Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

Xiao Lan and Yan Nan returned to Lan Yue Residence together. After resting for a while, they each went into their rooms to change into their usual clothes.

Before long, Xiao Lan emerged from her boudoir. She wore a light green dress, its hem flowing naturally like water, swaying gently in the breeze, as fresh and captivating as a tender willow budding in spring. Yan Nan Hui had also changed his clothes; today he wore a purple robe embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns. However, what was most striking were the jade hair ornament on his head and the jade belt around his waist. The pieces of translucent, vibrant green jade shimmered mesmerizingly in the sunlight.

Looking at Yan Nan Hui's luxurious attire, Xiao Lan couldn't help but ponder, "Just what kind of powerful background does this Consort Tong's family possess? How can Yan Nan Hui never lack money? No matter when or where, he can always so lavishly display his wealth." Thinking of herself, toiling away every day just to earn a few taels of silver, she was practically a laborer desperately trying to make money. In comparison, Yan Nan Hui was already high above, firmly standing at the top of the pyramid. Thinking of this, Xiao Lan couldn't help but sigh, "Alas! It's truly infuriating to compare oneself to others!"

The two walked side by side, with Dingding and Jinbao skipping and hopping behind them. Together they walked out of the solemn and dignified Minglu Academy, where the sound of reading aloud filled the air. A beautifully decorated carriage was already waiting at the academy gate, and the coachman stood respectfully to the side, awaiting the arrival of his master.

After the two were seated in the carriage, the driver cracked his whip, the sound of hooves echoing through the street, and the wheels slowly began to turn. Inside the carriage, Xiao Lan turned slightly to Yan Nan Hui beside her and said softly, "In the next few days, I'm afraid the Emperor will send people to look for you."

Upon hearing this, Yan Nanhui frowned slightly and asked with a puzzled look, "Why do you want to see me? I haven't done anything out of line recently."

Xiao Lan shook her head helplessly, rested her elbows lightly on her thighs, and cupped her cheeks in her hands, saying slowly, "Naturally, it's because of everything that happened in class today. With His Majesty's abilities, he must already know everything clearly." As she spoke, she muttered to herself about the carriage, unable to help but secretly complain, "This carriage of Yan Nanhui is extremely rudimentary. It doesn't even have a soft, comfortable cushion. If I continue to ride like this, my back will probably ache soon. I must find a suitable opportunity to renovate it properly in the future."

"They won't find out so quickly. Those few people are probably racking their brains right now, trying to figure out how to make things bad about me! I guess when Father finds out, he'll call me over and give me a good scolding." Yan Nan shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile on his face.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Someone will definitely report this matter to the Emperor truthfully, and tell the whole story clearly, without showing favoritism to either side." Xiao Lan thought to herself. She knew that the eunuch Fang in her previous life was a loyal servant who had risked his life to shield the Emperor from a sword. In this palace, others might lie to the Emperor, but only this eunuch Fang was definitely loyal and would never utter a falsehood.

"Oh? Such a kind person? Willing to speak a word of justice for me." Yan Nan Hui smiled lightly upon hearing this, not taking it seriously, assuming Xiao Lan was just trying to comfort him. However, upon further reflection, even if what she said was true, it wouldn't matter. If his infamy could ensure his mother's peaceful life in the harem, then this small sacrifice was nothing. After all, in the deep and unfathomable inner palace, to protect those around him, one had to make sacrifices.

"Of course, it's that eunuch beside the Emperor! He's been standing quietly outside the classroom the whole time. I figured he must have been sent by imperial decree to secretly observe the princes' behavior. Our Emperor is incredibly wise and insightful; the person he sends must be a trusted confidant." Xiao Lan thought to herself, but she absolutely dared not mention that she knew Eunuch Fang. As for Yan Nan's return, she could lie and say that she had obtained the information through an investigation. After all, Eunuch Fang had been in the Forbidden City for many years. If people knew that she knew Eunuch Fang, she would probably be accused of spying on palace secrets and plotting a rebellion. If she revealed that she had been reborn, wouldn't she be burned alive as a demon? (Although our heroine acts somewhat eccentrically, she still values ​​her life quite a bit!)

Yan Nan Hui chuckled, "Oh, you're probably talking about Eunuch Fang, but I didn't even notice. But you're right about one thing: he is indeed someone my father trusts, and he never favors any prince. But so much time has passed, even if the truth comes out now, it makes no difference to me." With a wry smile, Yan Nan Hui sighed, wishing he could have met Xiao Lan when he was sixteen.

"How could there be no difference?" Xiao Lan became anxious upon hearing Yan Nan's reply: "Think about it, you're only sixteen years old, an age when your parents should be doting on you. You were framed and harmed by those so-called brothers and uncles. What a blow that must have been to your young mind. It's fortunate that you're a prince. If you were a child from an ordinary family, you might not have been able to bear it and might have committed suicide. So when you meet the Emperor, you must serve him tea. The more tea, the better."

"What kind of tea?" Yan Nan asked, having already received the information.

“A few words won’t make sense. You have to let people see that you’re suffering inside, but you’re not saying anything. That way, the Emperor will feel guilty, those who bullied you will get what they deserve, and then you can…” Suddenly, Xiao Lan couldn’t finish her sentence.

"What talent?" Yan Nan asked.

