There's nothing you can do if you don't like it.
Wen Ruo arrived at Dali Temple in a daze.
Still in a daze, she pinched herself, wondering if this was a dream. She had thought too much last night, which was why she was so confused.
Even Ah Chu has come back, why?
The sudden pain made her cry out; it was real.
She looked at the plaque of the Dali Temple, a dreamy smile on her face: "Superior."
A seventh-rank official, serving as a judge.
It was truly fortunate that Gu Ying was so decisive and possessed unpredictable disguise skills. They also encountered Yang Shen halfway through their journey, whose five-year investigation was like adding wings to a tiger. In less than two months, the two of them had turned Lanzhou upside down, wiping out the local tyrants who had been entrenched there for years.
It's just a pity for Yang Shen.
Her name was recorded in the merit book, and with this favorable wind, she rose rapidly to the top.
Like her, the taciturn He An was also surprised that the astute Lü Shaoming had become the county magistrate.
Let Cen Boxi go with him.
Stepping lightly on the stone path, my movements were like butterflies among the flowers. The east wind brought warmth, and the long-withered flowers and plants seemed to straighten up a bit, adding a splash of color to the cold and simple Dali Temple.
Winter has passed and spring has arrived; it's time for life to be renewed.
"Wen Ruo!"
His previously smiling face immediately turned serious; he had actually made a bet with Zhao Heng.
Don't blame her if she goes bankrupt.
Gu Ying was also a gossip, and she immediately started talking.
Men can be really united in their hatred of a common enemy; not one of them is any good.
Wen Ruo took a breath, slowly turned around, and when she saw his face, a look of worry flashed in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
Qi Guanlan's lips were pale, and she seemed somewhat tired; the light on her face had dimmed considerably.
The two haven't seen each other for some time. How can they be tired in the palace?
"It's nothing, I just got whipped a few times."
It was obvious who had done it, but Wen Ruo hesitated to speak.
Qi Guanlan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Someone wants to accuse me of deceiving the emperor and disrespecting imperial authority, and says they will petition to strip me of my title!"
"who?"
"My mother."
Are you serious?
Wen Ruo was completely stunned. How did things get to this point between her and her son?
Her brows furrowed involuntarily. Just moments ago she had been feeling smug, but now she had suddenly fallen to earth, as if a huge rock had been pressing down on her head, causing her blood to rush to her heart and a chill to spread through her body.
She thought that obtaining the imperial decree was a trivial matter for Qi Guanlan, and that no one would make a big deal out of it.
Seeing her pale face, Qi Guanlan suddenly chuckled, "Don't worry, I won't force you to answer."
"This title is of little use anyway."
How could that be?
The title is useless; what is she asking for anyway?
If it is useless, why does Your Majesty go to such lengths to plan for him?
"However, I will not come here again."
"That's good too. You can come visit me at Yan'an Temple occasionally in the future."
"Gu Ying is actually a very good person."
When Gu Ying was mentioned, the smile in his eyes was almost imperceptible. His slightly upturned eyes drooped a bit, and his dark pupils were filled with a languid look, so gentle and tender that they were almost invisible.
After searching for him several times, the last bit of lingering affection that Wen Ruo had left vanished completely as he turned away.
She had walked this road to Dali Temple thousands of times, and she knew every corner of it by heart. Once she stepped through that gate, she could no longer see his figure.
Her clothes fell silently, and Wen Ruo's eyes reddened. She called out to him, but he didn't stop for a second.
Perhaps her voice was too soft.
Perhaps the two are too far apart.
She was too hesitant.
"Wen Ruo, why aren't you going in yet?"
He An suddenly appeared, "Why did Prince Anping come and go so quickly?"
Wen Ruo quietly concealed the sadness in her eyes, "Perhaps it's because New Year's Eve is approaching, and he's very busy."
"Tsk tsk!"
"I thought he was tired of seeing it."
"Even when I'm busy, I still come to see you. When will this ever end? He must be heartbroken that you've gotten close to Gu Ying. I'm asking you, do you even like him?"
"Can't you try something different? Prince Anping is handsome, rich and powerful, and most importantly, he has feelings for you. Five years! Anyone else would have given up long ago."
