HPDBC Chapter 203 The Imperial Court New Year Banquet
Chapter 203 The Imperial Court New Year Banquet
Finally, Luo Chen and Wu Fan settled down.
With Gu Lan's current soaring status and Mu Yuyan's protective shield, they felt it was difficult to pose any threat.
They could only rely on unconventional methods, hoping for the Spring Exams when they could deal a fatal blow!
Oh!
The rumors circulating within the capital city, lacking a backing force, and promptly suppressed by Mu Yuyan, quickly dissipated without causing any stir.
Of course, regarding the tales of Gu Lan's deeds propagated by the court, the common people harbored a sense of rebellion, always believing there was whitewashing involved, casting doubts aplenty.
...
Soon, the day of the Spring Festival arrived.
Gu Lan yawned awakening from the embrace of warmth and softness, casting a fond smile at Madam who still slumbered by his side.
Since becoming pregnant, Madam seemed increasingly inclined to sleep.
However, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing; being more inclined to sleep during pregnancy was beneficial for the baby's growth and development.
"Madam, it's time to rise. Today is the Spring Festival."
Mu Yuyan murmured softly, eventually succumbing to Gu Lan's teasing, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she opened her eyes.
"Can't I sleep a bit longer?"
Only in front of Gu Lan would Mu Yuyan display such a coquettish demeanor; in the eyes of outsiders, she was the unrivaled Mu Yuyan.
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"Who was it last night who mentioned hosting the court officials today? We mustn't have the officials arrive while Your Majesty is still in bed."
Gu Lan teased, causing Mu Yuyan's face to blush with embarrassment, glaring at him.
"Hmph, then you'd better hurry and attend to dressing me!"
"As you command."
Gu Lan's smile deepened as he bowed his head, attending to her needs.
"Wait... for the court banquet later, don't tear my dragon robe again..."
...
The Spring Festival came once a year.@@@@
Throughout history, emperors attached great importance to such festivals, so Mu Yuyan had to issue an edict early, celebrating the Spring Festival with the court officials in the palace.
Upon receiving the news, the officials naturally dared not be negligent and swiftly arrived at the imperial palace, much like attending the morning court, although not as early, as the banquet would be held at noon and in the evening.
Once inside the palace, the officials, being old acquaintances, exchanged pleasantries and compliments, passing time swiftly.
"Could it be... the Empress Dowager?"
Gu Lan pondered quietly, quickly discerning her identity from her attire.
Recalling details from the original work he had read in his previous life, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
If there was one phrase to describe the Empress Dowager, it would be more for the brothel than for the throne!
She seemed to have connections with the previous generation of emperors, and rumors had it that she had ties with the previous Chiyang Saint Sovereign Sovereign as well...
However, having read the original work, Gu Lan knew that despite her beauty, Empress Dowager was merely an ordinary person without cultivation or combat prowess.
Thus, he paid her little mind.
Though there seemed to be some connection between the Empress Dowager and Luo Chen, the dismissed military commander, Gu Lan remained unfazed.
In his eyes, both individuals were akin to jesters.
If they didn't provoke him, it was fine; if they did, it was a matter easily resolved!
For Mu Yuyan, it was merely a sword's play!
They posed no real threat!
As Gu Lan pondered, his gaze remained unchanged.
However, the Empress Dowager felt a surge of discomfort.
Even though Gu Lan's gaze appeared calm, she could sense the disdain beneath it.
"This young scholar may not be as worthless as Luo Chen claimed. Perhaps he possesses extraordinary talent in cultivation, a young genius?"
The Empress Dowager, adept at navigating between two generations of emperors despite lacking cultivation, had exceptional skills in reading people.
Unlike Luo Chen's shortsightedness, she could discern that Gu Lan was no ordinary person with just a glance.
Even in that brief moment of eye contact, she felt her hair stand on end, as if she were being watched by a terrifying presence...
The discomfort was palpable, and the Empress Dowager wished Gu Lan away.
Lowering her head, she refrained from further contact, concealing the chill and murderous intent within her heart.
Remembering Luo Chen's plan for the Spring Festival, the Empress Dowager's mind settled.
Gu Lan, meanwhile, curved a faint smile on his lips.
His mental prowess was formidable, keenly sensing the fleeting murderous intent of the Empress Dowager.
Though he wasn't afraid, he couldn't remain indifferent to someone harboring such intentions toward him.
"Empress Dowager..."
Gu Lan lightly tapped his fingertips, a sound unheard by anyone.