My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

In the bedroom, behind the scarlet canopy, candlelight flickered as Mu Yuyan approached the bedside with a tray of hot tea, speaking in a tender voice, "Mr. Gu, have a cup of ginseng tea. It's good for sleep."

Gu Lan smiled faintly, turning to look at her. "Madam is thoughtful."

Mu Yuyan's eyes shimmered as she gently smoothed the hem of her skirt, sitting by the bed with feigned tenderness, "Now that Mr. Gu is to become a noble, we should hire more servants in the mansion to adapt to this level of service."

"Haha..."

Gu Lan knew she was leading the conversation somewhere, so he watched her performance quietly, smiling without a word.

Feeling a bit guilty under his gaze, Mu Yuyan cleared her throat and tentatively asked, "Mr. Gu, why do we have to move back to Lang Province? Is there something unpleasant about staying in the capital?"

"Do you like the capital?" Gu Lan countered.

"Of course! The capital is rich in talent, with beautiful scenery. It's the most bustling place in all of Jing Nation, full of prosperity and splendor. What girl wouldn't like it?"

Mu Yuyan's beautiful face lit up with innocence.

"Huh, Madam, you're almost a mother-to-be. Still calling yourself a girl?" Gu Lan teased, deliberately provoking her.

Mu Yuyan blinked, then immediately widened her phoenix eyes, her rosy lips pursed high, as she turned her head away in mock annoyance.

"Hmph, seems like the novelty has worn off. Could it be that this time back in Lang Province, Mr. Gu has found a new love?" She sounded somewhat aggrieved.

Gu Lan burst into laughter, pulling Madam into his arms, soothing her gently.

Mu Yuyan was sharp-witted enough to understand that Gu Lan was only joking.

Yet, by pretending to be sour, she hoped to dissuade him from returning to Lang Province.

"Mr. Gu, why must we return? Isn't Her Majesty treating us well? And now, with the ennoblement, wouldn't it be nice to be a leisurely lord in the capital?" Mu Yuyan pleaded softly.

"It's not bad to return to Lang Province either!" Gu Lan countered playfully.

Mu Yuyan lifted her head from his embrace, her phoenix eyes filled with resentment as she whispered, "But if we rush back, will Her Majesty agree?"

"She will!"

"But I still have our child in my womb. If we rush back, it will surely be a bumpy ride..."

Mu Yuyan sighed deeply, reluctantly suggesting, "Can't we at least wait until the child is born before moving?"

Suppressing his amusement, Gu Lan observed Mu Yuyan's increasingly pitiful expression, realizing he had played enough; it was time to stop before things escalated.

"Hmm... that makes sense," he conceded.

"Madam is pregnant, and even if Little Qi carries us, it's not advisable, as it could be alarming," Gu Lan pondered aloud.

Mu Yuyan's eyes brightened, forming a crescent-shaped smile. Indeed, this excuse proved to be effective—holding the monarch's favor to assert dominance!

"Yes, yes! At least wait until then!" she agreed.

"And Mr. Gu is the Top Scholar, studying not merely for fame and fortune. Since you've already participated in the Autumn Examination, why not try the Spring Exam? It's a chance to compete with scholars from all over the country," Mu Yuyan added, hoping to ignite his competitive spirit.

Gu Lan nodded in agreement, playing along, "You're right... Otherwise, it seems like all the effort to maintain a good relationship with Master Zhang has been in vain!"

If anyone dared to speak so blatantly about cheating in front of Mu Yuyan, it would surely be an outrageous breach of etiquette!

Yet when Gu Lan said it, Mu Yuyan felt nothing but joy within!

Ah! It's effective!

The power of suggestive hints is indeed effective; one must continue to strive...

Mu Yuyan's eyes sparkled with confidence. Her spirits instantly lifted!

"So, Mr. Gu isn't going back?"

"Well... I may... not."

"Don't go back, then. Just think of it as for the sake of me and our child."

Mu Yuyan pouted her cherry lips, coquettishly pleading.