"Life is too short! Why are you working so hard? Being an official is good, but you can't only have that one thing to do. A person still needs someone who cares about them and is there for them, otherwise, wouldn't their best years be wasted?"
Wen Ruo glanced at him coldly, "Why are you talking so much today?"
Seeing that she remained unmoved, He An shook his head with a pained expression, "Your illness is really a big problem. By the time he gives up, even if you suddenly realize the truth, it will be too late."
"You've never experienced heartache, have you? It's awful."
Wen Ruo suddenly smiled, looking him up and down, "Have you experienced it?"
He An froze for a moment, then flicked his sleeve and snorted, "You're so stubborn. Wait until you're old and don't have the energy anymore, then we'll see if you regret it."
The next day, Wen Ruo took a day off and unknowingly came to the street. She had the imperial edict hidden in her sleeve and was looking in the direction of the princess's residence. Her face showed that she was preoccupied with worries.
The way people around her were looking at her was also very strange.
Sun Xuerong suddenly stopped her. Ever since the confrontation, all her jealousy had found a target, and she spoke to her in a sarcastic tone, "I'm starting to admire you."
Wen Ruo stopped in her tracks. "What do you admire?"
"I just don't know if you'll still be able to stay at the Dali Temple after Qi Guanlan becomes a commoner."
"I think I've been too talkative. I heard that Sister Wen is on good terms with Gu Ying. Gu Ying has solved a major case and has now climbed up to the Crown Prince. I imagine your career will be very successful."
Wen Ruo's face turned cold. "That's my business."
A flash of disdain crossed Sun Xuerong's face. She glanced sideways at the newcomer and laughed, "Who says otherwise?"
Zhou Xuanyan suddenly appeared and said urgently, "Wen Ruo, come with me quickly."
She was panting heavily, her expression anxious, and her hands were tightly gripping hers as they ran towards the city outskirts, as if she had encountered an insurmountable problem. Wen Ruo became worried, "What's wrong?"
"Qi Guanlan is really going to leave the city."
Incredulous exclamations turned into dust in the wind, and lightning and thunder swept through the usually peaceful mind. "My father said that today in court, the princess impeached Qi Guanlan and forced His Majesty to issue an edict."
"Qi Guanlan has received the imperial decree and is about to leave."
So fast?
Wen Ruo felt as if her legs were filled with lead. She stopped at the city gate, panting heavily.
"Wen Ruo is here! What a disaster!"
A large crowd had gathered at the city gate, their expressions complex, muttering the same thing: the falling out between Prince Anping and Princess Rongjing was all because of her.
"It was consensual, so it's not Lord Wen's fault. She just doesn't like Qi Guanlan."
"Qi Guanlan isn't really that bad!"
"To each their own, so what if she likes someone like General Gu?"
Now, her tastes are known throughout the city.
“Princess Rongjing only has this one beloved son. Now that Qi Guanlan is gone, Lord Wen will be in for a rough time.”
"No way?"
The crowd around her was like a theatrical performance, with many speaking up for her and expressing pity for her, but even more feeling sorry for Qi Guanlan.
Why bother? What kind of woman can't you have?
Wen Ruo's breathing gradually calmed down, and she walked to the two of them with a blank expression.
Despite the gossip reaching his ears, Qi Guanlan remained calm and composed, while Rong Jing was even more indifferent, with only her slightly furrowed brows revealing her displeasure.
"You've arrived."
Her voice was like a gentle breeze, and Wen Ruo was secretly surprised; this reaction was not what she had expected.
Princess Rongjing took her hand affectionately and sighed, "The law does not tolerate people. It's peaceful now that the rebellious son is gone. Why don't you come back to the manor with me? Having another obedient daughter will bring me even more blessings."
Wen Ruo stared straight into her eyes, unsure of what expression to use in response. Could she have a backup plan?
"Your Highness, have you lost your mind in anger?"
Wen Ruo turned to look at the kind person, and they seemed to understand each other perfectly, expressing her own thoughts.
Unfortunately, the person who came probably didn't think that way, and Sun Xuerong still couldn't hold back. However, having admired Qi Guanlan since childhood, she had been personally rejected by her beloved, losing all face and dignity. Who could swallow such a humiliation?
I heard that the princess personally went to apologize.
Rong Jing looked at the furious Sun Xuerong with a complicated expression, a mixture of apology and pity. "I'm sorry."
