The Emperor's Favorite: The Useless and Crazy Concubine Who Conquers the World

"Ling Xiu Han, if there's nothing else, I'll leave first." There was a subtle hint of panic in Lan Yunyan's words, as if she was avoiding some indescribable emotion.

Her eyes flickered, not daring to meet Ling Xiuhan's gentle gaze for long. After she finished speaking, she turned and tried to leave, her steps hurried, almost like she was escaping.

Ling Xiuhan stood there quietly, gazing deeply at Lan Yunyan's receding figure.

Her figure gradually became blurred in his sight, but the tenderness in his eyes never diminished. He understood her escape and the complexity and entanglement in her heart.

He didn't chase after her, but just stood there silently, giving her enough space and time to deal with her inner turmoil.

He knew that Lan Yunyan was a strong and independent woman. She needed more than just companionship and understanding. She needed to face and resolve her inner confusion on her own. Therefore, he chose to remain silent and wait.

The matter of the arranged marriage was like a thunderclap that suddenly exploded in Lan Yunyan's heart.

She stood by the window, looking out at the sky covered with drizzling rain. The rain was like a weaving thread, as if also telling the law of this world: the strong are respected.

A subtle smile played at the corner of her mouth, and she thought to herself: If I want to gain a foothold in this complex world, relying on my own strength will not last long. I must have my own power to gain a place in this world full of powerful people.

Lan Yunyan was dressed in men's clothes, looking heroic and dashing as he walked on the street, like a graceful young man.

She wore a jade crown on her head, a fitted dark blue gown, an exquisite jade belt around her waist, and high cloth boots. Her steps revealed an extraordinary temperament.

Her face was cleverly concealed, her brows showing heroic spirit yet gentleness, making it difficult to tell her true gender at a glance.

Lan Yunyan paused inadvertently at the slave market, her gaze wandering over the captives, a complex wave of emotions welling up within her. Seeing this, the vendor immediately approached, smiling broadly as he began introducing the slaves.

"Sir, you have excellent taste! Look at these slaves, each one is strong and capable of doing all kinds of work. If you need servants, guards, or labor, take your pick here. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

The vendors' words were full of temptation, as if these slaves were just commodities to be sold, rather than human beings with emotions and souls.

"Where do they come from?" Lan Yunyan's voice was low and powerful.

Seeing this, the vendor introduced the slaves even more enthusiastically: "Hey, sir, these slaves come from all over. Some are defeated enemies, some are civilians who have committed crimes, and some were sold because of poverty. But don't worry, they have all been tamed and are absolutely obedient!"

Lan Yunyan looked at the slaves. There was no hope or light in their eyes, only deep despair.

Their eyes were empty and numb, as if they had lost all expectations and longings for this world.

Lan Yunyan turned her gaze towards the vendor and said slowly, "Are there no disobedient slaves here?"

Hearing this, the vendor's face flickered with hesitation. He rubbed his hands and said with some embarrassment, "Sir, yes, there are, but I'm afraid they might hurt you. These slaves have strong personalities and are difficult to tame. We're also concerned about your safety."

However, Lan Yunyan smiled gently: "It's okay, take me to see. I have my own way to deal with it."

Seeing this, the vendor nodded and said respectfully, "Okay, sir, please follow me."

As he spoke, the vendor led Lan Yunyan towards the slaves who were considered "disobedient".

Their figures appeared particularly lonely and helpless in the dim corner, as if they were abandoned by the world.

However, Lan Yunyan saw a kind of indomitable spirit and resistance in their eyes, which was a desire for freedom and a struggle against fate.

A sense of satisfaction welled up in her heart. She knew that these slaves were not truly "disobedient", but they were unwilling to succumb to the arrangements of fate and unwilling to become slaves of others.

She decided to give them a chance, a chance to change their destiny.

"It's them. How much silver?" Lan Yunyan asked the vendor after her gaze lingered for a moment on the slaves who were considered "disobedient".

"Sir, they only want thirty taels of silver." The vendor was a little surprised, but then quoted the price.

"Okay," Lan Yunyan nodded and agreed without hesitation.

She knew the slaves were worth far more than that price.

Then she turned to the slaves and said, "Will you follow me? Those who wish to follow me may follow me."

After saying this, Lan Yunyan turned and left without waiting for their reaction. She believed that those slaves who truly longed for freedom and dignity would follow her lead.

Sure enough, Lan Yunyan felt the person following behind her, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly.

The slaves that Lan Yunyan had just bought followed her footsteps and stepped into the gate of the Lan Mansion.

Their hearts are filled with complex emotions, including uneasiness about the unknown life and desire and expectation for a new life.

Lan Yunyan led them through the corridor of the mansion and came to her own courtyard.

She stopped, turned slowly, and looked at the slaves with deep eyes.

Among them are men and women, each with different stories and backgrounds, but at this moment there is the same light shining in their eyes - that is the desire for freedom and the eager anticipation for a new life.

Lan Yunyan's gaze swept over them one by one, and she saw the tenacity and indomitable spirit in their eyes.

Now, she gave them a chance, a chance to change their destiny.