Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

The next morning, just as dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin clouds, the melodious and solemn tolling of a bell suddenly rang out within Minglu Academy, shattering the academy's tranquility like a morning bell and evening drum. The sound echoed throughout the entire academy, as if awakening every slumbering soul.

Upon hearing the bell, all the students in the academy sprang into action. They quickly tidied their clothes and hurried towards the academy gate. In no time, the gate was crowded with students who had come to gather.

A commotion arose in the crowd, and everyone's gaze turned to a slowly approaching carriage. The carriage was ornately decorated, its curtains drawn low, exuding an air of mystery. Once the carriage came to a stop, the door was gently pushed open, and a white-faced, clean-shaven eunuch in fine robes stepped out. He held a bright yellow imperial edict in his hand, his expression dignified; this man was none other than Eunuch Fang.

Behind Eunuch Fang followed four short eunuchs, who walked respectfully in his footsteps. Eunuch Fang steadily walked to the entrance of the academy, stopped, and scanned the students present. At this moment, everyone was filled with doubt and curiosity, wondering why Eunuch Fang had suddenly visited the academy and what his purpose was in bringing the imperial edict.

Just as everyone was speculating, Fang Gonggong's shrill voice rang out: "Xiao Lan, the eldest grandson of Marquis Xiao, receive the imperial decree!" These words caused a huge uproar, like a stone thrown into still water. Everyone was astonished. They had assumed the emperor's decree was either for one of the princes or concerned matters related to the academy, but they never expected him to directly name Xiao Lan to receive it.

Those students in Xiao Lan's class knew a little about her and were aware of some of the things that had happened to her; while students in other classes had only heard of her name. It was said that Xiao Lan was extremely beautiful, her appearance was so stunning it could topple kingdoms, and she was unforgettable. Not only that, Xiao Lan was also outstanding in her studies, achieving exceptionally high grades and ranking among the top students in this year's entrance exam.

Amidst the bustling crowd, everyone saw the graceful Xiao Lan emerge from the throng, followed closely by the handsome Yan Nan Hui. The two walked side by side to the crowd, then knelt down together.

At this moment, a hint of undisguised disdain flashed across Yan Jingtian's face, who was sitting in a high position. It should be understood that, according to common sense, Xiao Lan, as the legitimate daughter of the Xiao Marquis's family, was fully entitled to stand side-by-side with him, the esteemed Crown Prince, to receive the imperial decree. However, Yan Nanhui dared to kneel so brazenly beside him; this was truly excessive!

However, Yan Jingtian was also well aware that if he were to lose his temper over such a trivial matter now, even if he could severely punish Yan Nanhui afterward, he would likely be caught in a compromising situation by the sharp-tongued officials who would then impeach him. They would accuse him of being a narrow-minded and intolerant prince, unable even to treat his own brothers with kindness. This would undoubtedly have a significant negative impact on his reputation.

Thinking of this, Yan Jingtian had no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction, quickly composed himself, lowered his head slightly, and quietly waited for Eunuch Fang to read the imperial edict. Seeing that everyone was kneeling, Eunuch Fang cleared his throat, unfolded the scroll of the imperial edict that Yan Zhen had hastily written the day before, and loudly proclaimed:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: There is Xiao Lan, the legitimate daughter of Marquis Xiao, who is respectful and compliant, dignified and orderly in conduct, and radiant with brilliance. She is of virtuous character, and her manners are refined and cautious. She is gentle and pleasant, fragrant and possesses a soft and delicate quality; she is gentle and wise, and possesses noble virtues, a serene and pure beauty. She is usually quiet and upright, serving as a role model for others, skilled in etiquette, respectful and solemn, and diligently upholds her moral integrity day and night. Therefore, she is hereby betrothed to the Fifth Prince, Yan Nan Hui, and the relevant officials are ordered to select an auspicious day for the wedding ceremony. This is the imperial decree."

