My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

Unbeknownst to Gu Lan, who resided in the distant capital city of Jing, were the upheavals occurring in the Demon Realm and the Western Region's Great Leiyin Temple.

Despite his initiation of schemes within the Misty Rain Building and other factions, aimed at gathering intelligence for himself, the Building had only recently been subdued. Consequently, most of their time was spent in the capital, currying favor and maintaining order, yet to activate their intelligence-gathering functions.

Time flew swiftly, and the Spring Exam were imminent. In these days, Gu Lan found himself devoting more time to reading, not only for self-cultivation and advancement but also because of the approaching examinations.

Originally, he cared little for the worldly pursuits of the Spring Exam, especially since his identity as a consort had been revealed. What worth was there in pursuing such mundane titles?

However! Despite his reluctance, under the earnest persuasion of Mu Yuyan, Gu Lan reluctantly agreed to participate.

As an Empress, she greatly desired Gu Lan's participation in the Spring Exam to secure a top ranking. Gu Lan's talent was simply outstanding; he was destined to be a top scholar, and he should step forward to showcase his brilliance to the world, astonishing all.

Though the Consort was reluctant, fearing premature exposure of his identity as the Prime Minister due to the events at the Joyous Palace, a small wave of fame within the Jing Territory posed no harm.

With no alternative, and given Mu Yuyan's insistence, carrying a threat in her arms, Gu Lan could only obediently prepare for the written examination at the Ministry of Rites.

The distance from the palace to the Ministry of Rites was not far, and Gu Lan made his way there discreetly. As the Prince of Jingyang, he had gained considerable fame within the capital. Yet, even so, numerous curious glances filled with suspicion were cast his way.

In this mundane world, Gu Lan's elegant figure in azure robes was truly captivating!

Fortunately, Mu Yuyan had previously taken great efforts to rectify and dispel rumors through the Imperial Announcements Bureau, using both firmness and gentleness, so even if his identity were recognized, few dared to gossip.

As he passed by, the common folk looked upon the luxurious silk attire from the palace with envy.

"Being a prince is truly enviable. He carries himself with such dignity and spirit, far beyond those sour scholars."

"But isn't he under the Empress's..."

"Cough! Who can deny someone's natural charm?"

"..."

Gu Lan paid no heed to the remarks implying he was living off someone else, for others' opinions were trivial matters. Moreover, having not experienced such a lifestyle in his past life, it wouldn't hurt to experience it now... Most importantly, the Empress's embrace was truly fragrant and soft, hmm, quite soft indeed...

At the Luo Residence...
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"Are you sure Gu Lan has left the palace and headed to the Ministry of Rites?"

Upon receiving intelligence from his informant, Luo Chen rose excitedly.

"Absolutely certain!" replied the informant on the ground. "I've been tailing him outside the palace gates. Prince Jingyang has just left the palace and is currently on Wangyang Street. We've arranged for our men to shadow him all the way to the Ministry of Rites. He can't escape our surveillance."

"Excellent!" Luo Chen encouraged with a smile. "You may leave now. Ensure our surveillance is tight. You'll be rewarded with one hundred taels of silver from the treasury."

"Thank you, Commander!" The informant departed, filled with excitement.

Now alone in the study, Luo Chen turned to the seated figure of Wu Fan. Wu Fan's eyes darkened, immediately understanding, he rose to his feet.

"Since that pretty boy has left the palace, my private army is ready. Commander Luo, please await good news. I shall bring back that pretty boy's head."

Luo Chen smiled with satisfaction. "I entrust this task entirely to you, General."

"With General Wu leading, capturing a mere pretty boy is child's play. Commander Luo, I wish you victory in advance, hahaha!"

He seemed to foresee the scene where Wu Fan and his troops would swoop in, reducing the pompous scholar to a pile of flesh.

As this thought crossed Luo Chen's mind, a satisfied smile graced his lips. In his view, once he dealt with Gu Lan, he could easily return to the palace through the Empress Dowager's connections. Then, he could reconcile with the Empress, perhaps not achieving the same titles and honors as Gu Lan, but reclaiming a prominent position in the court was certainly within reach!

"Of course," Wu Fan replied, seemingly oblivious to Luo Chen's smile. His eyes gleamed with determination as he too wore a smile. He wiped his sword clean and flicked it, producing a resounding clang. "However, this endeavor may take some time. Before I depart, I wish to leave Commander Luo with a memento to remember me by, lest he forgets our camaraderie."

"Oh? What memento?" Luo Chen's interest piqued as he saw Wu Fan extend his right hand as if holding something.

This time, Wu Fan was nothing but cannon fodder. He might be killed by the Imperial Guards or the Imperial Announcements Bureau on his mission. Leaving a memento before departing wouldn't be in vain after years of working together.

Luo Chen drew closer, intrigued, as Wu Fan slowly opened his right hand.

"Go!" Wu Fan's expression turned fierce in an instant as he barked out the command.

Suddenly, Luo Chen saw the longsword thrusting towards him at lightning speed. His eyes widened in disbelief, but he couldn't react in time. The distance between them was too close, and he never expected Wu Fan to attack him!

With a swift motion, the sword pierced through Luo Chen, blood winding its way down his legs. He stared wide-eyed, filled with incredulity, as he felt his life force rapidly fading away. The sword was coated with a lethal poison, sealing his fate even as a cultivator... Clearly, Wu Fan had planned his demise long ago!

"This was something I prepared for Gu Lan. How does it feel, Commander Luo, to be the first to experience it? A satisfying memento, isn't it?" Wu Fan's expression bordered on madness as he watched Luo Chen struggle on the ground, feeling utterly exhilarated.

"Why?" Despite his weakening state, Luo Chen managed to muster his last breath to ask, for he couldn't fathom why Wu Fan would turn against him.

"Don't you dare ask me why!" Wu Fan sneered at Luo Chen's confusion. "Did you ever consider why you sent me as a sacrificial pawn? Gu Lan is my target, but before I deal with him, I must eliminate you!"

Luo Chen's complexion grew paler by the moment, soon losing his breath and collapsing to the ground.

"Hmph!" Wu Fan snorted disdainfully, no longer needing Luo Chen's safe haven. Since the day he encountered the woman in black robes at the Meilin north of the city, Wu Fan no longer cared about Luo Chen. He... had found a better place to go!

Causing chaos in the Spring Exam, stirring up trouble in the capital, and helping her track down a certain individual... were all orders from the woman in black. Once he completed her tasks, he could leave the Jing Nation, never to return to this land of treachery!

The Luo Residence held no significance for him anymore, especially after Luo Chen used him as a pawn and now had him killed.

With a trace of ruthlessness in his eyes, Wu Fan locked the study before departing. Earlier, when Luo Chen secretly summoned him, there was no one within dozens of meters around the study. After Wu Fan left, nobody discovered Luo Chen's demise. He swiftly dealt with any servants he encountered along the way, leaving no witnesses alive within the Luo Residence.

"Next, it'll be your turn!" Wu Fan donned his battle armor, mounted his horse with a drawn sword, and uttered a chilling remark.