Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

After following Eunuch Fang to a secluded spot, Xiao Lan stopped, hesitated slightly, and finally mustered her courage to ask softly, "Eunuch, His Majesty mentioned earlier that I resemble someone. Do you know who that person is?" As she spoke, Xiao Lan swiftly pulled a round, white pearl, about the size of a bird's egg, with a faint luster, from her sleeve and discreetly placed it into Eunuch Fang's pocket. Then, she looked up, revealing a pure and innocent smile, her bright eyes gazing at Eunuch Fang like twinkling stars in the night sky. She added, "Eunuch, I am new to the palace and not yet familiar with the rules and etiquette. I'm afraid I might inadvertently offend someone. So, if it's inconvenient to speak frankly, could you perhaps give me a hint?"

Upon hearing Xiao Lan's words, Eunuch Fang pondered to himself. He first sized up the beautiful and graceful woman before him, inwardly marveling at her exceptional beauty and intelligence, noting her delicate sensibilities. Thinking this, a subtle smile played on his lips as he replied, "Miss Xiao, how could we servants possibly fathom the Emperor's thoughts! However…" He paused briefly, his gaze returning to Xiao Lan, before continuing, "In my humble opinion, Miss Xiao, you are naturally beautiful, possessing such a lovely face. You must bear a resemblance to Madam Xiao." With that, in front of Xiao Lan, Eunuch Fang seemingly casually stroked the large, bird-egg-sized pearl that had been tucked into his robes.

Xiao Lan watched as Eunuch Fang suddenly seemed to have a flash of insight. In her past life, Yan Zhen also liked to ask about her family's affairs from time to time. Could it be that she was...? No, no. Xiao Lan suddenly slapped her forehead, thinking to herself that she couldn't let her mind wander anymore.

Eunuch Fang was clearly startled by Xiao Lan and said, "Miss Xiao, what's wrong? Did I say something that displeased you?"

Xiao Lan hurriedly clasped her hands in a respectful bow to Eunuch Fang, explaining earnestly, "Eunuch Fang, I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I just suddenly remembered that there are still some crucial matters I haven't clarified." After a brief pause, she took a deep breath and continued, "Oh, right, I completely forgot to ask that too. I wonder if it would be possible for Lord Luo to accompany me to Xiwu Prefecture? If so, I'll go and inform Lord Luo immediately so he can make the necessary preparations in advance."

In reality, this was merely an excuse Xiao Lan made up on the spot. Based on her understanding of Yan Zhen from her previous life, she knew perfectly well that as long as Yan Zhen didn't explicitly object, it meant he had tacitly approved of the matter. However, she absolutely couldn't reveal this thought to Eunuch Fang. Otherwise, would she be forced to bluntly tell Eunuch Fang that she had started to speculate unfoundedly about whether the Emperor was in love with her mother simply because of what he had just said?

After hearing what Xiao Lan said, Eunuch Fang showed no doubt whatsoever. Instead, he laughed heartily and replied, "Haha, Miss Xiao, you may not know this. Our Emperor is always decisive. If he hasn't raised any objections, then it's undoubtedly his approval. You can rest assured about that! I'll arrange for someone to go to the Vice Minister's residence to deliver the message later. Just wait patiently."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan frowned slightly and pondered for a moment before turning to Eunuch Fang and softly saying, "Please also pass on a message to Minister Luo. If he needs to see me, he can come directly to Wutong Residence to find me." After saying this, she gave Eunuch Fang a grateful smile.

When Eunuch Fang escorted Xiao Lan to the palace gate, Xiao Lan slowly alighted from the carriage and bowed to Eunuch Fang again to express her gratitude and farewell. Afterward, she gracefully boarded the carriage and sat inside, closing her eyes to rest.

When the carriage had traveled smoothly about a mile from the palace gate, Xiao Lan suddenly opened her eyes and called out to the driver, "Ding Ding!" The maid named Ding Ding immediately responded and pulled on the reins to stop the carriage.

Xiao Lan then instructed, "Go to the General's Mansion immediately and deliver a letter to my aunt, informing her that I have some important matters to discuss with her in person and requesting that she come over as soon as possible." After saying this, Dingding responded and quickly jumped off her horse, galloping towards the General's Mansion.

After Dingding left, Xiao Lan sat back in the carriage and continued towards Wutong Residence with her maid Yue'er. However, not long after, the carriage, which had been traveling very smoothly, suddenly stopped without warning.

Xiao Lan, who was dozing off, was startled awake by this sudden change. She opened her tightly closed eyes and asked the car with a puzzled look, "Da Bao, have we arrived at Wutong Residence yet?" As soon as she finished speaking, a very familiar voice, which surprised her greatly, came from outside the car.

"Xiao Xueyou, would you mind getting out of the carriage for a chat?" The owner of the voice was none other than Yan Linfeng. Xiao Lan couldn't help but be secretly surprised. How could this guy be so bold as to block her way here? But then she thought about it and figured it must still be related to the matter of Consort Ye.

The experiences of her past life had long since vanished like smoke in her present existence. Moreover, in this life, she had absolutely no desire to have any further entanglement with the person before her. Thinking this, she took a deep breath, composed herself, and raised her voice, shouting, "Da Baozi! Go tell those people outside! Tell them that I, this young lady, am already engaged to the Fifth Prince and it's really inconvenient for me to meet any other men! If any fool dares to force their way in, then just shout at the top of your lungs to report it to the authorities and let them handle this matter!"

