Yu Lan's dismissal of a maidservant caused no stir in the Prince's mansion. From then on, everyone serving her knew how she should behave, and with Granny Qian giving her occasional reminders, the servants were all cautious in their words and deeds, diligently performing their duties without a single extra thought.
But as Yu Lan gradually got the hang of the shop and began to make big moves, many powerful and wealthy families in the capital started to wonder. They had never heard of the Regent having a woman in his harem before, so how come there was a woman working for the Regent with his powerful backing? They couldn't even see this woman; only business owners had the opportunity to talk to her face-to-face.
Many people were speculating about her identity, and the first person that came to mind was Xu Zifan's concubine. But what official would allow his concubine to personally manage the shop? This unusual situation added a layer of mystery to Yu Lan. In addition, since everyone had previously thought that Xu Zifan and the Empress Dowager had something going on, the first woman to appear by Xu Zifan's side in recent years attracted special attention, even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, who were constantly fighting in the palace, had heard about it.
The Empress Dowager was certainly aware of Yu Lan's existence. Xiang Yun had specifically mentioned her before when she sent her a message. At that time, she was extremely pleased, simultaneously disliking Yu Lan as a substitute and being content with Xu Zifan's infatuation. But how did such a seemingly decorative figure suddenly start managing shops? Ten shops in prime locations at that! What did Xu Zifan mean by this?
The Empress Dowager immediately instructed Shishu and Xiangyun to contact Yulan and inquire about her situation. De'an, impersonating Xiangyun, replied that Yulan was a mistress in the Prince's residence, second only to Xu Zifan in status. This ambiguous statement caused the Empress Dowager great distress. Could Xu Zifan have actually developed feelings for a substitute?
Having not received a definite answer from Xiangyun, the Empress Dowager summoned Moyun to wait outside the main hall early in the morning. As soon as the officials finished their morning court session, she invited Xu Zifan to Anci Palace.
Now that the Empress Dowager trusts Mo Yun and no longer sends people to monitor her, she brings her own people with her. Therefore, Xu Zifan doesn't take the carriage and walks with her. On the way, the two have palace servants walk at a distance behind them, talking in hushed tones as they walk.
Mo Yun briefly and quickly explained the situation of the palace intrigue and her next plan, then said, "The Empress Dowager sought out the Prince this time because of Miss Yu Lan. Everyone is now speculating about Miss Yu Lan's identity. The Empress Dowager contacted Xiang Yun, perhaps feeling a sense of crisis, which is why she was in a hurry to ask the Prince. The Empress Dowager also questioned me carefully, and I, fearing that she might harm Miss Yu Lan, denied any relationship between Miss Yu Lan and the Prince."
Xu Zifan smiled knowingly, tilting his head to look at her. "Oh? What do you think my relationship with Yu Lan is? Is there anything you need to deny?"
Mo Yun paused for a moment, then replied truthfully, "I thought Miss Yu Lan was a substitute for the Prince, but she had already gained the Prince's favor and was the only woman in his harem. If the Empress Dowager finds out that the Prince's feelings for Miss Yu Lan are different now, she might harm her for her own benefit."
"So what did you say to the Empress Dowager?"
"Your subordinate said that Miss Yulan is staying at the Prince's residence, and the Prince has not paid much attention to her, only taking care of her occasionally."
Xu Zifan nodded. "You're right, that's how it is. Yu Lan isn't a woman in my backyard."
Mo Yun paused for a moment, then looked up at him without saying a word.
Xu Zifan chuckled and said, "You don't believe me? Why would I lie to you? I see Yu Lan the same way I see Zi Yun, like family."
Mo Yun lowered her head and frowned slightly. She knew that Yu Lan's appearance was very similar to that of the Empress Dowager. She had seen Xu Zifan let go of his feelings for the Empress Dowager before, but she did not expect to hear the news that Xu Zifan valued Yu Lan. This made her feel a little bad, and she suspected that Xu Zifan had only transferred his affections to Yu Lan, but was actually still influenced by the Empress Dowager.
Moreover, if Xu Zifan were to seize power and ascend to the throne in the future, having a concubine in the harem who resembled the Empress Dowager would undoubtedly cause countless rumors and gossip. As a subordinate, she found this troublesome, and because Yu Lan was indeed the only woman by Xu Zifan's side, she had to protect her carefully. In these precarious days, she was unusually irritable.
But this irritation vanished upon hearing Xu Zifan's words, replaced by a subtle joy. She didn't know what her reaction was; it felt strange, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond. What did it matter to her whether Yu Lan was Xu Zifan's concubine? Once Xu Zifan rose to power, he would surely have many concubines to fill his harem and ensure the continuation of his lineage. If it wasn't Yu Lan, it would be Ming Lan or Xiang Lan—what difference did it make? Why was she feeling so conflicted?
Mo Yun rarely felt so confused and unclear about the situation, so he simply remained silent and stopped talking.
Xu Zifan looked at her, but didn't notice any change in her expression or what she was thinking. He said, "Yu Lan's safety is being protected. You don't need to worry about what the Empress Dowager thinks. Actually, there's little chance of turning things around in this mess in the palace. Why don't you come back? So that the Empress Dowager won't find out anything that could be detrimental to you."
Mo Yun snapped out of his reverie and shook his head. "It's easier to act in the palace. I'll be careful."
