MTLNOVEL Chapter 181: Rumors in the Capital
Gu Lan moved into the palace, a fact known only to a few, including Old Yang and Lin Tan'er.
He hadn't abandoned his residence in Dongzhi Street, though.
According to Gu Lan, it served as a contingency plan in case Madam became furious again, ensuring he wouldn't be left homeless after being expelled from the palace and relegated to sleeping on a couch.
Mu Yuyan, upon learning of his intentions, expressed dissatisfaction and gave him a dressing-down.
Unfortunately for her, these reprimands usually occurred in the evening, a time when Gu Lan thrived and became even more resolute.
Despite Mu Yuyan's formidable peak celestial strength, she couldn't match his determination.
For several consecutive days, Gu Lan would roam Dongzhi Street during the day and return to the palace at night.
Soon enough, word got out!
The esteemed Mu Yuyan, Jing Nation's unparalleled beauty, had taken a scholarly-looking youth as her Mr. Gu!
Remember, Mu Yuyan had previously braved the Heaven Mountain Secret Realm to rescue her Mr. Gu, sustaining severe injuries in battles against spatial barriers.
Was this tear-jerking tale of love all for the sake of this insignificant young man?
People found it hard to accept.
They had envisioned Mu Yuyan, the epitome of strength and Consecrator of the prestigious Tianji Pavilion, as the perfect match for Mu Yuyan.
"Is His Highness visiting Her Majesty again today?"
Eunuch Mao asked Gu Lan with a smile resembling a chrysanthemum as he met him at the palace gates.
"Is it another day for palace duties?"
"Your Highness jest. Her Majesty is currently in the Hall of Nurturing Harmony. Would you like me to lead the way?"
"No need. You're busy."
Gu Lan waved off the offer, ignoring the envious gazes of the guards, and headed straight for the Hall of Nurturing Harmony.
Having been conferred the title of Prince Jingyang by imperial decree, Gu Lan's reputation preceded him, known to all within the palace walls.
The palace guards, observing Gu Lan's demeanor, couldn't help but envy him.
He, a mere scholar, had ascended to the status of a prince solely on the merit of his somewhat handsome countenance.
In the eyes of many, Gu Lan represented the pinnacle of success, despite being physically weak compared to the rest.
He was now a prince, courtesy of his mildly attractive appearance!
As they witnessed him strolling out of the palace, they, who had been selected through rigorous imperial exams or excelled in martial arts, couldn't help but feel slighted by his newfound status.
During court sessions, many courtiers, either subtly or directly, submitted memorials, bluntly stating that Gu Lan was unworthy of Mu Yuyan's favor.
To them, Gu Lan was nothing more than a scholar, even if he was the top scholar of the scholar examinations.
Among the courtiers were talents far surpassing Gu Lan in both literary and martial prowess.
The courtiers couldn't fathom why Mu Yuyan would favor such a person, suspecting her motives to be purely superficial.
They found her decision to confer the title of prince upon Gu Lan rash and absurd, especially considering the precarious state of Jing Nation's affairs.
Despite these remonstrances, Mu Yuyan merely smiled and brushed them aside, disregarding the petitions as inconsequential.
The courtiers grew increasingly frustrated but eventually learned to accept Mu Yuyan's stance, gradually ceasing their objections to Gu Lan's princely status and Mu Yuyan's indulgence in unsuitable company.
Mu Yuyan believed that the matter had settled down, paying no heed to the exaggerated criticisms of her courtiers.
To her, Gu Lan was a man of unparalleled talent, both in literary and martial arts. However, not all courtiers were blind to Gu Lan's abilities.
Great Chancellor Sima was one such individual.
Being privy to Gu Lan's background, he saw no reason to oppose Mu Yuyan's association with him. Instead, he greeted Gu Lan with a knowing smile each time they crossed paths.
However, soon rumors began to circulate in the capital.
In taverns and teahouses, storytellers, perhaps incentivized by clandestine payments, began to spin tales with fervor.
"When you think of our esteemed Mu Yuyan, the ruler of Jing Nation, taking a scholarly youth as her lover and even bestowing upon him the title of prince without any meritorious deeds, it's truly a scandalous disruption of order!"
"Indeed, I've heard this young man possesses extraordinary beauty, enough to captivate Her Majesty. It seems she's been bewitched by this young man's charms, defying the traditions of our ancestors."
Certainly, there were dissenting voices amidst the clamor:
"Who are we to oppose when love and talent intertwine?"
"I've heard the young man's name is Gu Lan, isn't it? He's hardly the worthless fellow you make him out to be."
"Not only is he handsome, but he also emerged as the Top Scholar in last year's Autumn Examination. Moreover, during the recent Rapist case, Master Gu's interrogation skills revealed crucial information that saved many lives."
"Aren't these accomplishments worthy? Why do you belittle them so?"
Some immediately dismissed these arguments with disdain:
"He merely interrogated a criminal, what's so praiseworthy about that?"
"If it weren't for the Imperial Announcements Bureau arresting the culprit, what interrogation merit would he have? Besides, isn't it suspicious that the culprit was from the Imperial Announcements Bureau itself? Instead of allowing them to interrogate, Her Majesty assigned the task to a mere scholar. Isn't there something fishy?"
"I bet that little scholar was already cozying up to Her Majesty back then. The interrogation was just a facade to boost his reputation."
"Exactly! What's the Imperial Announcements Bureau for if not for handling interrogations? Why entrust it to a scholar?"
For a moment, many found these arguments compelling.
Coupled with Gu Lan's frequent visits to the palace and overnight stays in the Hall of Nurturing Harmony, jealousy surged among the populace.
In their eyes, Gu Lan enjoyed Mu Yuyan's protection, making them powerless to act against him.
Since their remonstrances fell on deaf ears, they united to tarnish his reputation.
Even those who sensed something amiss couldn't clarify the situation.
Previously, Gu Lan had been perceived as a steady figure, known only for his role as an interrogator.
However, some fell victim to the orchestrated narrative, unable to discern truth from fiction.
Aware of the growing turmoil in the capital, Gu Lan couldn't help but smirk knowingly, thinking, "The instigators of discord, perhaps Madam should take action against them directly..."
He paid no heed to the rumors, knowing they wouldn't harm him. Read latest stories on empire
Yet, with Madam's court now his own, he saw an opportunity to purge the lingering maladies with this prevailing wind, turning adversity into advantage.