one.
The emperor frowned, recalling his interactions with Lan Yan. Her behavior was indeed flawless, making it believable that it was genuine. "High Priest, it seems you are quite fond of General Lan."
Upon hearing this, Jun Yelan's hand paused. A flicker of light flashed in his eyes. "As Your Majesty says, General Lan saved me, and I do have personal feelings."
If he didn't show any flaws, the emperor wouldn't believe him.
The emperor burst into laughter. "General Lan is such a remarkable person, naturally she can attract the attention of others. I just wonder if she has such intentions herself?"
"I do not know." This was the truth from Jun Yelan. He only knew that Lan Yan harbored feelings for someone, but he didn't know who that person was.
The emperor placed another white piece, sighing, "So there are things even the High Priest cannot see through. A bystander sees clearly." He could see that Lan Yan felt differently about Jun Yelan, but Jun Yelan was unwilling to believe it.
Jun Yelan remained silent, his eyes growing deeper. The hand that had been clenched slowly relaxed.
The night grew quieter, only the sound of pieces being placed on the board filling the room.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the corridor. Eunuch Yan, holding a military report, rushed to the door and shouted, "Your Majesty, there's an urgent situation."
The emperor frowned, dropped the chess piece into the box, and walked towards the door. He looked at the report, his expression grave. "Let's go, back to the Imperial Study."
The door closed. Jun Yelan remained seated by the chessboard, looking at the scene of black and white locked in battle before him. He picked up a black piece and placed it on the right, surrounding a white piece.
"So urgent, is it another war? She'll be released soon."
Before dawn, Lan Yan was summoned to the palace to discuss the current war situation with the emperor.
"General Lan, I command you to immediately lead ten thousand troops to Yongguan. Remember, this battle must be won," the emperor stated sternly, staring at Lan Yan.
Lan Yan, neither humble nor overbearing, bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty." She knew the responsibility on her shoulders.
The emperor looked at Eunuch Yan, instructing him to give the tiger tally to Lan Yan. "Go."
The other ministers were present and said nothing upon seeing this. They had no desire to lead troops into battle, facing the risk of death.
Ning Yuan glared at Lan Yan with a dark expression, then withdrew his gaze after being stared at by the emperor. All his joy from the previous night, believing Lan Yan was finally feared by the emperor, was dashed. Instead, Lan Yan was once again favored.
This Lan Yan was too difficult to deal with. He needed to find another way. "Your Majesty, this minister is willing to serve as the grain supervisor, ensuring that the soldiers have enough to eat."
Lan Yan's eyes shifted slightly. When did this Ning Yuan become so kind? He must have some other scheme.
The emperor fell into thought and said, "Very well, it shall be as you say."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ning Yuan smiled triumphantly. Go, Lan Yan, go. By the time you return, this world may have already changed.
Lan Yan ignored him, thinking him a sinister villain!
She turned to the emperor. "Your Majesty, my journey will be long, and the battlefield is merciless. I wish to meet High Priest Jun to have him divine for me." This was merely an excuse to see Jun Yelan.
The emperor nodded. "Very well."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lan Yan immediately excused herself and walked out of the hall.
The emperor smiled. This Lan Yan was indeed as Jun Yelan had said last night. Moreover, with Jun Yelan in the palace, Lan Yan leading troops would not result in rebellion.
Lan Yan ran all the way to Frost Bloom Hall and saw Jun Yelan standing by the entrance, momentarily stunned. It was as if Jun Yelan had known she was coming.
She stepped into the hall and looked at the person before her, as elegant as a orchid and a jade tree. She smiled sweetly and said, "Jun Yelan, I've come to see you."