My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

"Master Gu's remarkable achievement at the stone array, as reported by Master Gu the other day, was the crucial factor in my victorious return. Therefore, you are hereby conferred the title of Prince Jingyang, to be inherited for generations to come, and bestowed with the imperial edict!"

Xiao Fei'er presented the imperial edict and bestowed the honor upon Gu Lan.

Gu Lan graciously accepted the decree and, amidst the admiring gazes of the attendants, departed the palace alongside Eunuch Mao.

"To think he's been granted a royal title! Master Gu, this is no ordinary feat; it undoubtedly reflects the favor of Her Majesty... You're truly soaring to new heights now!" Eunuch Mao exclaimed with excitement.

Listening to his self-congratulatory remarks, Gu Lan remained silent for a moment, thinking that even without the close relationship Her Majesty shared with figures, securing a royal position in the mortal realm with the aid of divine transmission arrays would still be more than sufficient.

However, there was no point in arguing with Eunuch Mao.

At this moment, Gu Lan couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction in exacting revenge unexpectedly.

The sudden attack had surely startled Madam, Xiao Fei'er, and even Yexi!

Indeed, unlike the incident at the Su Mansion where Gu Lan adhered to propriety, this time, he effortlessly pierced through Mu Yuyan's defenses with his divine consciousness, observing every detail as if he were a bold thief.

One couldn't deny it! Mu Yuyan, with half of her dragon robe submerged in the water, possessed a fiery figure, and delicate features, truly epitomizing the allure of ancient royal authority.

She far surpassed the witchcraft of the Blissful Immortal Palace, though it was only through his composure and control that Gu Lan managed to resist her charm, thanks to his profound insight.

Leaving the palace gates, Gu Lan bid farewell to the dutiful attendant who had flattered him.

"Eunuch Mao... I'll call upon Her Majesty again in the future," he remarked casually.

"Master Gu... While you're bestowed with this opportunity, it would be wise to visit the palace more often. As long as Her Majesty is present, I shall guide you!"

Eunuch Mao whispered, reminding him discreetly, "Even if you can't progress further... by pleasing Her Majesty and gaining some actual power, your position as king will be more secure!"

Gu Lan nodded with feigned enthusiasm. "Of course, I understand," he replied with a smile, though inwardly, he paid little heed to the advice.

Pleasing Her Majesty? Was the attendant suggesting he become a court jester beneath Madam's throne?

Ha! With the knowledge of the social death incident he now possessed, Gu Lan held the supreme authority within his family.

Only by making Her Majesty his humble servant could he maintain his dominance.

With a wave of his hand, Gu Lan departed from the majestic palace, light-hearted as he made his way home.

Meanwhile, Mu Yuyan emerged from the water, her fair feet glistening, and her wet black hair cascading over her jade shoulders.

Xiao Fei'er assisted her in dressing.

Lost in thought, Mu Yuyan glanced towards the empty palace steps behind the screen, sighing softly.

"Why the sigh, Your Majesty?" Xiao Fei'er inquired.

"Fei'er, was I foolish? Just now... it was such a perfect opportunity to meet Master Gu..."

"Your Majesty had a plan in mind. Why disrupt it?"

"I don't know... but in the heat of the moment, I felt compelled to do so..."

"Your Majesty, you've changed."

As Mu Yuyan donned her attire, Xiao Fei'er admired her, suppressing a laugh.

"During your ascension, Your Majesty faced far more urgent situations than today's. You always handled them with composure. This situation seems to be purely because of Master Gu, clouding your judgment."

"What is this 'hormone' you speak of?"

"It's mentioned in Master Gu's book, I don't fully understand it, but it seems to be something that occurs when two people in love meet."

"Yes..."

Mu Yuyan raised an eyebrow. "How did you come across Master Gu's book?"

Xiao Fei'er's heart skipped a beat. Oh no, I've said too much, Yexi, I've let you down...

Fortunately, Mu Yuyan didn't press further. As a childhood companion, she could contain her jealousy.

Mu Yuyan shrugged nonchalantly. "Yes, I've changed... but I'm happier now!"

"Of course, Your Majesty has become like Master Gu," Xiao Fei'er teased.

"You... you shouldn't read those books of Master Gu. Those... are meant for me to read only!" Mu Yuyan blushed, her jealousy was evident.

Xiao Fei'er hesitated, then replied, "Let's go, Yexi. Let's return home for dinner."

Mu Yuyan greeted the green-clad maid, glancing at the crimson clouds in the sky, feeling somewhat reassured.

Although she missed an opportunity today, her original plans remained intact.

"Master Gu may not have discovered anything, but my efforts have certainly made an impression... That's progress worth celebrating!"

"Yes, it's good that he hasn't discovered anything... I'll make further preparations to deepen Mr. Gu's favor towards me as much as possible."

Mu Yuyan consoled herself in this manner, calming her earlier eagerness to meet him.

She had indeed changed.

Somewhere along the way, the peaceful life she enjoyed with Mr. Gu was no longer sufficient.

She now yearned to bind him to her side forever.

She had become greedy...

Back at the Gu Residence, tranquility reigned in the capital, with lights illuminating every household.

Today, with Mu Yuyan's triumphant return, joy permeated the air.

Old Yang's cooking filled the home with savory aromas, and the family enjoyed a harmonious meal, sharing laughter and conversation.

"Let me share some news with everyone. Due to the report, I submitted the other day, Her Majesty has conferred upon me the title of Prince Jingyang."

"Excellent!"

Old Yang applauded enthusiastically, his face beaming with pride.

In his generation's understanding, being ennobled was a matter of great honor for the family.

He wasn't particularly surprised; after all, his young master was exceptionally talented, and receiving a royal title was only a matter of time.

It was a testament to Her Majesty's discerning eye!

"Being ennobled as a king, we are truly a noble family now," Mu Yuyan said with a smile, seizing the opportunity to praise Mr. Gu's advancement as a great event.

Gu Lan glanced at his wife's adept performance, his lips curling imperceptibly.

With deliberate nonchalance, he remarked, "So, I plan to request Her Majesty tomorrow to allow us to move back to Lang Province."

Mu Yuyan's smile froze on her face! She stared blankly for a moment before asking, "Why... why would you do that?"

"Now that I've been ennobled, why bother with further studies?"

Gu Lan raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a smile, "Wouldn't it be better for Madam and me to enjoy the mountains and rivers freely from now on?"

Mu Yuyan's expression turned numb with disbelief.

Was she unwittingly setting herself up for disappointment?

Did Mr. Gu, by initiating the news of the teleportation array's delivery to the palace and today's offer for treatment, not because he had a change of heart towards her, but because he had already planned his escape route, intending to collect his rewards and leave?

This couldn't be happening!

Mu Yuyan felt a pang of regret. If only she had met him in the Hall of Nurturing Harmony!

But who would have thought that the odious Mr. Gu had harbored such intentions from the start?

Despite her efforts to keep him, he still planned to leave heartlessly, without a conscience...

Mu Yuyan swallowed her food, feeling deeply aggrieved.

"Having eaten our fill, I won't study today. I'll rest in my room," Gu Lan casually announced before leaving, casting a glance at Madam with a faint smile.

Mu Yuyan's eyes lit up! Mr. Gu wasn't studying tonight?

What an opportunity!

With his recent decision fresh in mind, she could subtly influence him and perhaps change his mind...

But they absolutely couldn't move back to Lang Province! Otherwise, all her efforts would be in vain!

Mu Yuyan realized she had no choice but to steel herself.

With renewed determination, she gently set down her utensils and followed Gu Lan back to their room.