Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the clouds into the courtyard, but Yan Nanhui still showed no sign of returning. Just then, a sudden imperial edict shattered the tranquility; His Highness the Crown Prince was urgently summoned back to the palace. Not only that, but even Lin Yuxuan, who was inseparable from him, left with him.

This unexpected turn of events made it even harder for Xiao Lan, who was already somewhat restless, to concentrate on her studies. She sat at her desk, her gaze frequently drifting to the window, her mind wandering far away. Finally, when the break between classes arrived, Xiao Lan could no longer contain her anxiety and asked her teacher for leave.

After receiving the teacher's permission, Xiao Lan hurriedly left the classroom and went to find Wu Yuyu, giving her a few brief instructions. Then, she rushed towards where Dean Tan was.

Before long, Xiao Lan arrived at Dean Tan's study. She took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door. After a gentle "Come in" came from inside, Xiao Lan pushed the door open and entered. Upon entering the room, she saw Dean Tan sitting upright behind his desk, holding a book in his hands, reading intently.

Upon seeing Xiao Lan enter, Dean Tan put down his book and smiled, gesturing for her to sit down. Xiao Lan dared not delay and quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply to Dean Tan. After bowing, Xiao Lan disregarded further formalities and spoke directly, "Dean Tan, I have come today with a matter I wish to ask you."

Looking at Xiao Lan's ever-smiling face, Tan Si couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He always felt that this seemingly innocent and cheerful girl was hiding some ulterior motive. However, given Xiao Lan's special status, even if Tan Si harbored resentment, he dared not show her the slightest neglect or mistreatment.

After hesitating for a moment, Tan Si finally mustered his courage and said, "Xiao Xueyou, may I ask what brings you here today? If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to ask. Of course, if our academy has failed in any aspect of our hospitality, we hope you will frankly offer your valuable opinions so that we can improve and perfect our services in a timely manner." After saying this, he nervously observed Xiao Lan's reaction, afraid that he might say something wrong and offend this distinguished guest.

As soon as Master Tan uttered these words, Xiao Lan couldn't help but think to herself: "Hey, this guy! Even knowing I'm the granddaughter of Marquis Xiao, this old man has never been so polite before. Now he's actually claiming the academy's hospitality was inadequate? Hmph, he must be after my reputation as a future princess. But then again, using someone else's name and making a big fuss is something I'm most skilled at and never tire of."

She smiled gently and said, “Master, you are too kind. Everything is fine at the academy. However, my elder brother, Xiao Mu’an, has been studying at Qingshan Academy under the tutelage of the renowned Confucian scholar Du Hengshan. With the imperial examinations approaching next spring, he has come to the capital early. However, studying alone at home lacks the conducive learning environment. Therefore, I humbly request that you grant my brother a seat at your esteemed academy. This way, if he encounters any difficulties in his studies, he can easily discuss and consult with the other teachers.”

Xiao Lan gazed quietly at Master Tan's slightly worried face, a confident smile playing on her lips. She then said softly, "Master, there's no need for you to worry so much. My elder brother is by no means the kind of idle, unambitious person. Back then, at only eight years old, he successfully passed the imperial examination for the first degree; at twelve, he easily obtained the title of Xiucai; and at fourteen, through his exceptional talent and tireless efforts, he successfully entered the prestigious Qingshan Academy and was fortunate enough to become a disciple of the highly respected Master Du, where he has devoted himself to his studies." "Scholarship. Although my elder brother's teachers are indeed from Qingshan Academy, if he succeeds in the imperial examination this time, it will undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity for the academy. From next year onwards, the academy can use this as a pretext to widely recruit scholars from other places who have come to the capital for the examinations. This approach will not only help many candidates realize their academic dreams, but also allow the academy's reputation to spread far and wide along with these successful candidates, thus making the academy's prestige soar. Isn't this a win-win situation? Therefore, Master, you can rest assured!"

Dean Tan had been struggling with whether to offer an auditing seat to the student who already had a teacher, unsure if it was the right thing to do. However, upon hearing Xiao Lan's suggestion, his mind cleared instantly! Xiao Lan spoke eloquently: "If all the students preparing for the imperial examinations in the capital were to audit classes at Minglu Academy, their academy would undoubtedly become the premier institution of learning in the entire Great Xia Kingdom! You see, all those who ultimately reach the imperial examination stage are graduates of these diligently prepared individuals. Although the students of the capital studying at the Imperial Academy have a unique advantage, perhaps only one or two will be fortunate enough to enter the imperial examinations each year, the vast majority of those who do enter the examinations are graduates of our academy! In that case, why worry that Minglu Academy won't become renowned and prestigious throughout the Great Xia Kingdom?" Thinking of this, Dean Tan couldn't help but smile and quickly replied, "Oh my, Xiao Xueyou, you are truly exceptionally intelligent! This plan is brilliant, excellent! After your break ends, you should quickly bring your elder brother to the academy to audit the classes. I will make the final decision on this matter! This afternoon, I will definitely explain this matter clearly to the other teachers in the academy."

After receiving a satisfactory answer, Xiao Lan thanked Dean Tan with gratitude. She turned to leave, but just as she was about to step out of the door, as if a sudden inspiration had flashed through her mind, she stopped and turned back, saying, "Dean, there's something I feel I should tell you about my brother. In my opinion, barring any unforeseen circumstances, with his talent and knowledge, passing the palace examination is practically a certainty. However, I do have a small suggestion I'd like to offer your consideration."

