Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, golden sunlight streamed through the window and into the room. Xiao Lan woke up early. She gently lifted the covers, sat up on the edge of the bed, stretched, and then began to methodically dress and groom herself.

Today is an important day, as she is to enter the palace to meet the Emperor, so Xiao Lan is taking extra care. Yesterday, she had already spoken to her brother, Xiao Mu'an, asking him to help copy some of Lan Gongzi's poems over the next few days, so that they could be hung in Wutong Residence once they were ready. Thinking of this, Xiao Lan couldn't help but smile slightly, her heart filled with anticipation.

At this moment, Yue'er, who was serving nearby, asked softly, "Miss, which dress would you like to wear today?" Xiao Lan turned to look at the clothes rack, which was filled with exquisite garments of various colors and styles. She carefully examined the clothes, pondering to herself. Yellow and red were too bright and eye-catching; only the Empress or other high-ranking concubines would wear such colors to the palace. White, on the other hand, seemed too plain and unsuitable for today's occasion. After some deliberation, Xiao Lan finally pointed to a light blue dress and said, "This light blue one will do. It's fresh and elegant, just what I like."

Next, Yue'er skillfully picked up a comb and began to style Xiao Lan's hair. Xiao Lan, looking at herself in the mirror, described the hairstyle she wanted to Yue'er: "Give me a 'Flying Fairy Bun,' and adorn it with a few pearl hairpins." Yue'er nodded, her hands moving deftly, and soon a delicate and beautiful "Flying Fairy Bun" appeared on Xiao Lan's head. Finally, Yue'er carefully placed several sparkling pearl hairpins on Xiao Lan's head, making her look even more gentle and charming.

At such an important occasion, she couldn't be as casual as usual. Back at the academy, Xiao Lan typically dressed in a traditional Chinese headscarf and floral crown. She always preferred simplicity, but this time she was attending a solemn and dignified palace banquet! Moreover, given her noble status as the future princess consort bestowed by the Emperor, she couldn't afford to dress like an ordinary girl. After careful consideration, Xiao Lan decided that the most suitable hairstyles were the Flying Fairy Bun or the Spirit Serpent Bun. However, Xiao Lan was also well aware that she possessed a naturally charming and alluring face. If she were to wear a glamorous and alluring hairstyle like the Spirit Serpent Bun or the Flying Fairy Bun, everyone present would likely comment on her beauty. Therefore, after much deliberation, she ultimately decided to choose the more dignified and elegant Flying Fairy Bun. Then, she carefully selected a unique, distinctive light blue robe to wear. After everything was ready, Xiao Lan was about to take off her outer robe and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Unexpectedly, at that moment, Consort Tong's capable head maidservant arrived with a group of servants to welcome Xiao Lan to the palace for the banquet.

So, Xiao Lan reluctantly took Yue'er and Dingding's little hands and slowly boarded the carriage sent by Consort Tong. Although this carriage belonged to the esteemed Consort Tong, its seats were rock hard, making Xiao Lan feel like she was sitting on pins and needles. Before long, her bottom was sore from the pressure.

Xiao Lan couldn't help but mutter to herself, "This imperial concubine really doesn't know how to enjoy life!" In comparison, she felt that she was usually much more comfortable than this Consort Tong! But then she thought about it again, and this gave her a new idea—she could add a new service to her Wutong Residence in the future: custom-made and modified comfortable and luxurious carriages for her guests! In this way, she could not only meet the needs of those who pursue a high-quality travel experience, but also perhaps earn a considerable income!

As Xiao Lan's thoughts drifted, the carriage was already traveling along the bustling Xuanwu Zhuque Avenue. Shops lined both sides of the street, pedestrians thronged, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and laughter mingled together, creating a lively atmosphere! However, none of this could attract Xiao Lan's attention; she was preoccupied with the business idea in her mind.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the majestic and solemn palace gate. The dignified and poised head palace maid beside Consort Tong calmly took out a gleaming gold waist token and a warrant stamped with Consort Tong's seal from her bosom. After showing these to the soldiers guarding the palace gate, Xiao Lan's carriage was able to pass smoothly and came to a steady stop at the inner palace gate.