Her delicate, fair face was filled with longing, both commanding and gentle, under the warm candlelight, resembling a delectable cake, tempting one to take a hearty bite!

Gu Lan cleared his throat, calmly saying, "My thoughts are clouded... Perhaps I need a kiss from my beloved to make a decision."

Without hesitation, Mu Yuyan leaned in and planted one on him.

Afraid that Gu Lan might disagree, one kiss led to another, imprinting Gu Lan's cheeks with the fragrance of her lips!

Feeling the moisture on his cheeks, Gu Lan felt a hint of pride, though a voice of reason had been advising him to stop this jesting with Madam...

Nevertheless, he couldn't resist teasing her a bit!

After all, once Madam resumed her position, she couldn't always reveal such an adorable side...

But the addition of a mature, bright yellow uniform did add an enticing touch!

"My thoughts are clearer now!"

Gu Lan stretched lazily, adjusting Mu Yuyan's position in his embrace for more comfort. Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered, "Alright then..."

Sensing the warmth by her ear, Mu Yuyan's heart fluttered, her slender arms itching to entwine around Gu Lan's neck, eager for affection.

This foolish Mr. Gu had finally caught on to her hints...

But!

As he slowly spoke the second half, "How could I dare disobey the Queen's orders?"

Mu Yuyan's outstretched hand froze in midair, her beautiful smile frozen on her face!

For a moment, she couldn't believe it, lifting her head to meet Gu Lan's gaze, only to find him smiling gently, his voice as tender as ever, yet his words dripping with a devilish undertone, "Is there something wrong, Your Majesty? Did I address you incorrectly?"

"To go to great lengths to keep me by your side, isn't that what Your Majesty has always planned?"

Gu Lan's words sent shivers down Mu Yuyan's spine, her gaze widening in shock!

Ah! He... he knew!

He really knew!

When did he find out?!

Mu Yuyan's mind went blank, her usually agile thoughts now crashing like a malfunctioning machine, manipulated by Gu Lan!

Wait!

Mu Yuyan suddenly realized something!

If Gu Lan had known her identity all along, then all her acting these days, her gradual plan to keep him in the capital, the numerous times he had praised her discreetly, and the crazy antics she had done for him...

Hadn't all of it been known by this rascal?

And he hadn't said a word!

Would he secretly mock her?

He definitely would!

He just did!

A wave of immense shame engulfed her, drowning the composed Mu Yuyan, leaving her hands cold and her beautiful eyes bewildered!

"Your Majesty, what's on your mind? After bestowing so many kisses upon me, it's only fair I reciprocate."

Gu Lan smiled, lowering his head to shamelessly demand more.

But with Mu Yuyan feeling so embarrassed, how could she quickly recover her composure?

"You... you let go of me, you big jerk!"

Mu Yuyan, feeling agitated, pushed away the scoundrel and bit Gu Lan's wrist, leaving a distinct mark of her frustration!

She glared at Gu Lan, who now wore an innocent expression.

However, Gu Lan dared not show his teeth, fearing Madam's genuine embarrassment and his own humiliation for toying with her.

"Madam..."

"Don't talk to me!"

As Mu Yuyan realized how Gu Lan had pretended all this time just to deceive her, to mock her, she felt foolish and presumptuous!

Her vision blurred with tears of frustration!

Never before had she felt so aggrieved, not even when her pet bird was eaten by a cat or when her father punished her to kneel!

Oh, yes! And this... This guy bought her a bird a few days ago, probably just to tease her!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got!

Despicable!

Mu Yuyan glared at Gu Lan with indignation, unable to speak her mind yet reluctant to utter harsh words.

She could only bite his wrist again before wrapping her clothes tightly around her and rushing out of the room.

"Uh... Where is Madam going?"

No response.

Mu Yuyan transformed into a golden streak, riding her sword away, heading towards the direction of the imperial city.

Seeing the mistress fly out of the room, Old Yang, who was tidying the courtyard, was dumbfounded!

"Madam... Madam can also use magic?!"

At this moment, Gu Lan had no time to respond to him.

He silently walked back into the house, staring at the bite mark on his wrist, laughing bitterly to himself.