"Hey! In my opinion, His Majesty will surely bestow upon you countless gold and silver treasures as compensation. However, I suppose these things are already commonplace and unremarkable to you, so I won't bring it up again." Yan Nan Hui gazed at Xiao Lan with a smile, secretly thinking: How did this girl become such a complete little money-grubber? Thinking of this, he couldn't help but chuckle, then said softly, "How about I give you all the rewards I receive from my father in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan readily agreed without hesitation, "Alright!" In her past life, given her temperament, she would have absolutely refused this offer. However, after experiencing the twists and turns and hardships of her previous life, Xiao Lan had completely changed her mind—life is short, why should she constantly wrong herself? Moreover, Yan Nan's reward to His Majesty the Emperor was at least largely due to her efforts. Therefore, why couldn't she accept this gift with a clear conscience? Thus, she agreed almost without the slightest hesitation.

"Alright, then the rewards will all go to our Lanlan." Yan Nan said with a big smile, his eyes full of affection and admiration for Xiao Lan. He was overjoyed to receive such a response.

Afterwards, the two arrived together at the renowned Chunfeng Restaurant in the capital. Upon entering, Yan Nanhui expertly ordered dishes. Xiao Lan, on the other hand, curiously looked around, taking in the bustling restaurant.

Before long, a series of delicious-looking dishes were served. Xiao Lan looked closely and was pleasantly surprised to find that these were all her favorite foods! Chunfeng Restaurant specializes in Beijing cuisine, and for Xiao Lan, who grew up in the south, finding dishes that suited her taste was no easy task. However, the roast duck, deer antler and three delicacies, hibiscus chicken slices, clear-stewed lion's head meatballs, and the "three-no-stick" (a type of Sichuan street food) laid out before her were all her beloved items.

Looking at the table laden with delicious food, Xiao Lan couldn't help but ponder: Had Yan Nanhui already asked her what she liked to eat in her past life? Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that every dish he ordered was exactly to her liking? Perhaps it was because her favorite foods were also his favorites that they were able to become such close friends. Thinking of this, Xiao Lan couldn't help but laugh out loud, secretly regretting: "Oh dear, if I had known this would happen, why did I only ever be a drinking buddy? If only we had developed into true friends from the start! Wouldn't I have been able to enjoy the world's finest flavors even more? What a waste." So she said:

"Fifth Prince, the dishes you ordered are absolutely wonderful! Every single one is my favorite. I never imagined that our tastes would be so similar," Xiao Lan said with a face full of joy, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Yan Nan smiled slightly, not directly responding to Xiao Lan's praise of the dishes, but instead asked softly, "Would Lanlan like some wine to liven things up?" His gaze was gentle and profound, as if he could see through Xiao Lan's inner thoughts.

However, Xiao Lan gently shook her head and replied indifferently, "Let's skip it today. I have a lot of things to deal with this afternoon. First, I need to sign an important contract, then I have to work on detailed planning, and finally, I have to teach others how to check the accounts. These trivial matters are piling up, and I really don't have time to drink and have fun." She frowned slightly, seemingly somewhat helpless, but her eyes revealed determination and focus.

Her thoughts drifted back to the past, and Xiao Lan recalled the scene when she transmigrated in her previous life. Back then, she inexplicably arrived in this strange world, possessing the body of a child. She was almost driven mad at the time, as she was too young to do anything and had to pretend to be a refined young lady. Five or six years passed in a flash, until she finally arrived in the capital. Here, no one knew her past identity, and Yan Nan Hui was a carefree and unrestrained person, so the two of them often had the opportunity to meet and drink heartily together. Xiao Lan had to admit that those days were truly the most joyful and carefree time she had since transmigrated in her previous life! She was free and unrestrained then, as if the whole world was hers to roam freely. Even when she sometimes suddenly lost control of her emotions, even shouting wildly, Yan Nan Hui never looked at her strangely, much less treated her as a monster. They got along so well back then, everything was so beautiful and enchanting.

However, since entering the palace, everything seemed to have gradually changed. Especially when Ye Lanyi and Yan Linfeng had a conflict and fell into a cold war, she once impulsively threw away the precious jade pendant that Yan Linfeng had given her in a fit of rage. Who could have imagined that this man who had once showered her with sweet words would mercilessly insult her, calling her an ill-mannered shrew. Looking back now, she realized how incredibly foolish she had been! How could she have been so infatuated with love, losing her mind and even stupidly running to the pond to try and retrieve the jade pendant? How utterly foolish! Having experienced all this, Xiao Lan secretly vowed that she would never again become a love-struck woman blindly pursuing love! Xiao Lan softly said that she didn't want to drink. Yan Nanhui, hearing this, didn't try to persuade her further, but simply smiled and called over a waiter to order a refreshing peach drink for Xiao Lan. Before long, the tempting-looking and fragrant peach drink was served to Xiao Lan.

After Xiao Lan finished off all the delicious food on the table, she put down her chopsticks with satisfaction, gently patted her slightly bulging belly, and a happy smile spread across her face. This meal was simply perfect for her; every dish seemed to have been carefully prepared by a master chef, with excellent color, aroma, and taste, leaving her with an unforgettable aftertaste.

Fortunately, when it came time to pay the bill, Yan Nan Hui readily took out his purse and paid. After all, today's sumptuous meal had cost quite a bit, and if Xiao Lan had to pay out of her own pocket, she would probably have felt the pinch for quite a while.

Having eaten too much, Xiao Lan and Yan Nan decided, after discussing it, to forgo the carriage and instead walk to Wutong Residence. Each accompanied by their servants, they strolled slowly through the bustling streets and alleys. A gentle breeze carried a refreshing scent, and the calls of street vendors added to the city's lively atmosphere.