Upon reaching the entrance to the inner palace, Xiao Lan stopped, her gaze slowly sweeping over the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before her. She stared at the Weiyang Palace, which had held five long years of her youth, and a complex mix of emotions welled up within her. The palace still seemed majestic and grand, but now it appeared exceptionally distant.

Xiao Lan glanced down at her brand-new Shu brocade shoes, specially worn for the palace banquet. Not only that, but to add to their beauty, they were meticulously inlaid with round, white pearls. However, thinking of the long journey from here to Weiyang Palace, Xiao Lan couldn't help but worry. She secretly wondered if she could ask her personal maid, Dingding, to carry her for a while if she became too tired to walk. After all, walking the whole way would probably leave her legs exhausted.

Just as Xiao Lan was lost in thought, she suddenly noticed a beautifully decorated sedan chair parked not far ahead. Immediately afterward, a well-dressed and dignified head maidservant hurried over and respectfully bowed to Xiao Lan, saying, "Miss Xiao, Weiyang Palace is quite far from the palace gate. Consort Tong specially sent me to wait here and use this sedan chair to welcome you into the palace."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan was slightly taken aback at first, but then she quickly understood. Although Consort Tong had passed away from illness during her wedding in her previous life, preventing them from ever meeting, the thoughtful and considerate arrangements made by her future mother-in-law were enough to win Xiao Lan's favor. Moreover, even setting aside her relationship with Yan Nan Hui, being able to befriend such a kind and approachable elder was undoubtedly a fortunate thing.

So Xiao Lan smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Consort Tong. Please lead the way." With that, she gracefully stepped into the sedan chair and sat down steadily. Then, surrounded by a group of palace servants, the sedan chair smoothly headed towards Weiyang Palace.

Within the imperial palace, the buildings are magnificent and resplendent. Among them, the most eye-catching are the emperor's study and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which are not only grand in scale but also luxuriously decorated, showcasing the majesty and nobility of the imperial family. Among the many palaces, the sleeping quarters of the empress, Consort Ye, and Consort Tong are also spacious and imposing.

Weiyang Palace is located in the northwest corner of Qianqing Hall. Its location is relatively secluded, yet it retains nonetheless its solemnity and elegance. As Xiao Lan stepped into this area, a sense of curiosity and anticipation welled up within her. Although she tried her best to maintain a dignified posture as she walked forward, her gaze couldn't help but steal glances to the side. After all, in her previous life, by the time she was crowned Empress, Consort Tong had already passed away due to illness. This place later became Ye Lanyi's palace. Due to the discord between the two, Xiao Lan had never set foot here in the entire palace, except for special places like the Imperial Laundry and the Imperial Prison.

At this moment, Xiao Lan carefully examined the interior furnishings of the palace. Tables, chairs, and desks were arranged neatly and orderly, while exquisite screens and magnificent curtains cleverly separated the various spaces. Paintings and calligraphy by famous artists hung on the walls, and thick carpets covered the floor, making one feel as light and comfortable as if walking on clouds. However, what surprised Xiao Lan was that these furnishings did not seem to have been uniformly provided by the palace; rather, they appeared to be mostly items added by Consort Tong according to her own preferences. The unique style and meticulous arrangement hinted at this, suggesting that Consort Tong must have put considerable thought and effort into the arrangement.

Looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before her, Xiao Lan's heart jolted, like a lightning bolt flashing across the dark night sky, instantly illuminating the mystery that had been hidden deep within her heart. So that's how it is! She suddenly understood, finally comprehending why Ye Lanyi in her previous life had insisted on moving into this Weiyang Palace, where even the concubines had only died a few years prior, instead of living in other luxurious palaces.

