My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty
Chapter 53 Welcoming Banquet of Fellow Villagers

During Mu Yuyan's time as a princess, the nobles were aware that Princess Jiaqing had two maids by her side. However, the identities of these maids remained a mystery to the entire capital.

Having grown up alongside Mu Yuyan, the maids, in name, were subjects to their princess. Yet, in reality, they were more like sisters. However, after Mu Yuyan ascended to the throne, with the increased responsibilities of state affairs, their playful times together became rare.

Due to Liu Yexi's straightforward personality and limited wit, she joined the Imperial Announcements Bureau. On the other hand, Xiao Fei'er, with her enchanting beauty and proficiency in music, was honored with the establishment of the Dulcet Pavilion, becoming the foremost beauty in the capital and serving as the female Emperor's direct spy in this gathering place of diverse backgrounds.

Both women were adept at controlling court and public information. One operated in the open, while the other worked in the shadows.

"Xi Jie, you are quite a narrow-minded spirit," remarked Xiao Fei'er.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Fei'er abandoned her delicate demeanor, bit her lip, and replied with determination, "If you have the ability, go talk to His Majesty. Let's switch roles tomorrow!"

"I also want to see what kind of person the young man you often mention in your letters is. The one referred to as 'our gentleman' who even has His Majesty bewitched..."

Liu Yexi frequently corresponded with her. Her letters inevitably included matters related to His Majesty's marriage and the life with Gu Lan.

"Hush!"

Liu Yexi hurriedly covered Xiao Fei'er's mouth.

"Don't shout. The gentleman doesn't know His Majesty's identity!"

"Oh, I know, I won't spill the beans."

Xiao Fei'er freed herself from Liu Yexi's hand, lifted her snowy white chin, and said with pride, "You mentioned before in the letters that Gentleman Gu is extraordinarily talented. You promised to bring his works for me to appreciate, didn't you?"

"Rest assured, I haven't forgotten."

Liu Yexi wiped her hands, slightly disgusted, and retrieved a copy of Dream of the Red Chamber from her bosom.

"Read it carefully. I had to coax Her Majesty for a long time to get this. If you damage it, His Majesty might put you in a pig cage."

Recalling the effort she put into obtaining this particular copy, Liu Yexi nearly revealed her true intentions. Mu Yuyan was aware of Xiao Fei'er's disposition and knew she wouldn't enjoy reading such things. But on the contrary, Xiao Fei'er loved them.

When she served as a princess in the palace, she was genuinely interested in the poems, essays, as well as musical scores and famous paintings dedicated to the royal family—she was truly a talented woman. Without such talent, one couldn't become a courtesan.

As Xiao Fei'er was about to eagerly flip through the book, Liu Yexi restrained her.

"Don't be impatient; there's more important business."

"Oh, I almost forgot!"

Xiao Fei'er turned around, retrieved a thick-looking letter from the cabinet, and handed it to Liu Yexi.

"Inside are various events that have occurred in the capital over the past year, along with the true reasons behind them. I've compiled everything for you."

Accepting the letter, Liu Yexi shook her head.

"It's not just this. I came today to deliver a message to you."

"What?"

"Tomorrow, the gentleman will visit the Dulcet Pavilion."

"What!"

Xiao Fei'er frowned, surprised, "Doesn't Gentleman Gu adore His Majesty? Why would he come to such a place of revelry and pleasure?"

"Don't misunderstand. The gentleman is unaware for now."

Seeing her puzzled expression, Liu Yexi added, "The gentleman is the top scholar in Langzhou City. Someone will surely bring him here tomorrow to welcome and refresh him. As per His Majesty's instructions, you must take care and ensure the gentleman doesn't feel wronged."

"Understood?"

With these words, Liu Yexi left without lingering, immediately heading to the next destination to prepare for Gu Lan's potential route.

Inside the fragrant pavilion, Xiao Fei'er's beautiful eyes glittered with curiosity about the unfamiliar Gu Lan. Unable to resist, she took the Dream of the Red Chamber and began to peruse it.