"Keep this with you at all times. If anything goes wrong, retreat immediately. Your life is more important. I have my own ways to handle the rest. There's no need to risk your life." Xu Zifan gave her two porcelain bottles, one for treating internal injuries and the other for keeping her alive. Both were elixirs from the cultivation world. As long as she could escape, she should be able to save her life.
Mo Yun clutched the porcelain bottle, hiding her hand in her sleeve. Her heart rippled like a small pebble thrown into a still lake. She had long been accustomed to fighting alone, sometimes even mistakenly believing herself to be invincible. But since entering the palace under the alias Mo Yun, the care she received from Xu Zifan seemed to increase with each passing moment, giving her a very different feeling.
They arrived at Anci Palace quickly. The Empress Dowager, as always, had prepared tea and was waiting for Xu Zifan. When Xu Zifan entered...
Suddenly, she realized in a daze that she hadn't seen Xu Zifan for many days.
They used to meet every day or two, drinking tea and chatting about politics. When did things stop like this? She had so many worries in the palace every day—helping the Empress fight Furong, vying for power with the Emperor—and she and Xu Zifan had gradually drifted apart. Now, looking at Xu Zifan before her, she felt a deep sense of unfamiliarity. It seemed there was no affection left in his eyes, only a chilling, imposing presence!
Compared to the handsome and dignified Xu Zifan, even with thick makeup, the Empress Dowager couldn't hide her fatigue. She was a year younger than him, but looked ten years older. Xu Zifan sat down opposite her with an air of composure, while she felt extremely uncomfortable, turning her face away from him, forcing a smile as she exchanged pleasantries. After only a few words, she couldn't help but get to the point, wanting to end things quickly and retreat back to her palace.
"Zhongqian, I heard you have a daughter in your household who likes business. Which family is she from? I've never heard you mention her before?"
Xu Zifan said calmly, "You mean Yu Lan? Her parents are deceased, and she has been living in my residence. Recently, I have been busy with government affairs, and fearing that she would be bored, I gave her a few shops to pass the time."
The Empress Dowager had already investigated the value of those ten shops; they were among the best in the capital. When she heard Xu Zifan casually say that they were just for Yu Lan to pass the time, she felt a tightness in her chest and couldn't help but ask, "Do you have feelings for her?"
The question was too direct. The Empress Dowager paused for a moment, then forced a smile. "It has been many years since my sister-in-law left. If you have met a woman who suits your taste, I will naturally congratulate you. That's why I wanted to ask. If this Miss Yulan's status is not high enough, then may I help you find a noble lady from a prominent family?"
Xu Zifan's gaze swept over Mo Yun's face, a slight smile playing on his lips. He said, "The Empress Dowager is unwell and still recuperating, so there's no need for her to worry about these matters. If I encounter someone I like, I will find a way to approach her. Given my current status and position, her identity is completely unimportant..."
Before he could finish speaking, the Empress Dowager hurriedly asked, "Then what does Zhongqian think is most important? Could it be appearance or talent?"
Xu Zifan slowly shook his head. "I believe there are many outstanding women in the world. The one who can please me must be someone I can see. Only what I see can enter my heart. As for how to enter one's heart, that depends on fate. Therefore, Your Majesty need not worry about me. When fate brings me together, I will naturally settle down. If fate does not bring me together, then so be it. Your Majesty also knows that Ziyun is too lively. I have always wanted a well-behaved and considerate younger sister, just like Yulan. This can also be considered another kind of fate. I plan to recognize Yulan as my younger sister, but I haven't asked her yet. I will ask her first."
The Empress Dowager was filled with mixed feelings. She didn't know whether to be happy that Xu Zifan didn't like Yu Lan, or angry that Xu Zifan had the idea of remarrying. Over the past few years, she had tested Xu Zifan before. Every time she showed a dejected expression, Xu Zifan would try to explain that he had no intention of remarrying. Why was he talking about fate this time, as if there really was such a person?
Furthermore, Xu Zifan's claim of "taking a glimpse into one's eyes" is too vague and unrealistic. Sometimes, the stirring of emotions happens in an instant; perhaps a glance or a smile is enough to win someone's heart. The emperor also "took a glimpse into one's eyes" when he was with Furong, but that was merely a momentary attraction and a desire for harmonious interaction afterward. Who knows what kind of woman will catch Xu Zifan's attention!
The Empress Dowager felt an unprecedented sense of crisis. She had been trying to please him to leave an increasingly deep impression on Xu Zifan, but their recent disagreements seemed to have weakened their bond, leaving her somewhat at a loss. She had previously planned to eliminate Xu Zifan, but now that she had fallen out with the Emperor, she needed his support and had to win him over; she couldn't allow anyone to threaten her.
But after scrutinizing all the women around Xu Zifan, she couldn't think of any woman who had anything special that would catch his attention. Only then did she realize that she had been too confident these past few years and hadn't truly observed Xu Zifan's real preferences for too long. She didn't even know what kind of woman he would appreciate now, and she couldn't even cater to his tastes anymore.
Xu Zifan didn't give her a chance to probe or ask questions. After finishing his tea, he got up to take his leave. It was normal for him to be busy with state affairs on behalf of the emperor, and the empress dowager couldn't find an excuse to keep him. After Xu Zifan left, the empress dowager returned to her bedchamber and, as if possessed, sat down in front of her dressing table. When she saw her tired and haggard face in the mirror, she swept everything off the table, smashed the mirror to pieces, and fainted.