"Darn it, I really overdid it..."

...

The next day, at dawn, Liu Yexi, having learned about the events of the previous night, was shocked and hastily carried her luggage away, fearing that Gu Lan might come looking for her to mediate and persuade Mu Yuyan to return.

However, Gu Lan didn't harbor such intentions. He believed that if he had caused trouble, he should rectify it himself and not rely on external forces.

Therefore, he freshened up early in the morning, instructed Old Yang to prepare breakfast, and dressed in a simple blue robe, he headed towards the palace.

"Eunuch Mao isn't here?"

Gu Lan was quite familiar with the guards, and usually, Eunuch Mao would be waiting for him there. However, his absence today seemed unusual.

"Your Highness, Eunuch Mao was punished by Her Majesty this morning for being too close to you, suspecting of ingratiating himself..." the guards explained.

Although they usually enjoyed conversing with Gu Lan, they refrained from speaking much today, given the uncertain temperament of the Queen.

"Ah, I see."

Gu Lan understood that it was Madam's way of expressing displeasure, but could such a trivial matter deter his steps? Certainly not! No matter how high the palace walls were, could they really stop him?

After exchanging a few words with the guards, and despite Mu Yuyan's unspoken disapproval, the guards dared not intervene, allowing Prince Jingyang to stride into the palace courtyard.

As he passed through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Gu Lan's gaze narrowed slightly as he caught sight of a familiar figure... Luo Chen!

"Wasn't he expelled by Madam? Yet here he is in the palace. Perhaps the Imperial Consort has begun to act?"

Gu Lan shook his head, not paying much attention to the matter. Luo Chen was a minor character, hardly worth mentioning.

Even if his patron, the Empress Dowager, had some influence, she would have to see Madam first before intervening.

Thus, the priority was to reconcile with Madam!

Gu Lan's spiritual sense expanded, finally locating the familiar figure in the Hall of Nurturing Harmony, where he disappeared silently.

In the Hall of Nurturing Harmony, Mu Yuyan, adorned in a splendid dragon robe, sat regally on the throne, continuously reviewing memorials.

She flipped through them swiftly, her brows furrowed in evident distress and displeasure.

The pout on her rosy lips betrayed her current unhappiness.

Princess Ming Yue sat beside her, holding her breath.

Not only had she heard about the incident at Gu Residence from Liu Yexi, but Mu Yuyan had also admonished her, saying that she must work doubly hard to inherit the throne in the future, compensating for her past frivolities, or face consequences.

As a hesitant eunuch entered, kneeling at the steps of the throne, he trembled, "Your... Your Majesty, Prince Jingyang has arrived."

At the mention of Gu Lan's name, Mu Yuyan's eyes widened briefly before narrowing in resentment.

With gritted teeth, she slammed the memorials onto the ground, "What prince? I'm not receiving any guests today, didn't you hear?"

The eunuch quaked in fear at her wrath, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, we dare not stop Prince Jingyang; he holds high status..."

Mu Yuyan's chest heaved, a fleeting joy flickering in her eyes before she admonished herself for being weak. S

he snapped, "Let him in if you must, but don't bring him before me. Just seeing him irritates me!"

The eunuch grew even more panicked.

If she was truly angry, why not just strip him of his title and banish him from the capital? Wasn't she courting disaster?

Princess Ming Yue seized the opportunity, gently reminding Mu Yuyan, "Your Majesty, didn't you say you didn't want to see him? Shouldn't we abide by your words?"

"Yes, yes!"

The eunuch sighed inwardly, nodding repeatedly before departing.

The Golden Hall fell silent again.

Mu Yuyan huffed in frustration, her phoenix eyes glaring outside, a look of resentment mingled with expectation, waiting for someone to placate her.

"Your Majesty, please calm down..."

Princess Ming Yue picked up the memorials and placed them gently on the throne, sensing an opportunity.

Ah, this could divert Mu Yuyan's attention back to Gu Lan and relieve her of the burden of inheriting the throne.

"I don't want to see him!" Mu Yuyan turned away petulantly.

