LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 233: Homecoming
Upon seeing Shangguan Yuyang depart, Gu Lan didn't linger further but made his way directly back to the palace. At this hour, the palace was shrouded in dim lights.
Inside the Hall of Nurturing Harmony, Mu Yuyan was illuminated by a single candle as she reviewed memorials.
Liu Yexi stood at the doorway, flanked by two rows of guards ensuring the safety of the hall, while also awaiting Mu Yuyan's summons for tasks.
Upon Gu Lan's arrival, Liu Yexi opened her mouth to report but was waved off by Gu Lan.
"Attend to your duties," he said with a light smile. "I shall check on the madam myself."
Liu Yexi smiled faintly and withdrew. As the prince and the emperor interacted daily, she naturally wouldn't disturb them here.
"Madam?" Gu Lan entered the Hall of Nurturing Harmony and approached Mu Yuyan, suddenly speaking.
Mu Yuyan was startled at first, then upon seeing Gu Lan, she couldn't help but lift her head and lightly chide him with her brush, "You startled us greatly."
"Why return so late? How went the discussion?" Mu Yuyan sat upright, her gaze composed, appearing calm and collected on the surface.
Yet, her nostrils subtly twitched, already catching a hint of fragrance from Gu Lan's person. Did Gu Lan not notice her slight thoughts?
Gu Lan approached directly, first taking the brush tightly held in Mu Yuyan's hand and placing it on the brush stand. With a sweep of his hand, Mu Yuyan's graceful figure was lifted onto Gu Lan's lap.
Seated on the dragon bed, Gu Lan held her slender waist, causing Mu Yuyan to blush and unable to maintain her composure. "What are you doing? I'm discussing official matters with you..."
Gu Lan shamelessly held on, then continued, "I know, but I enjoy discussing matters with Your Majesty like this."
"Does Your Majesty not enjoy it?" Mu Yuyan's face flushed red with embarrassment. Unable to break free, she acquiesced to Gu Lan, lying softly in his embrace, her delicate finger hooking onto one of Gu Lan's ears as she softly spoke, "You have yet to answer Us."
Mu Yuyan's heart was tied to Gu Lan's, and despite holding onto his ear, she felt no pain. Gently removing Mu Yuyan's slender jade hand, and inhaling the fragrance of the woman in his arms, Gu Lan recounted the events of the evening.
Learning that Gu Lan had recruited a formidable ally... well, not exactly recruited, but their strength was indeed formidable, Mu Yuyan couldn't help but feel happy for Gu Lan. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire
According to Gu Lan, Shangguan Yuyang could possibly be a figure from the same era as the Chiyang Saint Sovereign. With the assistance of such a powerful individual, their future achievements and usefulness were promising!
"Alright, I've explained everything. There's no need for jealousy, my dear," Gu Lan smiled, taking off his outer garment for the palace attendants to change, to prevent Mu Yuyan from occasionally feeling jealous.
Seeing Mu Yuyan pout, the conversation shifted. "We're not angry..."
"We just wonder, is this Shangguan Yuyang as good-looking as Us?"
"How about his physique?" Mu Yuyan's eyes were fixed on Gu Lan as if awaiting his praise.
Gu Lan couldn't help but laugh. Mu Yuyan was too adorable, but after all these years, he was well-prepared. As soon as Mu Yuyan finished speaking, he replied firmly, "Of course, he is far inferior to Your Majesty!"
"As for physique, Your Majesty's slender waist, and fragrant softness, who else could compare? Even with pregnancy, it does not diminish your unparalleled beauty..."
"If it weren't for recruitment, I wouldn't even spare a glance at her!"
"Oh, do you have to say such things?" Mu Yuyan pretended to scold her minister. "Girls are most afraid of being called ugly. Since she's under your command, you shouldn't say such things in front of others!"
Mu Yuyan's heart was filled with joy as she pretended to scold her minister. What vinegar jar? There's no such thing!
