My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

"My lord, this time we've indeed reaped a lot!"

"We've gathered spirit herbs, obtained iron-hearted stone mothers, and even acquired demon pills from slaying monsters!"

With a smile, Zhe Liang revealed the contents of his backpack.

He was responsible for carrying the items, all of which were obtained in the ancient cave.

"These offerings are a token of our gratitude to you, elder brother. Please accept them!"

Zhongren spoke sincerely, all three of them feeling uplifted, eager to present their gains to Gu Lan.

However, Gu Lan waved his hand with a smile, saying, "Your intentions are enough."

"I do not need these items, and moreover, the items you obtained through your own efforts naturally belong to you!"

"You've all worked hard along the way."

"I instructed Old Yang to brew some spirit ginseng soup for you to drink and rest!"

"After resting, you can resume your cultivation."

"The path of cultivation lies in diligence and cannot be abandoned casually."

Under Gu Lan's instructions, Zhongren, Zhe Liang, and Gu Xiaoqi all nodded simultaneously, feeling a warm current in their hearts.

They hadn't expected Gu Lan to be so considerate as to prepare the spirit ginseng soup.

True care lies not in mere words of kindness but in thoughtful details, which touch the heart the most.

The three exchanged glances, each seeing determination in the other's eyes.

Gu Lan had been so kind to them.

They also didn't want to disappoint Gu Lan's guidance; they would strive even harder in their future cultivation!

"By the way, Elder Brother Gu, I have a vague feeling that someone has been coveting us along the way."

"It seems to be related to the monsters we've slain!"

"But upon careful perception, I haven't discovered anything. I wonder what's going on."

Zhongren pondered for a moment, expressing slight perplexity.

Upon hearing this, Gu Lan remained unchanged and said, "I understand. I'll pay attention to this matter."

"Alright, you may go now."

Gu Lan put away the Primordial Sword, allowing Zhongren, Zhe Liang, and Gu Xiaoqi to rest.

Upon hearing this, the three said no more and turned to leave.

Seeing them depart, Gu Lan stood up.

He had nothing to do here; he was about to return to the imperial palace.

Compared to being here, he preferred being by his wife's side every day, with her carrying their child, bringing her joy every day.

Gu Lan walked out of the mansion gate without any attendants, walking alone.

With his current power, ordinary ambushes couldn't harm him in the slightest.

He could stroll around at ease without attendants, enjoying the bustling scenery of the streets!

"Selling pancakes!"

"Molding sugar figures, two coins each!"

"Fresh sweet pears, take a bite to clear your hunger!"

...

The cries of the vendors filled the streets, and Gu Lan bought a few pears, eating them as he walked.

"Prince Jingyang!"

After walking a few steps, Gu Lan heard someone calling.

Turning around, he saw a woman in black robes outside a fabric shop.

Her face was obscured by a hood, making her facial features blurry.

Gu Lan raised an eyebrow slightly.

Shangguan Yuyang?

He had bid her farewell just last night, yet she came looking for him today.

She had called out to him using a voice transmission just now; he wondered what was the matter.

"Let's talk at a teahouse," Shangguan Yuyang's voice sounded again.

Gu Lan looked around and spotted a secluded teahouse nearby, so he walked straight in.

Shangguan Yuyang's figure appeared in the teahouse ahead of him, leading Gu Lan to a quiet room on the second floor.
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The shadow dissipated, and Gu Lan saw Shangguan Yuyang seated within.

Just now, it was merely a manifestation guided by her abilities, invisible to ordinary people.

The room was filled with the leisurely aroma of tea as Gu Lan calmly took his seat, smiling as he said, "Master Shangguan has managed to find me here."

"Why not directly enter the residence of Prince Jingyang and let me extend the hospitality as a host?"

"What's the significance of choosing a teahouse?"

Shangguan Yuyang's face under the hood remained unchanged, her attitude somewhat cold and cautious.

This was no different from when Gu Lan met her last night.

Gu Lan was accustomed to her demeanor and disregarded the surface, awaiting her response.

"Prince Jingyang is truly formidable. His subordinates, wielding the Primordial Sword, have been able to slay cave-dwelling monsters!"

"This action has already been widely praised among cultivators, earning admiration!"

Shangguan Yuyang raised her cup and took a sip of tea.

Gu Lan's heart stirred. Shangguan Yuyang's casual words just now contained details that were not something an ordinary person would know.

And she spoke with great detail.

Gu Lan recalled what Zhongren had said—on this journey, he felt someone was coveting them.

Comparing the two, Gu Lan understood; that the monsters Zhongren had slain with the Primordial Sword were probably Shangguan Yuyang's subordinates, otherwise, she wouldn't know so clearly.

Gu Lan smiled faintly, leaning back slightly as he said, "Master Shangguan, there's no need for flattery."

"It's beneficial for children to gain more experience."

"As for the monsters we've slain, actively preying on people, it's their own fault... What does this have to do with the children in my residence?"

Gu Lan's tone was indifferent, without any remorse for killing the other's subordinates. His purpose was to inform her that Zhongren was under his command.

The killing of monsters was because they brought it upon themselves.

At the same time, it was to tell Shangguan Yuyang that there was no need for further probing... Our cooperative relationship, in a sense, is indeed unequal!

Shangguan Yuyang, a powerful figure who had lived for thousands of years, how could she not understand the implicit meaning?

With Gu Lan's frankness, laying everything out, Shangguan Yuyang didn't say anything more.

Chilian was already dead; she couldn't conflict with Gu Lan over it anymore, especially since they were now in a cooperative state.

"Prince Jingyang, please have some tea."

Shangguan Yuyang poured a cup of tea for Gu Lan, her voice lowered, completely devoid of the previous aura of aggression.

But there was still a little smile on Shangguan Yuyang's face.

This was related to her character.

After all, she was the palace master who controlled the life and death of countless people. Although their current relationship was somewhat subtle and passive, she wouldn't easily bow to anyone.

If Gu Lan wasn't so strong, she wouldn't even sit down and talk.

Moreover, their alliance was out of necessity.

In fact, Gu Lan was the one leading their alliance.

Due to these fears and precautions, she wouldn't completely let go of her guard, nor would she dare to completely let go...

With just a glance, Gu Lan could see what she was thinking, but he said nothing.

Shangguan Yuyang had taken the initiative to call him over; she probably wouldn't talk about the matter of her subordinates being killed.

If he remained silent now, Shangguan Yuyang would speak on her own.

Sure enough.

After pondering for a moment, Shangguan Yuyang spoke up, "This time, in seeking an audience with Prince Jingyang, there is another matter that requires your assistance."

"As Prince Jingyang knows, my essence has been damaged, and my soul is fragile."

"Currently, there's nowhere else to go. If... I could recuperate my soul in Prince Jingyang's residence, that would be best."

Shangguan Yuyang's words surprised Gu Lan slightly.

To actually want to stay in his mansion, was this not too trusting?

However, after a moment of consideration, Gu Lan found it acceptable.

Shangguan Yuyang was an unstable factor outside; no one knew when she might suddenly do something.

Gu Lan only had a covenant with her, not behavioral constraints.

If Shangguan Yuyang stayed in the mansion, Gu Lan could better monitor her and prevent her from making any moves...

The Burning Heaven Formation of the Gu Family had been reinforced by Gu Lan himself many times. Even against a God Realm expert, it was not just for show!

By giving face to Shangguan Yuyang, he could also control her actions. It was a win-win situation!

At that moment, Gu Lan finished the tea in his cup, speaking warmly as he stood up slowly, saying, "Master Shangguan, your visit to my humble abode is naturally welcome..."