"Ye Lanyi must have taken a liking to the decorations that Consort Tong had meticulously arranged before her death," Xiao Lan thought to herself. After all, Yan Nan Hui was so grief-stricken by his mother's passing that he had no time to care about these magnificent decorations, leaving them untouched. Unexpectedly, this cunning woman, Ye Lanyi, managed to exploit the situation and reap a huge benefit.

Remembering how Ye Lanyi always liked to flaunt her rare treasures, Xiao Lan couldn't help but sneer. Those precious items were far beyond the reach of a small, unremarkable family like the Ye family. Yet now, these treasures, which didn't belong to Ye Lanyi, had become her capital for swaggering around and showing off her charm.

Thinking of this, Xiao Lan shook her head helplessly, her contempt for Ye Lanyi growing even stronger. At the same time, she felt deep regret and sorrow for having lost to such a ruthless and vain woman in her past life. If time could turn back, if everything could be done again, she would certainly not repeat the same mistakes…

Despite her sighs, time flew by, and before long, Xiao Lan arrived before Consort Tong. Looking up, she saw a woman whose face bore a slight resemblance to Yan Nan Hui, sitting regally in the main seat. She was dressed in magnificent palace attire, her hair adorned with jewels, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

Xiao Lan dared not be negligent and quickly stepped forward, respectfully bowing to Consort Tong and saying, "This humble woman, Xiao Lan, greets Your Highness Consort Tong. May Your Highness live a thousand years!" Her voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley.

Consort Tong smiled slightly, a hint of kindness flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "Good child, please rise quickly." She then reached out to help Xiao Lan. However, at that moment, Xiao Lan's gaze inadvertently swept over Consort Tong's prominently protruding belly, and she was startled. She quickly stepped forward to support Consort Tong, saying with concern, "Your Majesty, please be careful not to move. Let me help you sit down first." With that, she carefully helped Consort Tong back to her seat, her movements gentle and steady. Once Consort Tong was seated, Xiao Lan breathed a sigh of relief and then obediently sat down to Consort Tong's left.

Consort Tong smiled, sizing up the well-mannered and poised young woman before her, growing more and more fond of her with each glance. After a brief pause, she spoke, "This is our first meeting, and I'm unsure what gift to give you. I've heard you're studying at Minglu Academy, so you must be fond of calligraphy and painting. Fortunately, I happen to have an authentic work by Young Master Lan in my collection; I'll present it to you." With a gentle beckoning, she summoned a maidservant beside her, who immediately stepped forward carrying an exquisite brocade box.

After Consort Tong finished speaking, Xiao Lan was instantly stunned. Wasn't Young Master Lan herself? When had she ever written any calligraphy that had even reached the palace? Consort Tong must have spent a lot of money to get this as a gift, so she smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. Actually, I also have a gift I'd like to give you." As she spoke, she gave Yue'er a wink, and Yue'er quickly handed Xiao Lan the box that Xiao Lan had prepared to hold the hairpin. Xiao Lan opened the box and saw a hairpin inside the fine sandalwood box, with a flower pattern made of South Sea pearls. Xiao Lan took out the hairpin and said to Consort Tong, "Your Majesty, this is my design. It features a snow lotus pattern made of one large pearl and nine small pearls. The large pearl represents uniqueness, the nine small pearls represent unity, and together they form ten pearls, representing perfection." Upon hearing Xiao Lan's words, Consort Tong immediately took the hairpin and said, "It even has tassels! The design of this hairpin is truly novel. This is the first time I've ever seen such a beautiful hairpin."

Seeing that Consort Tong liked it, Xiao Lan said, "Actually, this is a new design by me. I gave it a new name, 'Buyao,' meaning 'swaying with every step.'"

Consort Tong was delighted to hear Xiao Lan say this and quickly replied, "Then please put it on me."

Xiao Lan carefully picked up the exquisite hairpin and gently inserted it into Consort Tong's left hair bun. The pearls and jade on the hairpin swayed slightly with her movement, shimmering with a captivating light.