"Your servant returned exhausted and hungry! No one cared, and upon returning, had to undergo interrogation. How distressing!" Gu Lan consoled the empress and shrugged his shoulders.
Mu Yuyan gracefully rose, pouring tea and refilling Gu Lan's cup with her hands. Then, with a playful smile, she said, "Allow Us! Allow Us... to serve tea to the consort."
"Your hard work, consort." Gu Lan lifted the cup with satisfaction and took a sip. After the busy day, indulging in such playful banter felt quite pleasant!
"Your Majesty, it's late. Let's deal with the memorials tomorrow. Tonight, let this servant attend to Your Majesty's rest!"
"Alright."
…
Gu Lan rose from his seat, but Mu Yuyan was nowhere to be seen. Reflecting on the events of the previous night, he assumed the madam had gone to catch up on her unfinished work of reviewing memorials.
Gu Lan felt relaxed and content. Just as he stood up, he suddenly felt a sensation and looked towards the Jingyang Royal Mansion.
He sensed the aura of the Primordial Sword, indicating that Gu Xiaoqi and the others had returned. Shangguan Yuyang moved swiftly and took a direct route, perhaps explaining why he arrived ahead of them.
Feeling that the palace was peaceful for now, Gu Lan decided to return home first and sat in the courtyard, enjoying tea and admiring the flowers...
Tan'er's efforts in gardening had made the courtyard's flora increasingly beautiful.
In no time, footsteps echoed outside the courtyard.
"Oh my, this journey has worn me out!"
"Finally home, where I can rest my weary feet!"
"I want to sleep in a soft bed of goose down and not be awakened for three days!"
Gu Xiaoqi's voice rang out like a trumpet.
Then came Zhe Liang's voice, "Who cares about waking you up? If you're tired from such a short journey, how will you make progress in cultivation?"
"I will strive to improve my cultivation and summarize the experiences of this journey to progress further!"
"Well said, Zhe Liang!"
Zhongren chimed in, "Count me in, aiming to elevate myself soon!"
"You can do whatever you want, but I don't need to cultivate my bloodline power. It improves automatically, haha!"
Gu Xiaoqi burst into laughter, not caring that she had been the one flying these two around the whole journey.
The three arrived in the courtyard while Gu Lan sat on the wicker chair, leisurely sipping tea. "I heard Xiaoqi's voice from afar. How was your expedition this time?"
"Master!" Gu Xiaoqi exclaimed joyfully, bounding over. Zhongren and Zhe Liang followed behind.
The three stood before Gu Lan, bowing respectfully.
"Big Brother Gu, I return the Primordial Sword to you!"
"We owe our lives to the Primordial Sword bestowed by Big Brother Gu. Without it, the three of us would have perished in the Ancient Abyssal Realm!" Zhongren took out the Primordial Sword, feeling deeply moved.
Before, he hadn't realized its significance, but this time, taking the Primordial Sword to the Melted Origin Realm, at the critical moment, its power helped them slay Chilian.
He sensed Gu Lan's formidable strength for the first time. And it was just a casual strike with the Primordial Sword sealed within Gu Lan's sword body. It illustrated how powerful Gu Lan truly was beneath his seemingly ordinary blue robes!
Gu Xiaoqi also stepped forward and said, "Yes, Master!"
"You didn't see how powerful the monsters in that realm were!"
"They had elusive movements, and were despicable creatures among demons!"
"They even launched psychic attacks, making it difficult to defend against!"
"We almost ended up like other cultivators, but thanks to Zhongren's use of the power left by Master in the Primordial Sword, we managed to slay them!"
"We cut a monster in half with just one strike of the sword!"
Excitement and awe-filled Gu Xiaoqi's voice as she spoke, gesturing to indicate the massive bodies of the monsters.
Listening to their accounts, Gu Lan nodded with a smile. "Though this journey was perilous, it was also a valuable experience."
"It will surely toughen your resolve."
"Young people should experience more... Don't be like me, thinking that reading books alone leads to the pinnacle of human existence. It's really quite dull..." Gu Lan chuckled as he looked at the three.
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