Xiao Lan stood there quietly, listening intently to the words coming from ahead. When she heard the mention of the Fifth Prince, she felt much more at ease, as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. However, as she gradually relaxed, her attention began to wander, and she didn't pay much attention to what followed.

It wasn't until Eunuch Fang shouted, "So be it!" that Xiao Lan snapped out of her daze. She quickly and respectfully replied, "Xiao Lan of the Xiao Marquis's Mansion accepts the imperial decree and thanks you for your grace. Long live the Emperor!" After speaking, she stepped forward and carefully extended both hands to receive the imperial decree that symbolized supreme glory.

Immediately afterward, as if remembering something important, Xiao Lan quickly reached into her pocket and pulled out an exquisite brocade pouch. This pouch was specifically given to her by Yan Nanhui last night when he mentioned the arranged marriage, instructing her to deliver it to the eunuch delivering the decree today. Xiao Lan smiled and said humbly to the eunuch, "Thank you for coming to deliver the decree, sir. The conditions at the academy are indeed somewhat simple. I hope you will accept this small token of my appreciation; consider it a cup of tea to soothe your throat." With that, she gently handed the brocade pouch to the eunuch.

Eunuch Fang was slightly taken aback, and subconsciously took the brocade pouch. He could tell from the feel that it didn't contain gold or silver, but he didn't ask any questions. Instead, he gladly accepted it and thanked Xiao Lan. Then, Eunuch Fang looked troubled, hesitated for a moment, and said, "His Majesty has decreed that this imperial edict must be delivered to Marquis Xiao's residence at the fastest speed, so..." At this point, he pointed to the imperial edict tightly held in Xiao Lan's hand.

Xiao Lan understood immediately and smiled knowingly, then handed the imperial edict back to Eunuch Fang. She then leaned slightly closer to him and asked in a low voice, "Could you do me the favor of passing on a message to my grandfather?"

The eunuch had a fawning smile on his face and said softly, "Fifth Prince's Consort, you are too kind! As long as you have any instructions, this old servant will send someone to convey them."

Xiao Lan nodded slightly, a sharp glint in her eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Then I'll trouble you to send someone to inform my grandfather. Tell him that his concubine dared to attempt to arrange a marriage for his eldest daughter without his consent. If the Xiao Marquis's mansion cannot give me a satisfactory explanation, I'm afraid even the royal family will find it difficult to let this matter rest!"

Recalling yesterday's events, Xiao Lan's anger flared up again. It was all because of that despicable little Jin Shi that she had been humiliated in front of everyone by Ye Yuandong. She was furious all night, tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, constantly cursing everyone in the Xiao Marquis's mansion except for Xiao Zhenwei, until she finally fell asleep, completely exhausted.

Although she had already reached an engagement agreement with Yan Nan, that didn't stop her from using the royal family's power to teach that detestable little Jin a lesson. After all, she knew very well how much her father had suffered at the hands of this aunt when he was young. Xiao Lan had already made up her mind that if her grandfather refused to uphold justice for her this time, she would definitely discuss it carefully with her mother when she returned home for the New Year to see how she could get justice.

Just then, Eunuch Fang bowed slightly and said to Xiao Lan with a respectful expression, "Fifth Prince's Consort, please rest assured, this old servant will definitely give instructions to the messenger to convey your words to the old Marquis without missing a single word." After saying this, Eunuch Fang cupped his hands to Xiao Lan again, then carefully held the brightly lit imperial edict and turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Yan Nanhui strode to Xiao Lan's side and gently took her slender, soft hand in his. Xiao Lan was startled and instinctively tried to pull away, but Yan Nanhui seemed to have anticipated this. He quickly leaned close to Xiao Lan's ear and whispered, "My dear consort, don't be hasty. There are many people around. Since this play has already begun, we should act as realistically as possible." As he spoke, Yan Nanhui not only did not loosen his grip on Xiao Lan's hand, but instead tightened his hold on her soft hand even more.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan blushed slightly, inwardly scolding the man for being so shameless. However, she couldn't make a scene in front of everyone, so she could only let Yan Nan lead her forward.