Standing outside the carriage, Yan Linfeng heard Xiao Lan's merciless words and saw that she refused to get out of the carriage, even speaking to him in a distant and aloof tone. A strange pain pierced his heart. However, Yan Linfeng was, after all, a man of noble birth, and the pride he had cultivated over the years did not allow him to easily reveal his true feelings. He gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing the discomfort, and then tried to make his voice sound calm and even as he said, "Xiao Xueyou, this is broad daylight on the main street. Naturally, I, the prince, will not do anything excessive to you. However, if you, Xiao Xueyou, feel any dissatisfaction, you are welcome to come and confide in me at any time. After all, it is I who am responsible for maintaining order and patrolling the capital."

Hearing Yan Linfeng so bluntly introduce himself, Xiao Lan sighed inwardly, knowing she could no longer pretend not to know him. She gently lifted the curtain, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said sweetly, "Oh my, it's the esteemed Third Prince! I'm so blind, I didn't recognize you in time. But may I ask, Your Highness, what brings you to stop my future sister-in-law's carriage in the street?"

Xiao Lan deliberately raised her voice, as this was the most bustling and lively area of ​​the capital, teeming with people and carriages. She thought to herself, Yan Linfeng is, after all, the Third Prince. Being questioned like this in front of so many people, he should at least have some self-respect; surely he wouldn't have the audacity to continue blocking her way. However, to Xiao Lan's utter surprise, Yan Linfeng seemed completely unconcerned. His handsome face remained expressionless as he calmly replied, "I have offended my cousin today, and I am truly ashamed. Therefore, I have been waiting here to invite you to a teahouse so that I can personally apologize to you."

Xiao Lan cursed inwardly, wishing vengeance upon every one of Yan Linfeng's ancestors. She was filled with remorse, blaming herself for not bringing Dingding with her. Currently, although there was Da Bao, a skilled martial artist, his public identity was merely that of a coachman. Even if Yan Linfeng had actually injured Da Bao, it would be difficult to bring a complaint against him. But if Dingding were here, if Yan Linfeng dared to harm even a single hair on her personal maid's head, she would undoubtedly rush to the Emperor and give him a severe dressing-down, ensuring he suffered greatly! Thinking this, Xiao Lan composed herself, suppressing her anger, and said, "His Majesty has already made a divine decree. Could it be that the Third Prince is dissatisfied with His Majesty's decree, and thus blocked my carriage, intending to swagger and bully me here?"

Surprisingly, after these words were spoken, Yan Linfeng did not become angry. He remained standing firmly in place, showing no intention of leaving. He suddenly bowed deeply to Xiao Lan, his attitude extremely sincere, and said in a gentle voice, "Fellow student Xiao, please calm down. I am only deeply ashamed of what happened today and would like to invite you to have a cup of tea to express my apology. I have absolutely no intention of offending you. I hope you can be magnanimous and grant me this favor." Having said this, Yan Linfeng bowed respectfully to Xiao Lan once more.

Xiao Lan cursed inwardly; this old fox was exactly like the hypocritical scoundrel she knew in her past life! However, faced with Yan Linfeng's attitude, Xiao Lan knew she could no longer refuse his invitation. Helpless, she could only nod slightly to Yue'er beside her. Yue'er obediently got out of the carriage first, then carefully helped Xiao Lan down with her.

Led by Yan Linfeng, they walked through the bustling crowd and slowly arrived at a quiet and elegant tea room. Stepping inside, the antique decorations and the light, refreshing aroma of tea created a delightful atmosphere.

After everyone was seated, Xiao Lan stared intently at the fragrant pot of Pu'er tea that had just been served, his face ashen. He spoke without any expression, "Your Highness, since you have summoned me here, you must have something important to discuss. Please make the long story short. My aunt is anxiously waiting for me to return at Wutong Residence."

Yan Linfeng smiled slightly, leisurely picked up the teapot, and gracefully poured Xiao Lan a steaming cup of tea, gently placing it in front of her. He said slowly, "Miss Xiao, please don't be anxious. I already know that today's events were my sister's fault. However, in my opinion, if you had come to me first to tell me about this, I would have certainly upheld justice for you. But now you've gone directly to Father Emperor, which has put everyone present in an awkward and embarrassing situation."

After listening with a calm expression, Xiao Lan's lips curled into a cold smile. Her gaze sharpened as she stared directly at the Third Prince, Yan Linfeng, and she questioned him bluntly, "Your Highness, may I ask what your status is in speaking to me like this? Leaving aside seniority, my betrothed is merely your half-brother. In terms of our relationship at the academy, you are just one of my many acquaintances. As for seniority and hierarchy, His Majesty and Consort Tong are my future in-laws. They are both here, so why should I go to such lengths to discuss this matter with a prince I barely know? Therefore, in my opinion, it is probably not appropriate for me to come to you to discuss this matter!"

Yan Linfeng was speechless for a moment after being struck by Xiao Lan's sharp words. He stared blankly, stunned, and only after a long while did he recover, managing a forced smile as he said, "Miss Xiao, please don't be angry. It wouldn't be good if this matter became public knowledge. How about this: I, on behalf of the Third Prince's residence, am willing to pay you 50,000 taels of silver as compensation on behalf of my cousin. In addition, I will host a banquet at Chunfeng Tower later, where my cousin will personally apologize to you sincerely. Would this settle the matter? I hope Miss Xiao can be magnanimous and show mercy."