Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

The following morning, as the sun began to shine through the streets and alleys of Xiwu Prefecture, the entire city was already engulfed in a tremendous uproar. Tens of thousands of fully armed and imposing soldiers surged like a tidal wave towards the ancestral home of the royal merchant Ye family, located in the heart of the city, and tightly surrounded it. These soldiers were densely packed, forming three layers, as if creating an impregnable wall of steel.

The people of Xiwu Prefecture, always fond of joining in the fun, flocked from all directions to witness such a grand spectacle. In no time, the area in front of the Ye family ancestral home was teeming with people, filled with a cacophony of noise. Everyone was filled with curiosity and speculation about what was happening before their eyes.

It's important to understand that the Ye family was renowned throughout Xiwu Prefecture and even across the entire Jiangnan region. Twenty years ago, a woman named Ye Yanran from the Ye family, possessing unparalleled beauty and exceptional talent, entered the palace and became a favored concubine of the emperor. It was through this connection that the Ye family gained the prestigious status of imperial merchants, becoming involved in the procurement and supply of palace goods. In the decades that followed, leveraging this unique advantage, the Ye family rapidly amassed enormous wealth, becoming a veritable tycoon, their riches even describable as "wealthy enough to rival a nation."

However, this family, which had once enjoyed the emperor's favor and enjoyed boundless glory, was suddenly besieged by a large number of soldiers. This unexpected turn of events sparked much discussion, with various theories emerging. Some speculated, "Could it be that the Ye family has committed some earth-shattering crime?" But others immediately questioned, "It shouldn't be that bad! Although the Ye family is large and powerful, none of its members hold high-ranking positions in the court; they merely possess the title of imperial merchants. Even if there are occasional discrepancies in the goods they purchase for the palace, isn't there Consort Ye in the palace to look after them? How could they have ended up in such a predicament?" Thus, everyone held their own opinion, and no one could know the exact reason.

Just then, a sharp and abrupt voice suddenly broke into the discussion: "Hmph! You lot are truly foolish! Haven't you all considered how old Consort Ye is? In this vast palace, what kind of beautiful and stunning women are you lacking? Besides, does the Ye family really think they can rest easy? How could they have never offended the royal family? You know, just a few days ago, the Ye family made a big show of proposing marriage to the Marquis's family, and what happened? Not long after, an imperial edict descended from the heavens, directly to the Marquis's family, bestowing a marriage upon the Fifth Prince. The Ye family actually dared to compete with the noble prince for a wife; such behavior is truly audacious!"

The murmurs among the crowd grew increasingly noisy, like a pot of boiling water, with everyone chattering away. However, in the midst of this commotion, a sudden change occurred! A group of mysterious figures dressed in black appeared like ghosts, instantly separating the chattering crowd from the soldiers surrounding the Ye residence.

Shortly after, a woman in a magnificent purple robe, surrounded by numerous Imperial Guards, walked gracefully towards the Ye family's gate, carrying a bright yellow imperial edict. Despite the distance, those in the front rows could clearly see that the woman was in the prime of her youth, her beauty captivating and alluring, like a blooming flower radiating charm. What was surprising was that such important matters as reading imperial edicts were usually handled by court officials; why was such a young and beautiful woman being sent this time? Could she be a princess of high status? This question lingered in everyone's minds like a fog, making the atmosphere increasingly tense and suspenseful.

The reason everyone speculated that the mysterious woman in purple was a princess was that although the current emperor had many sons, he had very few princesses. The eldest princess had already been married off to a foreign country for political reasons, while the two younger princesses were one not yet twelve years old and the other just three. Therefore, everyone's attention turned to the princesses of various noble families, speculating that the woman in purple might be from one of these families.

However, regardless of outside speculation, the situation inside the Ye residence was quite different. Just as Xiao Lan and her entourage stepped through the gates, a servant hurriedly approached, intending to lead them to the main hall. Unexpectedly, Xiao Lan immediately rebuked them without hesitation: "The Ye family certainly has quite the grandeur and prestige! Commander Yue, let's retreat to the main gate and read the imperial edict here." With that, she turned and walked towards the main gate without further ado.

Originally, Xiao Lan, out of consideration for the Ye family's reputation, thought that such a disgraceful matter could be handled privately, which would at least save face for both sides. However, upon learning that the person who came to deliver the imperial decree was herself, the Ye family only sent a mere servant to guide and greet her, an act that was undoubtedly a sign of contempt and disrespect. Since the Ye family had already disregarded their own reputation, Xiao Lan naturally had no need to show them any more courtesy.

Watch as Xiao Lan methodically directed the镖局 (escort agency) staff, first carefully moving several exquisite chairs and a carved table to the front of the Ye residence. Next, a beautiful tea set was gently placed on the table. With everything prepared, Xiao Lan calmly sat down.

Standing to the side, Luo You, having received instructions, cleared his throat and shouted at the top of his lungs, "The eldest granddaughter of Marquis Xiao has come to the Ye family on His Majesty's orders to convey the decree. The head of the Ye family and all members of the household are requested to come immediately to receive the decree!" Although Luo You was only a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, he possessed a naturally excellent voice, loud and clear like a bell, with extremely strong penetrating power. As soon as he finished speaking, the remaining members of the escort agency, at Li Yuan's signal, shouted in unison, repeating Luo You's words once more.

In less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, the people of Xiwu Prefecture who had been gathered outside the Ye residence to watch the commotion had all clearly heard Xiao Lan's identity and the purpose of her visit. The crowd began to whisper and discuss among themselves, filled with curiosity and anticipation for what was happening before their eyes.