Seeing this, Wu Yuyu, who was following behind, rolled her eyes and a sly smile appeared on her lips. She knew that it was not appropriate to disturb her sister and brother-in-law's time alone, so she deliberately slowed down and kept a distance of about 10 feet from them to avoid becoming an eyesore "third wheel".

Yan Jingtian, who was following behind, turned around, stared directly at Lin Yuxuan, and asked, "What is your opinion on this matter?"

Lin Yuxuan's eyes were not filled with anger as usual; instead, he appeared unusually calm. He slowly said, "Fifth Prince, you certainly act swiftly! You've found yourself a princess consort so quickly. However, the Crown Prince is not yet married. Why is the Fifth Prince in such a hurry?"

Yan Jingtian frowned slightly, then continued, "Indeed, no man would want to let go of a woman as outstanding as Miss Xiao so easily. However, just yesterday, Ye Yuandong caused such a commotion, yet who would have thought that the Emperor's decree of marriage would be issued this morning? Fifth Brother's swift action is truly astonishing! Hehe..." As he spoke, Yan Jingtian's tone unconsciously revealed a hint of resentment, a touch of jealousy, and an undisguised anger and resentment, but it lacked any genuine blessing.

Just then, Ye Yuandong, watching intently from afar, saw Yan Nanhui and Xiao Lan walking away hand in hand, their anger burning fiercely and seemingly about to burst forth, impossible to conceal. At that moment, Ye Lanyi gracefully approached, a hint of worry on her face.

Ye Lanyi said softly to Ye Yuandong, "Cousin, didn't you just tell us yesterday that you were engaged to the Xiao family? But how could His Majesty suddenly issue an edict betrothing Xiao Lan to someone else? How about this, let's go find our aunt together, ask her to come to the palace to meet the Emperor, and have her question him properly. We can plead with him to rescind his decree. Perhaps His Majesty will consider our family ties and reconsider this matter!" As she spoke, Ye Lanyi gently patted Ye Yuandong's shoulder, seemingly wanting to offer him some comfort and support.

Ye Yuandong stared coldly at Ye Lanyi, a sarcastic sneer playing on his lips: "Cousin, don't think I'm stupid and ignorant just because I'm young! How could you possibly take back the imperial decree bestowed by His Majesty with such casual words? Back then, if you hadn't been fanning the flames and trying to get me to provoke that concubine of the Marquis Xiao's mansion, things wouldn't have gotten so out of control, forcing Lanlan to marry that despicable playboy!"

At this point, Ye Yuandong paused, a look of regret and anger flashing in his eyes, before continuing, "Cousin, if you can one day successfully become my aunt's daughter-in-law, then naturally you will receive the support of my Ye family's vast resources. But if you can't... Hmph! When I take charge of the family, that will be the moment you are completely removed from the Ye family genealogy!" Although he didn't finish his sentence, the threat he implied was already self-evident.

At this moment, Ye Yuandong was filled with remorse. He couldn't understand why he had been so bewitched by this woman's slander and made such a foolish move. Now, a royal decree had descended, completely extinguishing all his hopes and dreams. And the culprit behind all of this was none other than his seemingly gentle and charming, yet actually cunning and scheming cousin—Ye Lanyi!

Recalling every word Ye Lanyi had said and every action she had taken over the past month, it initially seemed that she genuinely wanted to help him pursue Xiao Lan, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't that simple! In fact, she had mostly been secretly instigating him to ruin Xiao Lan's reputation. Now, because he had listened to Ye Lanyi's words, not only was there no possibility between him and Xiao Lan, but he had also deeply offended her and incurred her wrath. Knowing Xiao Lan as he did, Ye Yuandong was certain she wouldn't let it go easily and would definitely try every means to retaliate. And it wouldn't just be against him personally; the entire Ye family would likely be implicated. Thinking of this, Ye Yuandong felt a deep sense of regret and worry… Without looking at Ye Lanyi and Yan Linfeng, he turned and walked into the academy.