Then her expression changed, and she said in a deep voice, "I can still tell the difference between a troublemaking son and a good official who serves the people and the country."
Wen Ruo pursed her lips. Did she really have such a high reputation? But it also sounded like she was being sincere.
Qi Guanlan, the unfilial son, remained silent.
"Don't worry about it, the Japanese court will ask for a title for you later."
That's outrageous.
Wen Ruo's heart pounded, and her palms were sweating. She only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Princess Rongjing suddenly shake her head.
However, the next sentence left her even more flattered and flustered.
"I got excited. I'm sorry, I startled you."
Qi Guanlan showed no disappointment. Instead, he looked at the two holding hands with a gentle expression, as if he had come to terms with it. "In that case, I am relieved."
"Take good care of yourselves!"
Qi Guanlan raised his hands in a fist salute, turned around and left without the slightest hesitation. Xiao Shunge held Xiao Bai's reins in his hand and waited with his head bowed.
Once he mounted his horse, there was no turning back.
Zhao Heng stepped forward, snatched the reins, and dragged them in front of the two, advising, "Mother and son shouldn't hold grudges overnight."
"Let's give each other a way out and resolve our differences in public. How about this: you say 'I was wrong, and I won't joke around with my health anymore.' Aunt Jing caused you to lose your title, so she won't force you to get married anymore, okay?"
Yun Qing pulled Princess Rongjing back. Although she remained indifferent, her body language betrayed her stance, clearly indicating that she did not object to Zhao Heng's words.
Qi Guanlan said coldly, "I did nothing wrong!"
I advise you to be careful what you say.
With a hint of threat in his words, Zhao Heng's face immediately fell. "Fine, fine."
"I don't care about you! But aren't you going to say goodbye to Gu Ying later? You two are such good friends, you should say goodbye first."
Princess Rongjing grabbed Wen Ruo and turned to leave.
Without any hesitation or delay.
Wen Ruo's wrist ached; the princess's grip strength was comparable to Zhou Er's.
But what exactly is wrong with Qi Guanlan's health?
Wen Ruo took a deep breath, unable to hold back any longer, "Actually, Prince Anping is innocent!"
Rong Jing's face turned cold. "Are you going to take the blame for his crime of disobeying the imperial decree?"
Wen Ruo laboriously pulled her hand back and noticed another red mark on her wrist. "This imperial decree bestowing the surname is in Wen Ruo's hands, and there is no disobedience."
Sun Xuerong scoffed, "Then she's just refusing to marry him."
"You're pushing your admirers out as scapegoats? Is this how much Lord Wen cares for the people? Or did you hear rumors and send her out of the city?"
"Lord Wen, this is hypocrisy!"
"I haven't finished speaking yet, Miss Sun, why are you in such a hurry?" Wen Ruo glanced behind her, and the whispers immediately fell silent.
She slowly walked to Sun Xuerong's side. "I sent people to investigate. It seems that the mastermind behind the troublemakers on the street that day has a close relationship with Miss Sun."
"Really!?"
Wen Ruo's lips curled up slightly, "Absolutely true."
Sun Xuerong's face turned pale, and she shrieked, "Don't talk nonsense without evidence!"
Wen Ruo looked at Qi Guanlan, "How do you know I didn't!"
"Sun Xuerong!" Zhou Xuanyan rushed out, glaring angrily. "How difficult is it for a woman to stand on her own two feet? What, have you really forgotten who you are after being flattered a few times?"
Sun Xuerong hesitated for a long time, unable to utter a single word. She stared blankly at Princess Rongjing.
Wen Ruo wasn't interested in her confession, and instead gave Zhou Er a grateful look, "Miss Zhou Er, calm down!"
"It's true that Wenruo accepted the bestowed surname, but I didn't say that the marriage was also in her hands."
"Lord Wen, please stop keeping me in suspense."
Suddenly, someone yelled and looked like he had just realized something.
"Oh my god, another Wen Ruo!"
Wen Ruoying replied, "Only after checking did I realize that the Great Qi actually had so many."
Qi Guanlan seemed to have guessed her methods, a look of pain flashed in his eyes, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Shut up, I admit my mistake."
Wen Ruo pretended not to hear.
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