Just then, hurried footsteps approached. Everyone looked closely and saw Ye Zijian, the head of the Ye family, leading his wife, Yuan Shi, and followed by a group of Ye family members, rushing towards them. Seeing this, Xiao Lan calmly stood up, her expression solemn and serious, and announced loudly, "By order of His Majesty, the Ye family receives the decree!" Upon hearing this, the Ye family members dared not be negligent in the slightest, kneeling in unison and respectfully awaiting the reading of the imperial edict.

However, at that moment, Xiao Lan coughed without warning. She covered her mouth with her hand, cleared her throat, and turned to Luo You beside her, saying softly, "Minister Luo, I'm so sorry. I caught a cold yesterday, and today my throat is burning with pain! As you can see, I'm afraid my voice won't be able to read this imperial edict clearly and completely. You always have a loud and strong voice, so why don't you read it for me?" With that, she nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Upon hearing this, Luo You quickly bowed and respectfully accepted the bright yellow imperial edict from Xiao Lan's hands. Just as he was about to unfold the edict and begin reading it, Xiao Lan unexpectedly raised her hand to stop him. Xiao Lan turned her gaze to Yue Jiangchuan, who was standing on the other side, and said slowly, "Lord Yue, you see there are many people gathered outside today. After Vice Minister Luo finishes reading each sentence of the edict, could you please have my guards repeat it? This way, the people present will clearly understand the imperial will and avoid panic due to confusion."

Upon hearing this, Luo You and Yue Jiangchuan both understood—if they still hadn't realized by now that Xiao Lan's actions were intended to give the Ye family a severe warning, then all their years in officialdom would have been for nothing. The two exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison, replying, "We will follow Miss Xiao's arrangements."

Just then, Xiao Lan subtly glanced at Li Yuan, giving him a meaningful look. Li Yuan, understanding the signal, nodded.

On this side, Luo You stood ramrod straight, his face solemn, his voice loud and clear as a bell. Every time he read out, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..." the guards beside him would shout and repeat it in unison, the sound rising higher and higher, echoing throughout the entire street and alley.

As Luo You finished reading the imperial edict clearly, word by word, the expressions of everyone present turned solemn. They finally understood the whole story. It turned out that the daughter of the second branch of the Ye family, who had been sent to the palace to be raised, had audaciously impersonated Young Master Lan to swindle and extort money! Such behavior was truly outrageous, and even the emperor was furious upon learning of it, ordering the Ye family to make appropriate compensation.

However, the general public reacted relatively calmly to this incident, merely whispering amongst themselves without displaying much excessive emotion. But among the crowded masses, many students were exceptionally agitated. These spirited young students, filled with righteous indignation upon hearing the news, immediately raised their arms and shouted, demanding that the Ye family severely punish Ye Lanyi!

At first, the unsuspecting civilians were somewhat bewildered, but seeing the students' passionate outburst, they were also infected by it and joined in the shouting. In an instant, the shouts resounded through the sky, and the scene became increasingly chaotic.

Just then, Xiao Lan turned to look at the Ye family head beside her, whose face was ashen and had already received the imperial decree. A mocking smile appeared on her lips as she spoke, "Lord Luo, and Commander Yue, do you still think that surrounding the Ye family was a mistake? Look at the situation. If these angry people can't contain their rage and rush into the Ye family to smash and loot, the consequences will be unimaginable!" As soon as she finished speaking, she glanced at the Ye family head with a look full of contempt and disdain.

Recalling her past life, Xiao Lan harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Ye family head before her. Back then, this old man had always secretly assisted Ye Lanyi in opposing her, setting countless traps and obstacles for her. And now, in this life, for the sake of his good-for-nothing son, he dared to disregard her parents' wishes and secretly arrange a marriage for her through Xiao Jinshi. Thinking of this, Xiao Lan's gaze towards Ye Zijian grew increasingly cold and piercing, as if capable of freezing him instantly. She thought to herself: "Hmph! Today, I'll make this guy suffer no matter what, I'll skin him alive!"

Meanwhile, Ye Zijian, standing on the other side, although he already knew about Xiao Lan's marriage arranged by the Emperor, pretended not to know due to his extreme dissatisfaction. Suppressing his anger, he forced a smile and bowed to Luo You and Yue Jiangchuan, saying, "My lords, this Ye Lanyi is merely a collateral branch of our Ye family. After this matter is resolved, I will certainly not hesitate to completely expel her branch from the Ye family's genealogy. I wonder if this solution will satisfy you both?"

"This..." Yue Jiangchuan and Luo You looked at each other, both showing a troubled expression. They both turned their gazes to Xiao Lan, as if they wanted to get some instructions or advice from her.

Xiao Lan's lips curled slightly into a barely perceptible smile, and she spoke unhurriedly, "Commander Yue, you were specially dispatched by His Majesty to protect me! As for how to handle this matter, that's not something you need to worry about." She paused, a sly glint in her eyes, and continued, "If I remember correctly, on this mission to deliver the imperial decree, I am the true imperial envoy! Moreover, His Majesty must have issued a clear order requiring all officials along the route to treat this matter with the utmost respect." "Treat me with the etiquette due to an imperial concubine. Why is it that upon arriving at the Ye family, they not only fail to greet me but also dare to ignore me as if I were invisible? Has the Ye family's power surpassed His Majesty's? Could they truly harbor rebellious intentions? In that case, Commander Yue, there's no need to read this imperial edict. We should immediately return to our residences and rush back to the capital to report this matter truthfully to His Majesty. After all, the matter of a million taels of compensation is relatively minor, but such a serious matter as someone plotting a rebellion cannot be delayed!"