"I know, I know!" Princess Ming Yue smiled knowingly.

She understood Mu Yuyan's prideful nature; when the main character arrived, she often ignored them, but when others came, her words held little sway.

"Do you really resent him so much?"

Mu Yuyan turned her head, her face flushing slightly, "Well..."

"He's worthy of your resentment? Because he played a prank on you?"

"It's more than that!"

Mu Yuyan ground her teeth in frustration.

If it were just a prank, it would be bearable.

What was truly despicable was that he pretended not to know, while secretly causing her grief!

"That's truly despicable!" Ming Yue joined in the scolding, "He has no conscience. Despite your favor, he continues to act this way!"

"Well..." Mu Yuyan hesitated, then confessed, "Actually, it's not entirely his fault. It's part of my plan to manipulate him..."

Ming Yue was taken aback but quickly retorted, "That's still unacceptable! He's just a common scholar; at best, he'll become a top scholar. Yet, he dares to toy with you despite being ennobled by you?"

"Um... His position as consecrator of Tianji Pavilion was also part of my plan."

"..."

Ming Yue felt perplexed!

"Imperial Sister, have you gone astray? I'm here to assist you in scolding, yet you persist in defending him?"

Suddenly, she understood why Xiao Fei'er and Liu Yexi were not by her side, making her feel utterly isolated! However!

Upon hearing Gu Lan's identity, Princess Ming Yue's body trembled with realization!

"He is... the esteemed Consecrator from Tianji Pavilion, the foremost figure of our Jing Nation? The one who recently paid respects to the Dragon Clan?"

"Yes," Mu Yuyan hesitated, "he's also the one who saved you that night. Haven't you seen his cultivation?"

"I..." Princess Ming Yue truly hadn't anticipated this!

She thought Gu Lan was merely a scholar, given his young age.

She never imagined her brother-in-law was the renowned hero everyone admired!

She must persuade Imperial Sister to change her mind! For the hero, and for herself! Princess Ming Yue felt a heavy sense of duty!

Yet, she didn't realize that while talking with Gu Lan at this moment, Mu Yuyan couldn't help recalling their past, his kindness, his laughter...

She felt a tinge of regret, realizing how impulsive and stubborn she had been to storm out!

Women are complex beings. Especially proud Queen Mu Yuyan!

"Imperial Sister, if you're so repulsed by him, why not issue a divorce decree and part ways?"

Princess Ming Yue gritted her teeth, resorting to a bold move.

Sure enough! Upon hearing the word 'divorce', Mu Yuyan's expression froze momentarily, then she lowered her head, shaking her hair, "I... I haven't decided yet."

"Then, that means you've decided not to!" Princess Ming Yue chuckled.

Caught off guard by her sister's insight, Mu Yuyan's delicate face reddened slightly, feeling embarrassed to admit, "I just haven't made up my mind... If this fellow doesn't come to coax me, then..."

"Imperial Sister, you just said you didn't want him to come!"

"What? Did I say that?"

"..."

Princess Ming Yue was at a loss for words, "Never mind, Imperial Sister, please continue. What if he doesn't come?"

"If he doesn't come to find me... Oh dear! Why are you asking this?"

Mu Yuyan couldn't come up with a punishment, feeling embarrassed and frustrated.

Princess Ming Yue recoiled, speechless.

Divorce? Even if it means being more reluctant than Gu Lan!

"Since Imperial Sister wants him to coax her, why don't I go summon him?" Princess Ming Yue tentatively suggested.

Mu Yuyan fell silent, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Angry as she was to storm back to the palace, sending someone to call him—wouldn't that be too humiliating?

But if she didn't go to him, what if the scoundrel really didn't come?

Mu Yuyan felt a wave of frustration and indignation!

She remained silent!

Princess Ming Yue was at her wit's end!

My stubborn sister, getting upset when he fails to cheer you up, then taking it out on my studies! What have I gotten myself into?

During their silence, suddenly, a warm and gentle voice rang out from behind, startling both of them!

"Ah... Madam, tormenting oneself with anger isn't productive. If you miss me, just call me. I've always been obedient!"