At this point, Xiao Lan paused for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts, before continuing, "I suggest that the Dean try enrolling my brother first, but please keep a low profile during this time and refrain from publicizing this matter. After all, things are unpredictable. If any unexpected changes occur and he fails to pass the imperial examination, our academy's reputation will be somewhat affected, won't it? Therefore, it's best not to recruit any other students before next year's palace examination. Once my brother successfully passes the examination next year, the academy can then officially begin recruiting candidates. Moreover, at that time, we can set up a separate class specifically for these students. This will facilitate management and teaching, and also effectively prevent some people from having ulterior motives and only seeking to study at the academy because of the possible princes within its ranks."

Upon hearing Xiao Lan's reminder, Master Tan felt a sudden realization, as if struck by lightning, that the princes were still at the academy! He pondered to himself that if they were to recruit students for the examinations, they would indeed need to establish separate classes for them. Ideally, these classes should be kept separate from the other students in the academy. After all, those who came to take the exams would only stay at the academy for less than a year. They absolutely couldn't allow their presence to disrupt the academy's normal order during this short period!

Master Tan felt a surge of relief, thankful that Xiao Lan had given him a timely reminder. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Xiao Mu'an, and began to carefully examine the young girl. He pondered to himself that when the opportunity arose later, he must thoroughly investigate Xiao Mu'an's aptitude. If Xiao Mu'an truly possessed remarkable talent and potential, then he would have to seriously consider how to establish such a special class and what measures to take to ensure it was completely isolated from the other students in the academy, without any interference.

While Master Tan was still deep in thought, Xiao Lan had already taken her leave. However, not long after Xiao Lan left, a person wearing a blue robe with a wild and untamed pattern came out of Tan Si's room and headed straight for the academy gate.

Xiao Lan hurried back to Lan Yue Residence and immediately began tidying up her belongings. Her movements were quick and efficient, and she soon had everything organized perfectly. Afterward, she went into the dressing room, selected a set of comfortable casual clothes, and changed into them, making her look even more fresh, natural, lively, and adorable.

After changing her clothes, Xiao Lan went to her desk, picked up a pen and paper, pondered for a moment, and then quickly wrote a note for Wu Yuyu. The note detailed that she should not linger after school and should go straight to Wutong Residence to wait for her and Xiao Mu'an. After writing it, Xiao Lan carefully placed the note in a conspicuous place, making sure that Wu Yuyu could see it.

With everything arranged, Xiao Lan summoned her maid, Dingding, and together they headed towards the main gate. The two quickly arrived at the gate. Xiao Lan stopped, looked up at the sky, and thought to herself: I hope I can successfully pick up Xiao Mu'an, and then everyone can happily reunite at Wutong Residence. As she thought this, a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips, a smile as radiant and captivating as spring flowers in full bloom.

At this moment, within the solemn and resplendent Imperial Study of the palace, the atmosphere was exceptionally heavy. Crown Prince Yan Jingtian stood tall and imposing, exuding an air of grandeur; the Fifth Prince Yan Nanhui was handsome and elegant; and there was also Lin Yuxuan, the Crown Prince's companion, slender yet possessing a refined scholarly air. The three stood in a neat row, respectfully before His Majesty the Emperor. Their gazes were fixed on the Emperor, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

This morning, sunlight streamed through the heavy vermilion gates of the imperial palace, illuminating the golden, gleaming floor tiles. Emperor Yan Zhen, clad in his dragon robe, sat majestically on his high throne. After the court officials had finished their audience, he announced in a loud and steady voice, "I have decided to dispatch Yan Nan back to Jiangnan to oversee affairs, and bestow upon him the title of Salt Commissioner!"

The imperial edict immediately caused an uproar in the court. Many officials whispered among themselves, discussing the matter. Most officials opposed the edict, especially the Crown Prince's faction led by Prime Minister Lin, whose reaction was the most vehement. Prime Minister Lin stepped forward from the ranks, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Yan Nanhui is young and impetuous, lacking experience, and unfit for such a heavy responsibility. Moreover, the affairs of Jiangnan are complex and multifaceted; mishandling them could jeopardize the foundation of the court! I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

As soon as Prime Minister Lin finished speaking, the ministers behind him, all supporters of the Crown Prince, echoed his agreement. However, facing the strong opposition from the ministers, Yan Zhen remained unmoved. He narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly, "Oh? Do you, my dear ministers, think my decision is wrong? In that case, if there are still those who have objections, why not assign the Crown Prince a border defense mission and send him to the frontier to find his elder brother?"

Yan Zhen's words were like a thunderclap in the court. The once noisy court instantly fell silent. Prime Minister Lin and others changed their expressions drastically, each one trembling with fear, no longer daring to utter a word of objection. After all, no one wanted to offend the Emperor and implicate His Highness the Crown Prince because of this matter.

Although Yan Nan Hui did not actually receive any valuable gifts this time, everyone present understood the significance of this Salt Commissioner's appointment. Its value was self-evident. Even Wu De, who had always stood at the end of the court and was inconspicuous, felt the obsequious gazes and flattering words from his former colleagues who had looked down on him.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the solemn and dignified imperial study was heavy. The three people stood straight, like three silent stone pillars. They all waited quietly for the emperor to break the silence, but the emperor kept his lips tightly closed and did not utter a word.