Gradually, she unknowingly immersed herself in the book, her enchanting eyes sparkling with fascination. She was so engrossed that she only snapped out of her trance when a maidservant arrived to light the lamp.

"Sister Fei'er, what book are you so captivated by?"

The maidservant asked curiously.

"Nothing."

Xiao Fei'er smiled and carefully placed Dream of the Red Chamber on the bed. She then said to the maidservant, "By the way, inform Mother that tomorrow... we can receive guests."

...

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived. As dusk settled, Gu Lan and his entourage dismounted beneath the South Peace Gate of the capital, strolling along the bustling streets adorned with vibrant flowers. While experiencing the customs of the Great Jing capital, they searched for an inn to stay.

Compared to Langzhou City, the night market in the capital was far livelier. Gu Lan weaved through the crowds, carriages flowed like water, horses moved like dragons, and on both sides, shop signs fluttered in the breeze while vendors incessantly hawked their wares—an abundant display of the worldly scenery.

Indeed, the prosperity of the capital had its reasons.

Different from other major dynasties, the Jing Nation prided itself on courtesy and simplicity, flourishing due to its central location and burgeoning population.

This capital city alone housed a whopping three million inhabitants, surpassing even the major cities of his past life.

"The day is late. Let's replace an inn here first. Tomorrow, we can go to the land deed office to inquire about purchasing a house," Gu Lan turned to the group.

"Let's listen to Elder Gu!" Zhongren, holding the blue-clad maidservant's sleeve, tilted his head and responded to Gu Lan.

As for Lin Tan'er, she gazed at the flourishing scenery on both sides of the long street, a bit lost in her thoughts. "Does Sister like it here? How about I ask my master to buy a house here for Sister later?"

Zhongren, the little Daoist, said with a hint of flattery. With the protection of Gu Lan and Lin Tan'er's great destiny, the child gradually became more carefree, no longer worrying about divine retribution.

"Huh? Your master is so rich... But it's better to forget it. I am the young master's maidservant; wherever the young master is, that's where I'll be," Lin Tan'er smiled.

"Well... that's true. In the future, I'll also live at Elder Gu's house!"

"Elder Gu, are you tired from walking? Shall I go and prepare some tea for you?" Zhongren, the little Daoist, quickly changed his tone, looking at Gu Lan.

Although he enjoyed the protection brought by The Heavenly Maiden of Destiny, he was well aware that all of this was bestowed by his own offering—gifts from Elder Gu! When you're kissing up, make sure to kiss up to the key figures; otherwise, it's not worth the loss.

"No need. The inn is just ahead. Let's go there and buy some food and drinks," Gu Lan smiled and pointed ahead.

Yun Family Inn.

After having their meal there, Gu Lan planned to take out the yet-to-be-copied "Three Hundred Poems" to complete it. However, before half an hour had passed since their arrival, a waiter came to deliver a message, saying that a noble wanted to see Gu Lan. Explore hidden tales at empire

"I'm not familiar with life in the capital. Why would someone be looking for me?" Gu Lan, with a sense of doubt, walked out of the inn.

At the door, a middle-aged man in casual clothes, with a resolute face and a relatively dark complexion, was waiting for him.

"Oh, is it Brother Gu?" The man seemed somewhat surprised by Gu Lan's dignified appearance, never expecting the top scholar to be so handsome. Thus, he asked.

Gu Lan nodded faintly, "It's me. Who are you?"

In a brief exchange, Gu Lan had already observed that the man in front of him was a martial artist, at the mid-level, with calluses on his hands from wielding weapons for many years. Interestingly, he spoke with a Langzhou accent.

"Ah, my name is Wei Zhi, a person from Langzhou. Brother Gu and I are fellow villagers. Now, I am the person in charge of our Langzhou Association here in the capital," Wei Zhi explained cheerfully. "Several Langzhou scholars arrived a few days ago, waiting for Brother Gu to come. We are planning to host a welcoming banquet today."

"Brother Gu, please don't refuse. Otherwise, my brothers and the elders from Langzhou, as well as the folks from our hometown, won't be able to explain it!"