Gu Lan appeared, wearing a smile.

Coaxing a girl requires the right attitude!

Ming Yue watched closely for Imperial Sister's reaction!

Mu Yuyan saw Gu Lan, hesitated for a moment, then her fair hand immediately struck out, her eyes reddening as she almost cried, "You scoundrel, who asked you to come? You enjoyed playing with me, and now you're back for more?"

Gu Lan caught her wrist, revealing a tooth mark on his cyan sleeve, and said helplessly, "Madam, I was wrong!"

Mu Yuyan just glared at him. Her phoenix eyes were misty.

"Hit me, scold me if you want, but don't hurt yourself, especially with your pregnancy," Gu Lan leaned in, sincere in his expression.

Looking at that infuriatingly handsome face, Mu Yuyan couldn't bear to hit him.

She could only turn her pretty face away, saying, "You know the child in my womb is yours? I went to great lengths to keep you, and you... you just want to tease me heartlessly..."

She softened! Imperial Sister's tone had softened!

Ming Yue could clearly sense it!

She looked at Gu Lan with encouragement, but Gu Lan turned to glance at her, his eyes filled with meaning.

Unfortunately, Ming Yue didn't grasp his intelligence, staring blankly.

Gu Lan sighed, "Your Highness while passing by the Eastern Palace just now, Grand Tutor seemed to be looking for you. Shall we go see what he wants?"

"Oh! Right! The teacher did say he wanted to see me!" Ming Yue finally realized, nodding, and promptly left the awkward situation.

The Golden Hall was closed behind her.

Only the couple remained inside.

Silent for a moment.

"Madam? Don't be angry, alright? We agreed that if I hit a triple, you'd grant me a reward, and the reward is for you not to be angry, okay?"

Gu Lan's sparkling eyes looked at her, holding her small hand.

Mu Yuyan let him hold it, rolled her eyes coquettishly, and hmphed, "Are you so sure you can hit a triple?"

"Ha, of course," Gu Lan smiled. "Madam is Mu Yuyan now, so naturally, I must hit a triple. There's absolutely no way I won't!"

Mu Yuyan also understood his meaning.

Hitting a triple depends entirely on whether she forgives him.

But how could she not forgive him? Does it mean she really wants to divorce him?

"You're quite confident, aren't you?"

"It depends on whether Madam wants me to be confident."

"You're such a scoundrel..."

Mu Yuyan said angrily, but in truth, she was no longer angry.

At that moment Gu Lan appeared!

She felt as though her inner regrets were truly being remedied.

After all, the shame was something she had kept to herself first...

How could she be so unreasonable?

"Have you forgiven me?"

"Hmph, not yet!"

Mu Yuyan immediately denied it, her beautiful eyes still staring at Gu Lan with a hint of grievance.

If she forgave him so easily, then where was her dignity?

Gu Lan smiled and directly lifted her from the dragon throne.

Mu Yuyan exclaimed in surprise.

"What... what are you doing?"

"Of course, it's to grant Her Majesty peace of mind, to seek forgiveness from Her Majesty!"

At crucial moments, dealing with the proud Madam required a combination of firmness and sweetness...

Gu Lan knew there was a Huaqing Pool nearby.

When he first learned about her identity, he had even envied Mu Yuyan for having such a luxurious swimming pool!

Never had he expected to use it himself today!

"You... you let go of me! There are guards outside; you can't treat me like this..."

Mu Yuyan pushed against Gu Lan's chest, her delicate face flushing red as she struggled in vain.

"..."

In the capital, those skilled in eloquence often delayed the king's morning court.

It wasn't until the next day that Gu Lan left the imperial city contentedly.

Since both sides had laid their cards on the table, he promised Madam to stay in the palace first to nurture the unborn child before moving in himself.

Of course!

There was also some news that came in...

The soul fragment of the teleportation array discovered that someone had visited last night!

This forced Gu Lan to end his experience in the dragon robe.

Early in the morning, he headed to the western part of the city to see who the mysterious person reinforcing the array was...